A foldable, self-propelled pontoon barge has played a key role in rescuing more than 6,000 stranded students and staff from a flood-hit region in southern China.

The rapid-deployment vessel was used during evacuation efforts in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region after flooding due to Typhoon Maysak inundated communities, according to Chinese media reports. The modular barge can be assembled in just over 10 minutes, carry more than 500 people per trip, and transport loads exceeding 66.1 US tons. 

According to its manufacturer, the platform is engineered to operate reliably in harsh environments, including high-altitude regions up to 10,800 feet (3,300 meters) above sea level and areas with extreme cold.

Pontoon powers rescue

The self-propelled pontoon barge helped to evacuate more students and staff trapped after floodwaters nearly five meters deep cut off the campus.

The modular vessel, described by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning as “China’s real-life transformer,” played a central role in a large-scale evacuation at Guangxi Logistics Vocational and Technical College in Guigang, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, reported the South China Morning Post (SCMP). 

The rescue operation took place after torrential rains left the college campus submerged under nearly five meters (16.4 feet) of floodwater, cutting off thousands of people from surrounding areas. According to China’s state news agency Xinhua, conventional rescue methods initially struggled to cope with the scale of the emergency.

Emergency teams first relied on inflatable rescue boats and assault boats to reach those stranded. While effective for small-scale operations, these vessels could transport only a limited number of passengers at a time, making the evacuation process slow and difficult.

To accelerate the rescue effort, the state-owned China Anneng Construction Group, China’s emergency rescue force, deployed three heavy-duty self-propelled pontoon barges to the flooded area between Wednesday night and Thursday. The arrival of the modular barges dramatically increased evacuation capacity, allowing rescuers to move hundreds of people during each trip. By midday Thursday, every student and staff member had been safely evacuated, according to Guangxi Television.

Heavy-duty lifeline

The pontoon barge used in the operation measures approximately 60 meters in length and eight meters in width. It is capable of carrying more than 500 passengers in a single journey while supporting a total payload exceeding 66.1 US tons. Unlike conventional floating bridges or barges that require external towing, the vessel is equipped with its own propulsion system, enabling it to travel at speeds of up to 6.7 mph (10.8 km/h) even when fully loaded.

One of its biggest advantages is its rapid deployment capability. China Anneng said the modular system can be transported to a disaster site, assembled, and placed into operation in just over 10 minutes. Its foldable design allows emergency responders to quickly establish a large-capacity transport platform without relying on permanent infrastructure.

The rescue barge is regarded as one of China’s most advanced modular heavy-duty water rescue systems. It was specifically developed to address one of the biggest challenges during major floods—transporting large groups of people, emergency responders, vehicles, and heavy equipment across inundated areas or rivers made impassable by rising water, according to the SCMP.

The vessel is manufactured by China Harzone Industry Corporation, a subsidiary of the state-owned China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC). The company says the platform is designed to operate reliably in demanding environments, including high-altitude regions up to 10,800 feet (3,300 meters) above sea level and areas experiencing extremely cold temperatures.

CSSC noted that the high-tech rescue platform has been widely deployed in domestic emergency response operations since 2020. Its successful use during the Guangxi floods demonstrates how rapidly deployable modular engineering systems are becoming an increasingly important tool for large-scale disaster response, enabling emergency teams to evacuate thousands of people far more quickly than traditional rescue boats alone. thousands of people far more quickly than traditional rescue boats alone.

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In a way, this exonerates Tesla FSD. But it certainly leaves one with questions.

Electra has selected Safran Helicopter Engines to supply the turbogenerator for its EL9 Ultra Short aircraft under a production agreement that will run for the life of the program. The deal gives the Virginia-based aircraft developer a key propulsion partner as it works toward Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification and commercial service by 2030.

The agreement includes an initial order for 250 TG600 turbogenerators. Electra expects production to increase as demand grows for the EL9, a hybrid-electric aircraft designed to operate from landing areas as short as 150 feet. The capability could allow flights from locations that cannot support conventional commercial aircraft.

Hybrid system selected

Safran’s TG600 will generate 600 kilowatts of electrical power for the EL9’s hybrid-electric propulsion system. Engineers based the unit on the company’s Arrano helicopter engine, which delivers an 18% improvement in fuel efficiency over the previous generation of engines.

The system also integrates two GENeUS electric generators developed by Safran Electrical & Power. Earlier this month, Safran completed the first bench test of the flight-ready turbogenerator at its facility in Bordes, France. The company plans to use that hardware during the EL9’s initial flight-test campaign.

