Latest news with #precision
National Post
6 days ago
- Business
- National Post
Mitutoyo Increases Inspection Accuracy and Range with the Launch of New SurfaceMeasure-S Series SM0303S and 2929S In-Line Laser Sensors
Article content AURORA, Ill. — Mitutoyo America Corporation, the leading manufacturer of precision metrology instruments and solutions, announces the release of the SurfaceMeasure-S Series. The SM0303S and 2929S sensors join the SM1008S sensor to complete the innovative collection of line-laser sensors engineered for in-line inspection. Article content Article content The SurfaceMeasure-S line is a series of smart sensors that use Mitutoyo's unique optical system in addition to our conventional sensor technology. The series delivers measurable advancements in quality and operational efficiency. Article content Inspect and measure with high accuracy in-line scanning and build a customizable inspection routine with the SurfaceMeasure-S Series. The system features integrated web-based software and offers 2D and 3D scanning, intuitive inspection tools and capabilities to perform operations and dimensional inspections ranging from 2D profile to 3D surface measurements. Article content The SM0303S, is the high-resolution model in the SurfaceMeasure-S Series. It offers an accuracy of 9 micrometers and a resolution of 13 to 17 micrometers in the X direction. The 2929S features the series' largest field of view and working distance — 292 millimeters wide by 290 millimeters deep — while achieving a scanning accuracy of 65 micrometers. Article content 'The SurfaceMeasure-S Series sensors can seamlessly integrate into existing infrastructure or serve as the foundation to achieve precision in your inspection systems by supporting digital transformation and smart manufacturing initiatives,' said Michael Browner, Sensor Product Manager at Mitutoyo America Corp. Article content Key features of the SurfaceMeasure-S Series: Article content At Article content Mitutoyo Article content , precision is our profession. We are the leader in metrology instruments, solutions and support. With the largest product portfolio of any commercial metrology provider and the highest-performing A2LA-accredited calibration laboratories (A2LA Certificate No. 0750.01) in the nation. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content
Forbes
23-06-2025
- Science
- Forbes
The Evolution Of Timekeeping: From Sundials To MEMS
Markus Lutz is CTO and Founder of SiTime Corporation. He is a MEMS expert, a prolific entrepreneur and inventor who holds over 100 patents. If there is one thing that modern society has in common with its ancient ancestors, it is the desire to measure time. Whether it's finding common ground between daylight saving time and standard time or tracking the sun's movement, humans have always looked for ways to develop timekeeping methods and track seasons, whether for agricultural reasons or religious celebrations. Scientists refer to this need to measure time as time consciousness, and humans have been chasing this need to track the hours and seasons for more than 5,000 years. One of the earliest signs of timekeeping was discovered in 2013 when researchers found an ancient sundial in Egypt's Valley of the Kings. Over the millennia, the ability to measure time has become increasingly precise, driven by technological and societal advancements that have shaped the rise of civilizations around the world. If sundials revolutionized time measurement in the 1400s BC, quartz brought timekeeping into the 20th century and silicon brought it into the 21st century. The Role Of Precision Time Measurement Modern time measurement is dependent on oscillators, which work as the heartbeat of the clock. The earliest clocks to use mechanical oscillators were pendulum clocks, based on observations recorded by Galileo. The first successful pendulum clock was built in 1657 and improved precision from minutes to mere seconds per day. For the first time, mechanical clocks became more reliable than the astronomical observations that had been used for centuries and generally lost 15 seconds per day. In the 1880s, brothers Pierre and Jacques Curie discovered that quartz crystals can generate a consistent electrical signal when subjected to mechanical stress. It took until 1927 to see the invention of the quartz crystal oscillator and the ability to apply an electric charge to induce precise vibrations at a stable frequency. Quartz crystal resonators harnessed this effect, and the new quartz clock provided a level of consistency far superior to mechanical timekeepers. By the 1970s, quartz technology dominated electronic timekeeping, powering wristwatches, household clocks, computers and telecommunications systems—where precise