Tag: engineering

  • Toyota is working on fake manual transmission to add excitement to electric cars

    Toyota is working on fake manual transmission to add excitement to electric cars

    Toyota engineers have taken a unique approach to attract consumers who find electric cars lacking excitement by working on a realistic-feeling fake manual transmission as a potential feature.

    Although a manual transmission in an electric vehicle would serve no functional purpose, it would cater to enthusiasts who enjoy the experience of shifting gears in their conventional gasoline-powered cars.

    Toyota, a brand historically skeptical of electric vehicles, has been planning a more aggressive foray into the sector. Acknowledging the need to appeal to a diverse range of consumers, the development of features such as a fake manual transmission aims to entice individuals who are not captivated by the typical smoothness and simplicity associated with electric vehicles.

    It is worth noting that the majority of gasoline-powered cars sold in the United States today are equipped with automatic transmissions that require no driver input for shifting gears.

    Manual transmissions, which require the driver to operate a clutch pedal and maneuver a gear stick, are often offered as options for performance cars or inexpensive models. However, manual transmissions are more prevalent in other parts of the world, including Europe.

    In the case of Toyota’s innovation, as revealed in a recent patent application filed in the United States in late May, the electric car would not possess an actual multi-speed transmission. Instead, a shifter would be connected to sensors and a central computer programmed to replicate the sensation of driving a car with a manual transmission.

    Since manual transmission cars vary in terms of engines, transmissions, and gear ratios, the central computer would be programmed to emulate a specific type of manual transmission car. In addition to the conventional brake and accelerator pedals, the driver would also have a clutch pedal to complete the simulated experience.

    Furthermore, drivers will have the ability to “downshift” or engage in engine braking. This process involves selecting a lower gear and releasing the clutch pedal without pressing the accelerator, allowing the friction of the unpowered engine to slow the car without the need for brakes.

    Toyota’s virtual manual transmission incorporates programming that enables drivers to experience the sensation of operating it poorly, to a certain extent.

    If the driver fails to provide sufficient acceleration or selects an incorrect gear, the car will simulate the shaking and bucking experienced in a gas-powered vehicle with a manual transmission. However, the car’s computer will limit the intensity of these effects to prevent undue strain on the battery.

    Importantly, if drivers prefer not to use the fake manual transmission, the car will offer two driving modes: a regular electric vehicle mode and the faux-manual mode.

    While some reports suggest the inclusion of fake engine sounds to accompany the shifting and accelerating actions, the patent application does not explicitly mention it. The availability, timing, and target markets for the electric vehicle equipped with the simulated manual transmission remain uncertain at this point.

    Toyota’s innovative endeavor showcases the company’s commitment to diversifying its electric vehicle offerings and catering to a wider range of consumer preferences.

    By blending the familiarity of manual transmissions with the benefits of electric vehicles, Toyota aims to capture the attention of enthusiasts while providing an engaging driving experience in an increasingly electrified automotive landscape.

  • Govt launches 20,000 paid internships for engineers

    Govt launches 20,000 paid internships for engineers

    The Federal Government has launched an internship program for over 20,000 engineers across Pakistan, providing them with a monthly compensation of Rs. 40,000.

    Speaking at the 56th Annual general meeting of Institution of Engineers Pakistan, the Federal Minister for Planning and Development, Ahsan Iqbal, revealed that the government is working on promoting the engineering sector of Pakistan.

    Iqbal further stated that a budget amounting to Rs 6.5 billion has been approved for five universities, with the government also deciding to establish an institution bearing the name of the late nuclear scientist Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan.
    Ahsan Iqbal had stated last month that over 20,000 scholarships would be offered to unemployed graduates in Pakistan, and under the Youth Development Initiatives program launched by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, these scholarships will be offered to students from remote parts of Pakistan.

  • 17 female students from Pakistan to participate in Energy Scholars Programme in Qatar

    17 female students from Pakistan to participate in Energy Scholars Programme in Qatar

    The US Mission Pakistan has confirmed the commencement of the inaugural four-week Future of Women in Energy Scholars Programme of the US-Pakistan Women’s Council (USPWC). Beginning June 5, 17 outstanding Pakistani female university students will take part in this certificate programme to learn about working in the energy sector.

    By giving young women the chance to study energy issues and energy infrastructure at Texas A&M University’s Qatar campus, this programme will encourage women’s participation and leadership in Pakistan’s energy sector.

    Following their two-week programme in Qatar, the students will return to Pakistan for a two-week familiarisation trip to learn about Pakistan’s energy sector from key Pakistani public and private-sector organisations in Islamabad and Lahore.

    Enrolled Pakistani female students are presently pursuing bachelor’s degrees in science and engineering at private and public universities across the country.

    The US Mission is assisting Pakistani women in pursuing career opportunities in the energy sector and in developing networks for a prosperous future through this programme. “The USPWC Future of Women in Energy Scholars Program will give young women hands-on experience in the energy sector,” said USPWC Executive Director Radhika Prabhu.

  • Engineering university to be set up in Swat

    Engineering university to be set up in Swat

    The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has decided to set up an engineering and technology university in Swat at an estimated cost of Rs4 billion.

    The planned Swat University of Engineering and Technology (SUET) would be run on the triple helix model and will connect the government, industry and academics.

    Chief planning officer of the Higher Education Department Hamid Naveed who has been selected as a focal person for the establishment of SUET at the fast track by Chief Minister Mahmood Khan revealed that “Unlike other universities in the province that solely depend on the government funds, the SUET will have its sustainability plan.”

    He further shared that the administratively, the new university would be different from other universities as a decentralized system would be applied to address issues at a low level.

    As per reports, the new university would be a joint venture of the private sector and academia and the government, industry and academia would jointly work under the banner of SUET.

    Initially, the university will introduce only six disciplines namely energy engineering, civil engineering, institute of materials, mining and metallurgy, biomedical engineering, computer system engineering and institute of manufacturing.

    SUET also aims to be connected with some of the best engineering universities of developed countries like the US and the UK for the exchange of knowledge. To save SUET graduates from joblessness, the students will also be equipped with entrepreneurial skills in order to make them job providers instead of job seekers.