Project Planning and Scheduling

US Coal Fields Potential Sources of Rare Earth Minerals

The US Department of Energy is offering $32 million in funding for the production of rare earth and critical minerals, mainly cobalt and lithium, from coal-based sources to reduce dependency on China and other countries.

The funds come from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which aims to build mineral processing sites across the US, enabling more control of supply and pricing. Money from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law may be used for engineering analyses, design studies, development of facilities for domestic production and refining […]

By James Kirby Easterling|2023-08-08T04:36:26+00:00August 9, 2023|Tags: capacity, energy, facility layout, location, process selection, project management, renewable resources|

Alef’s Flying Car Almost Ready for Lift-Off

Alef is a step closer to making flying cars a reality since its recent receipt of a Special Airworthiness Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration.

The idea of a flying car was conceived in 2015, by Alef’s founders. A prototype was launched in late 2022.

The certificate allows Alef to test fly the electric car. Alef will start production and delivery of flying cars in late 2025.

Video Spotlight:

Alef flying car evtol sertification [sic] (June 28, 2023, FLYING […]

By Anita Lee-Post, Ph.D.|2023-08-06T03:07:29+00:00August 6, 2023|Tags: automation, idea generation, innovation, new product development, prototyping, technology|

L’Oréal’s Mechanized Lipstick Applicator

For people with limited hand and arm mobility, L’Oréal’s computerized make-up applicator will allow them to steadily and precisely apply lipstick, with confidence and independence.

The applicator is in the pilot testing stage with Lancôme, part of the L’Oréal Luxury Products division. It may be a welcome invention for many of the 50 million people globally who have limited fine motor skills.

L’Oréal is among the 4% of beauty and personal care brands that design products for the physically disabled.

Video Spotlight: […]

By Anita Lee-Post, Ph.D.|2023-02-06T00:53:31+00:00February 5, 2023|Tags: automation, product design, social responsibility, sustainable sourcing|

The Race to Complete the KCI Airport on Time and on Budget

KCI’s new terminal is about to open.

Phasing out the old airport while completing the work at the new one is well under way. All major systems have been tested, hiring has started, and plans for the final integration are ready. To date, the project implementation has been successful. However, the project team does not take this success for granted and remains laser-focused on getting the airport 100% ready for opening day.

Video Spotlight: When Will KCI Airport […]

By Corinne M. Karuppan, Ph.D.|2023-01-30T20:40:08+00:00February 1, 2023|Tags: capacity requirement planning, inspection, project management, project scheduling, project team, waiting lines|