synchronization was crucial. In the never-ending search for the most accurate and precise time measurement system, researchers began to explore silicon microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) as a replacement for quartz, given how susceptible it can be to environmental stressors, including temperature, vibration and shock. By the early 21st century, silicon MEMS oscillators began being commercialized, building a new foundation of precision timing solutions offered by companies like Microchip, Texas Instruments, Analog Devices and SiTime, where I am the founder and CTO. Advantages Of Silicon MEMS Technology MEMS starts with the word micro, and this offers an advantage over crystal oscillators. In this case, a silicon MEMS can create oscillators the size of small semiconductor chips. The small size means the ability to be used in more applications, creating more timekeeping devices. Silicon is also more customizable and scalable than crystal and is manufactured to meet very specific demands. Silicon MEMS is also more environmentally resistant. As mentioned, quartz oscillators are susceptible to extreme temperature changes and other factors. More locations are now vulnerable to these extreme shifts—40- or 50-degree swings in temperature in a matter of hours are not uncommon. An increasing number of devices that rely on time measurement also rely on infrastructure like cell towers that are impacted by extreme weather. However, it isn't just the outside environment. Because of the energy consumption required by servers, data centers generate a lot of heat that impacts the performance quality of oscillators. The same scenario applies to industrial plants with high-tech machinery that produce excessive heat. At the other extreme, the aerospace and defense industries need to battle temperatures that plunge hundreds of degrees below zero while ensuring that the time measurement systems in airplanes, satellites and rockets remain accurate. Transitioning To New Applications And Innovations AI and edge computing are the buzz in technology right now because they are changing the way we do everything. Both AI and edge computing require precision timing technologies, and silicon-based MEMS clocks and oscillators can play a pivotal role in the synchronization of systems. Quartz-based device oscillators have played an important role in timekeeping for nearly 100 years, but quartz's limitations and inability to remain accurate outside of stable environmental conditions make it a less desirable choice for a variety of electronic systems. It comes down to this one bit of research: Crystal oscillators have a mean time between failure of approximately 30 million hours, while silicon MEMS is reliable for over 500 million hours. This suggests MEMS-based timing solutions can offer longer operational lifespans in some use cases like AI, edge computing and autonomous systems. Advances in technology to support AI and edge computing will likely drive a shift away from quartz timing and begin the era of silicon MEMS and precision timing. Key Considerations When Selecting Precision Timing Devices While silicon MEMS timing solutions bring notable benefits in areas like reliability, size and environmental robustness, quartz technology continues to play an important role in specific use cases. For example, quartz oscillators may offer lower phase noise at certain frequencies and remain a practical choice for maintaining compatibility with legacy systems. Additionally, their established presence in global supply chains can make them a cost-efficient option for high-volume, less performance-intensive applications. As timing technologies evolve, selecting the right solution depends on the unique demands of each design. Choosing the right precision timing components is critical to system performance and reliability. Key factors to evaluate include frequency stability, phase noise, jitter, power consumption, size, temperature tolerance, cost, underlying technology and supplier support. A highly stable frequency ensures consistent accuracy across varying conditions, while low phase noise and jitter are essential for reliable performance and precise data synchronization. Low power consumption is vital for energy efficiency, especially in portable or thermally constrained designs, and compact form factors are preferred for space-limited applications. Finally, selecting a trusted supplier with strong technical support and long-term availability ensures continuity throughout the product lifecycle. By carefully weighing these parameters, designers can choose timing solutions that deliver long-term accuracy, synchronization and operational reliability. Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. Do I qualify?
