Key Factors in Engineering Design

Flying Without GPS: How UAVs Are Evolving in Denied Environments As GPS becomes increasingly vulnerable to jamming and spoofing, the future of UAV operations depends on how well these systems can navigate without it—or how creatively we can maintain access to reliable positioning. From military missions in contested zones to commercial drones in urban airspace, GPS-denied environments are now a defining challenge. The next generation of UAVs must be resilient, autonomous, and capable of navigating blind—or connected. Here’s where I see innovation accelerating: 1. Visual Odometry & SLAM Computer vision techniques like SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) allow drones to map and localize in real time using onboard cameras and sensors. 2. Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) Accelerometers and gyros track motion—critical for short-term navigation, especially when paired with visual systems to correct drift. 3. Terrain Referenced Navigation (TRN) By comparing radar or LiDAR profiles to known maps, UAVs can position themselves even without satellite signals. 4. Magnetic & RF Mapping Some systems leverage Earth’s magnetic anomalies or ambient RF signals (Wi-Fi, cellular, broadcast) for passive, resilient positioning. 5. Fiber Optic Cable Integration Ground-based UAVs or command relay systems can stay connected to GPS-time and positioning data through secure fiber optic links. In some scenarios—such as perimeter surveillance or fixed-wing UAV launch zones—tethered UAVs or systems with partial autonomy can use high-speed fiber to maintain real-time PNT data, bypassing jammable satellite links altogether. 6. Multi-Modal Autonomy The most robust systems blend all of the above: vision, RF, terrain, inertial, and even fiber-connected nodes—cross-checking data with onboard AI to adapt in real time. Why It Matters: In defence, drones must survive in electronic warfare environments. In commercial use, they must operate safely in complex, signal-degraded spaces. From air to ground, the push for resilient, redundant navigation is accelerating—and fiber-based links are now part of the solution. The ability to operate in or around GPS-denied zones isn’t a luxury—it’s fast becoming a baseline requirement for UAV autonomy and survivability. Question.... Which navigation method do you see scaling fastest—vision-based, RF, terrain, tethered fiber, or something else? #UAV #DefenseTech #GPSDenied #FiberOptic #DualUse #Navigation #Drones #Aerospace #PNT #AI

In Norway, researchers made a remarkable discovery: simply painting one blade of a wind turbine black can dramatically reduce bird collisions — by up to 70%. The idea emerged from a study conducted on the Smøla wind farm, where scientists observed that the uniform, fast-spinning white blades created a visual “motion smear,” making them nearly invisible to birds in flight. By painting one blade black, the turbine became more visible, helping birds detect and avoid it midair. This small, low-cost modification has the potential to protect countless birds, including species like white-tailed eagles and migratory seabirds, without reducing the efficiency of renewable energy production. It’s a perfect example of how thoughtful design and simple ecological insight can create harmony between sustainability and wildlife preservation. The findings highlight a broader truth — that innovation and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand. As wind power continues to expand worldwide, such practical measures could play a vital role in making renewable energy truly sustainable — not just for people, but for the ecosystems we share the planet with.