Sustainability Times
21-06-2025
- Science
- Sustainability Times
This Groundbreaking Quantum Clock Ticks With Incredible Precision and Almost No Energy Loss, Setting a New Global Standard
IN A NUTSHELL ✨ Scientists developed a new quantum clock that achieves extraordinary precision with reduced energy consumption. that achieves extraordinary precision with reduced energy consumption. 🔬 The clock operates on the principle of coherent quantum transport , minimizing energy loss by avoiding constant measurement. , minimizing energy loss by avoiding constant measurement. 💡 This innovation could significantly impact quantum computing and other technologies requiring precise synchronization. and other technologies requiring precise synchronization. 🌍 Researchers are building prototypes to test the practical benefits of this energy-efficient timekeeping system. In an exciting leap forward for timekeeping technology, scientists have unveiled a groundbreaking quantum clock that promises unparalleled precision without the hefty energy cost traditionally associated with such accuracy. This innovation, born from the intriguing principles of quantum mechanics, challenges long-held beliefs about the inevitability of entropy in precise timekeeping. The development of this clock not only marks a significant scientific achievement but also opens the door to more efficient technologies, potentially revolutionizing fields such as quantum computing and high-precision instrumentation. Understanding the Quantum Clock Breakthrough The journey to this breakthrough began at the Quantum Thermodynamics Conference in Vienna in 2023, where researchers aimed to challenge existing paradigms of timekeeping. Traditional clocks, including quantum variants, rely on discrete, irreversible events to measure time, which inherently leads to energy dissipation and entropy. This has been a fundamental limitation, where greater precision necessitated increased entropy production. However, the new quantum clock operates on a radically different principle. Instead of individually measuring each tick, it tracks the overall flow of time through a process called coherent quantum transport. This approach allows quantum excitations to move smoothly across a system without disturbance, akin to how an hourglass measures time by the continuous flow of sand. The innovative design eliminates the need for constant measurement, thus significantly reducing entropy. 'This Thing Shouldn't Exist': Scientists Stunned as Humanity Witnesses This Deep-Sea Monster Alive for the First Time Ever The implications are profound, as the relationship between precision and entropy is no longer linear. This means that precision can be improved without a directly proportional increase in energy dissipation, resulting in a highly efficient timekeeping system. Implications for High-Precision Technologies The potential applications of this quantum clock extend beyond mere timekeeping. By minimizing energy loss, the clock could lead to advancements in quantum computing and other technologies that require precise synchronization and low-energy operation. As quantum many-body systems are employed, where particles exhibit coordinated, wave-like behavior, this approach provides precise control without significant thermodynamic cost. 'Lost City Rises Again': Submerged Indian Metropolis Stuns Archaeologists and Forces a Rethink of All Human Civilization Timelines Currently, researchers are in the process of validating their theoretical models with physical prototypes. At institutions like Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden, teams are constructing prototypes using superconducting circuits to test the practical benefits of this approach. While the energy dissipation in today's atomic clocks is not a significant issue, it is expected to become a limiting factor as technology advances. Florian Meier, a lead researcher in the study, draws an analogy with classical computing: 'For many years, heat dissipation was considered negligible, but in today's data centers that process vast amounts of information, it has become a major practical concern.' Similarly, for high-precision clocks, energy dissipation could soon become a critical limitation. 'Thousands of Eggs Discovered Alive': Underwater Volcano Reveals Massive Alien-Like Cluster That Leaves Marine Biologists Speechless Potential for Broader Technological Impact Beyond timekeeping, the principles underpinning this quantum clock could transform other areas of technology. Processes that are nearly dissipation-free could be harnessed to make quantum sensors, processors, and other machines more energy-efficient. This could lead to substantial advancements in various fields, from telecommunications to space exploration. The researchers are now gearing up to test their clock design in laboratory settings. The prototype at Chalmers University will be crucial in demonstrating whether the energy-saving advantages observed in theoretical models translate to real-world applications. The results of these tests could provide valuable insights into the practical feasibility of implementing these clocks on a larger scale. The study, published in Nature Physics, serves as a testament to the potential of quantum mechanics in driving future technological innovations. It highlights a pathway toward creating devices that are not only precise but also environmentally sustainable. The Future of Timekeeping and Beyond As the world continues to advance technologically, the demand for precision and efficiency grows. The development of this new quantum clock represents a significant step toward meeting these demands. With its potential to reduce energy consumption while enhancing accuracy, this breakthrough could pave the way for a new era of technological innovation. As researchers continue to explore the possibilities of quantum mechanics, the question arises: How will these advancements reshape our understanding of time and our approach to developing future technologies? The answer may hold the key to unlocking unprecedented efficiencies in numerous fields, driving progress in ways we are only beginning to imagine. Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.4/5 (24)
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Exclusive: Geodnet CEO Mike Horton on blockchain-powered GPS
Exclusive: Geodnet CEO Mike Horton on blockchain-powered GPS originally appeared on TheStreet. In a world where GPS often means 'good enough,' Geodnet is aiming for precision — down to the centimeter. In a conversation with TheStreet Roundtable's host Malak Albaw, Geodnet co-founder and CEO Mike Horton broke down how his company is doing more than building infrastructure. It's laying the groundwork for a decentralized, blockchain-incentivized GPS network that actually works where it matters — in farms, fields, and even future robot highways. 'We're not just improving location accuracy — we're rewriting how global positioning systems should work,' Horton said. Geodnet is built on a network of over 7,000 GNSS reference stations — what the team calls 'satellite miners.' These geodetic-grade antennas provide Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) correction data to users, enabling 1–2 cm precision, a massive leap from standard GPS. The twist? It's powered by blockchain. 'Station operators earn GEOD tokens when they send us high-quality correction data,' Horton explained. 'It's a performance-based incentive — better data, better rewards.' This model isn't just gamified infrastructure — it's a real economic system where accuracy pays. While Geodnet incentivizes supply with tokens, it's also seeing growing enterprise demand. Over 20,000 clients, including U.S. government agencies like the USDA, pay to access Geodnet's correction service. With subscription fees ranging from $2,000–$5,000/year, Horton says customers using Geodnet are seeing a 50%+ cost reduction compared to traditional correction providers like Trimble. 'We're not undercutting — we're optimizing,' Horton said. 'We're leveraging decentralization to make premium services more accessible.' Geodnet is part of a broader DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks) trend. In a space often plagued by speculation, it stands out for doing the opposite — turning tokens into incentives for real-world infrastructure. 'DePIN isn't just a buzzword. It's what happens when blockchain gets its hands dirty and starts building things that actually matter,' Horton said. Exclusive: Geodnet CEO Mike Horton on blockchain-powered GPS first appeared on TheStreet on Jun 10, 2025 This story was originally reported by TheStreet on Jun 10, 2025, where it first appeared. Sign in to access your portfolio
New York Times
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- New York Times
Do You Really Need a Highly Accurate Watch?
Sixty years ago, before the advent of cheap and accurate Japanese-made quartz timepieces all but decimated the Swiss watch industry, mechanical wristwatches had one overriding purpose: to keep time with unwavering accuracy. 'But in the modern age, or what we call the mechanical renaissance and thereafter, precision hasn't been a huge subject,' said Elizabeth Doerr, a watch journalist in Karlsruhe, Germany. 'Mechanical watches are precise enough for most of us. If you want more precision, then you have to have a quartz watch.' Try telling that to Rolex. The watchmaker — which in 2024 had estimated sales of 10.6 billion Swiss francs ($12.9 billion), or almost a third of all Swiss watch sales — is now at the forefront of an industrywide effort to ensure that precision-focused mechanical timepieces maintain their relevance in a world that doesn't actually need them. On April 1, at the Watches and Wonders Geneva trade fair, the brand introduced its first new model in 13 years. Known as the Land-Dweller, the watch was the talk of the town (at least before President Trump's tariff announcement the next day usurped the conversation). While many commenters focused on the watch's slim styling and integrated bracelet, watch insiders devoted the lion's share of attention to the Land-Dweller's entirely new mechanical movement. Specifically, on what many people at the fair and around the trade called its game-changing Dynapulse escapement (the term refers to the mechanical watch mechanism that controls the release of energy from the mainspring to the hands). Widely hailed as more energy efficient and shock resistant and therefore more robust and longer-lasting than existing escapements — such as the traditional Swiss lever escapement, which for more than two centuries has served as the industry standard — the Dynapulse gave technically inclined fans of watchmaking plenty to admire. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