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁-𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗺 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀 & 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗴-𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗺 𝗚𝗼𝗮𝗹𝘀 EA gets caught between the 𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗲𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 and the 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆. Some orgs embed EA into SA roles so projects meet current demands. Others make EA a billable function, tying value to immediate deliverables. Both approaches bring risks: ➡ When SAs wear EA hats, decisions are localized rather than strategically aligned, risking fragmented technology landscapes. ➡ When EA is billable, there’s pressure to justify work through short-term project outcomes over enterprise-wide impact. To drive transformation, EA must be a 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿. Here are 3 Ways EA Balances The Short- and Long-Term: 𝟭 | 𝗘𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗱 𝗘𝗔 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆, 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 EA shouldn’t just validate solutions—it should shape them. 𝙃𝙤𝙬?  ✔ Engage EA in strategy to align roadmaps with business goals.  ✔ Ensure decisions are more than tactical—connect them to enterprise-wide outcomes.  ✔ Establish EA governance so short-term decisions don't create long-term complexity. 📊 EA works best defining the guardrails—not just reviewing outputs. 𝟮 | 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 Orgs need speed to stay competitive—but not at the cost of architectural integrity. 𝙃𝙤𝙬?  ✔ Iterative architecture allows for agile decision-making while maintaining long-term vision.  ✔ EA assesses the impact of emerging technologies before disrupting existing structures.  ✔ Use reference architectures and patterns to ensure scalability while allowing for flexibility. 🔄 EA helps businesses move fast—without breaking the foundation. 𝟯 | 𝗠𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗘𝗔’𝘀 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗕𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀 If EA is only evaluated by project success, its strategic influence diminishes. 𝙃𝙤𝙬?  ✔ 𝗧𝗶𝗲 𝗘𝗔 𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲, not technical implementation.  ✔ Define KPIs that reflect cost savings, agility, and risk reduction.  ✔ Showcase EA’s role in long-term value creation, beyond project timelines. 🎯 EA’s success isn’t just about what gets built today—it’s about what remains sustainable tomorrow. 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆 Enterprise Architecture isn’t a support function—𝗶𝘁’𝘀 𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗿. 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽, 𝗘𝗔 𝗲𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁-𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺 𝘄𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴-𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀. _ ➕ Follow Kevin Donovan, ring the bell 🔔 👍 Like  |  ♻️ Repost _ 🚀 Join Architects' Hub!  Sign up for our newsletter. Connect with a community that gets it. Improve skills, meet peers, and elevate your career! Subscribe 👉 https://lnkd.in/dgmQqfu2 #EnterpriseArchitecture #DigitalTransformation

🔥 NEW research: 𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫 + 𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐦𝐢 + 𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 + 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐲𝐚 Tech meets Japanese art and Arabic design: "Dynamic origami solar eyes with tensegrity architecture for energy harvesting Mashrabiyas" - 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘵 𝘤𝘭𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴. Engineers from Italy used Wolfram language to study a dynamic, foldable Mashrabiya-inspired system combining origami and tensegrity with photovoltaic cells to enable sun-tracking, shading control, and energy harvesting in arid architectural contexts. 🔴 WOLFRAM code & article: https://lnkd.in/ezkP65qY A 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐲𝐚 is a traditional Middle Eastern oriel (projecting) window with wooden latticework for privacy, ventilation, and sun control. 𝐓𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲, a concept coined by Buckminster Fuller based on Kenneth Snelson’s sculptures, describes structures held together by a balance of tension and compression helping modern advances in engineering, robotics, and mathematical modeling. 𝐎𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐦𝐢, the Japanese art of paper folding, now informs modern science, engineering, and mathematics through its principles of geometric transformation and deployable structures. The system in this research uses dual folding motions to control both shading and panel orientation for solar gain throughout the day. Simulations show it can dynamically adjust to track the sun and optimize energy capture under varying light conditions. The modular design allows it to scale into full façades that combine visual screening with electricity generation. Location-specific modeling highlights both potential and seasonal limitations, such as midsummer shading in some regions. The folding geometry and control inputs can be optimized for different climates and building layouts using simulation tools. 

A Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) site survey is a crucial step before designing and deploying a BESS project. 1. Site Location and Accessibility ✅ Geographical Coordinates – Latitude & longitude of the site ✅ Site Access – Road conditions, distance from the main highway, transport feasibility ✅ Security – Fencing, surveillance, and access control requirements ✅ Environmental Conditions – Nearby water bodies, forests, flood zones 2. Electrical Infrastructure ✅ Grid Connection – Distance from the nearest substation, voltage levels, and grid capacity ✅ Existing Transformers & Switchgear – Availability, ratings, and need for upgrades ✅ Point of Interconnection (POI) – Location, capacity, and grid compliance requirements ✅ Power Quality Parameters – Voltage fluctuations, harmonics, and frequency variations 3. Load Profile & Energy Needs ✅ Peak Demand (MW/MWh) – Maximum and minimum load requirements ✅ Load Fluctuations – Seasonal variations and power demand curve ✅ Backup Requirements – Grid support, peak shaving, or islanding capability ✅ Future Load Expansion – Provision for additional capacity 4. Environmental & Climatic Conditions ✅ Temperature Range – Min/max temperature for BESS thermal management ✅ Humidity & Rainfall – Impact on enclosures, electrical components, and corrosion risk ✅ Seismic & Wind Load – Structural stability against earthquakes and storms ✅ Flooding Risk – Historical flood data, drainage facilities, and mitigation measures 5. Space & Layout Considerations ✅ Available Land Area – Space for BESS containers, transformers, and switchgear ✅ Ground Conditions – Soil testing, load-bearing capacity, and need for reinforcement ✅ Shading & Heat Islands – Impact of nearby structures on ventilation and cooling ✅ Fire Safety Clearances – Minimum spacing for fire protection and emergency access 6. Safety & Compliance ✅ Fire Suppression System – Availability of fire detection, suppression (e.g., FM-200, NOVEC) ✅ Local Regulations & Permits – Compliance with electricity board and environmental laws ✅ Battery Safety Standards – IEC 62619, UL 9540A, NFPA 855, and other applicable standards ✅ Hazardous Material Handling – Battery electrolyte safety and emergency handling procedures 7. Communication & Control Systems ✅ SCADA & Monitoring – Remote access, data logging, and integration with grid operations ✅ Internet Connectivity – Availability of fiber, cellular, or satellite communication ✅ Cybersecurity – Protection against hacking, data security protocols ✅ Telemetry & Alarms – Real-time alerts for temperature, SOC, SOH, and fault conditions 8. Civil & Structural Requirements ✅ Foundation Type – Concrete pad, piles, or elevated structures based on soil study ✅ Drainage & Water Management – Preventing water accumulation near battery enclosures ✅ Cable Routing & Trenching – Underground or overhead cabling for power and communication ✅ Cooling System Installation – HVAC or liquid cooling provisions

Traditional Design vs Generative Design – A Shift in Engineering Thinking In the world of mechanical and aerospace engineering, design methods are evolving rapidly. The image above clearly illustrates the contrast between Traditional Design and Generative Design using an example of aircraft seat mounting brackets. 🔹 Traditional Design This approach relies on human intuition, experience, and established standards. Designers use basic geometric shapes and overengineer components to ensure safety, often leading to excess material usage and heavier parts. In the image, the traditional bracket weighs 1,672 grams, made with solid material and a blocky design to ensure strength. However, it lacks material efficiency and may contribute to increased fuel consumption in aircraft. 🔹 Generative Design This is an advanced, AI-driven design process. Engineers input goals (like weight reduction, strength requirements, material type, and load conditions), and the software generates multiple optimized design solutions. The result is often an organic, lattice-like structure that removes unnecessary material. In the image, the generatively designed bracket weighs only 766 grams — a 55% weight reduction — while still meeting performance criteria. 💡 Key Differences: Design Process: Human-driven vs AI-assisted Material Usage: Excessive vs optimized Shape: Simple, blocky vs complex, organic Efficiency: Heavier and stronger than needed vs lightweight and just as strong Generative design is not just a trend—it's a strategic shift toward sustainable, high-performance engineering. It helps industries like aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing to save weight, reduce cost, and innovate faster. This transformation is a perfect example of how technology is redefining the boundaries of what's possible in design and engineering. --- #TraditionalDesign #GenerativeDesign #MechanicalEngineering #CAD #DesignInnovation #AerospaceEngineering #LightweightDesign #TopologyOptimization #FutureOfEngineering #AutodeskFusion360 #EngineeringTransformation #ProductDesign #AIInEngineering

The moment it clicked for me was when a junior developer asked, “𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱?” I didn’t have a good answer. We had built an overly complex system, and while it worked, it was fragile. Every new feature was a nightmare. Debugging took days. Handoffs? Painful. All because we thought 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘅𝗶𝘁𝘆 = 𝘀𝗼𝗽𝗵𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. That was the day I realized: 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘅𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘆. 𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱. Here’s what separates good engineers from great ones: 𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸. 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁. Simplicity isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about cutting through the noise. 𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝗮 𝗷𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗿 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗼𝘄𝗻. 𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺 𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀, 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗼𝘀. So here’s my challenge for you: Next time you architect a solution, ask yourself, “𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝟲 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵𝘀?” Great engineering isn’t about showing off what you know. It’s about making the complex feel effortless. What’s one way you’ve simplified a system recently? Let’s share ideas—your insights could inspire someone else. #EngineeringLeadership #SoftwareDevelopment #CareerGrowth

Leadership Lessons from History: How Foresight Built London’s Future  Last week, we kicked off our Business Psychology class, and during the introductions, one participant said: "I am very interested in history, yet that is not very useful." That got me thinking. On the contrary, we can learn so much from history! Take this incredible example of strategic leadership: 🏗 Joseph Bazalgette: The Engineer Who Future-Proofed London In the 1850s, Sir Joseph Bazalgette was tasked with solving one of London’s biggest crises: its outdated sewer system. The city was choking on pollution, disease, and The Great Stink. Bazalgette’s calculations showed the pipe size needed to fix the problem. But instead of merely addressing the current need, he made a bold decision: he doubled the pipe diameter. Why? "Well, we're only going to do this once, and there's always the unforeseen." This decision ensured that London’s sewer system could serve generations to come, even as the population exploded. Leadership Lessons We Can Learn from Bazalgette’s Approach 💡  Think Beyond Immediate Needs  Bazalgette didn’t just solve the problem of his time; he anticipated future challenges. Leaders today must build for the long term, laying a foundation that future teams can build upon. 💡  Prepare for the Unforeseen  Understanding that the future is unpredictable, he built in flexibility. Today’s leaders should design systems that adaptto changing landscapes and unexpected events. 💡  Invest in Sustainable Solutions  Instead of quick fixes, Bazalgette made strategic, long-term investments. True leadership means thinking about lasting value, not just immediate wins. 💡  Bold Decisions Define Legacy  His courageous choice has impacted millions. Bold leadership often leaves the most enduring impact, even if it’s not the easiest decision in the moment.  Lead with Foresight, Flexibility, and Courage  Just as Bazalgette ensured London’s sewers would serve future generations, modern leaders must think about how their decisions will impact the future. Think bigger. Plan smarter. Whether you’re leading a team or an entire organization, the best leaders act with the future in mind. What do you think? #Leadership #StrategicThinking #HistoryLessons #Foresight #FutureProofing #SustainableLeadership #BusinessPsychology #GrowthMindset #BoldDecisions #LegacyBuilding Kempten Business School; Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften Kempten; Prof. Dr. Sandra Niedermeier; Philipp Schmid, Britta Lorenz; Dr. Sybille Juhasz; Angelina Eimecke

Your engineering decisions aren’t just engineering decisions. They’re business decisions. You need to consider: How will we train people? How will we hire people? How easy is it for your engineers to get help with a problem? How good is the documentation? How well supported is the tool or framework? What is the broader ecosystem like? The trade-offs of our engineering decisions go well beyond just the technical. Good engineering decisions will be grounded in both the business and the technical needs of the problem.

Great engineers don’t just ship code. They shape products. Sadly, a lot of dev teams are playing the wrong game. They’re stuck in a cycle of waiting for tickets, writing code, and shipping features without ever questioning if they actually matter. And that’s a problem. 🛑 Because great products aren’t built by code alone. They’re built by engineers who think beyond the syntax They're built by those who understand the business, the users, and the real-world impact of what they’re building. The strongest engineering teams don’t just execute. They challenge. They ask better questions. They push back on weak ideas. They make decisions based on outcomes, not just requirements. It's what we pride ourselves on LogiNet International. We don't just 'execute on your tickets'. That’s what separates the teams that drive real innovation from those that just keep the wheels turning. So ask yourself. Are your engineers just writing code, or are they shaping the future of your product?