Electra CEO Marc Allen called the agreement an important milestone for the aircraft program. He said Safran’s expertise in hybrid-electric propulsion and long-term commitment would help bring the EL9 into commercial service.

Safran Helicopter Engines CEO Cédric Goubet said the contract formally launches the company’s turbogenerator business. He added that combining Safran’s engine technology with its electrical systems expertise creates a propulsion package tailored for the EL9’s performance goals.

Designed for short fields

Unlike conventional regional aircraft, the EL9 relies on hybrid-electric propulsion and blown-lift technology to achieve extremely short takeoffs and landings. Electra says the aircraft needs only about 150 feet of runway, opening access to small airfields and other locations closer to population centers.

The company believes that capability could reshape regional transportation by reducing dependence on major airports for shorter trips. Electra describes the concept as “Direct Aviation,” allowing travelers to fly closer to their origin and destination instead of connecting through large airport hubs.

FAA certification work is already underway under Part 23 regulations. Electra expects the aircraft’s first flight in late 2027 or early 2028 before targeting entry into service in 2030.

Growing production plans

The Safran agreement follows other commercial milestones for the EL9 program. Earlier this year, Bristow Group signed a pre-delivery payment agreement that secured the first production delivery slot through binding commercial terms, subject to aircraft certification. Electra also released market projections suggesting demand for between 12,000 and 16,000 aircraft during the first decade of Direct Aviation operations across the United States.

If those forecasts materialize, the EL9 would represent a new category of regional aircraft that combines electric propulsion with conventional turbine power. Electra and Safran aim to deliver an aircraft capable of connecting communities that currently lack practical commercial air service while reducing fuel consumption compared with traditional regional aircraft.

The safety board confirmed Tesla's account of the crash, which the company shared days after it happened last month.

Apple announced the new CarPlay feature not long after Google announced a similar update for Android Auto.

In a groundbreaking decade-long study analyzing São Paulo’s urban landscape, researchers have revealed how the expansion of bike lanes and public parks profoundly influences physical activity and public health. Between 2014 and 2024, the city’s bike lane network surged from 242 to 743 kilometers, complemented by the addition of 15 municipal parks. This urban transformation was linked to increased transport-related cycling, emphasizing the critical role of accessible infrastructure within a 500-meter radius of residents’ homes.

The study’s multidisciplinary approach combined longitudinal surveys of 1,500 residents with geospatial datasets from the Geosampa platform, enabling precise correlation between environmental changes and behavior. Findings indicate that proximity to bike lanes significantly counteracts declining bicycle use trends, suggesting these facilities serve as protective factors promoting sustained physical activity. Such activity reduction directly translates to lower risks of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and improved mental health outcomes like reduced anxiety and depression.

Importantly, the research underscores active transportation infrastructure not only as a logistical planning tool but as a vital public health strategy. By reducing reliance on automobiles, these interventions diminish air pollution and traffic-related accidents, thereby contributing to climate change mitigation efforts. However, the study highlights uneven developments: wealthier neighborhoods received disproportionate infrastructure investments, calling for policy shifts to equip underserved zones with similar amenities.

Beyond infrastructural improvements, the researchers emphasize that sociocultural elements and affordability constraints also limit cycling uptake. Despite increased bike lanes, economic barriers such as the high cost of bicycles and gender disparities in cycling participation suggest that integrated approaches—encompassing recreational street design, bike-sharing expansions, and commuter support facilities—are necessary for meaningful behavioral shifts.

An illustrative testimony comes from a local photographer who transitioned from motorbike to bicycle commuting due to new bike bridges providing direct, safer routes. While embracing cycling’s growth, he voices concerns about road space allocation favoring cars and the emerging challenges of cyclists’ vulnerability amid the rise of faster electric bikes. Additionally, issues of public safety and bike theft remain barriers to broader adoption.

Overall, the findings reveal that São Paulo’s urban planning efforts over the past decade represent a promising model of how thoughtfully designed public open spaces can foster healthier, more sustainable cities. Still, ensuring equitable access and addressing multifaceted cultural and socioeconomic factors remain essential for realizing the full potential of active transport systems.

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Subject of Research: Public open spaces and transport-related cycling in urban environments
Article Title: A decade-long study on public open spaces and transport-related cycling in the largest Brazilian city
News Publication Date: 13-Apr-2026
Web References: https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jth.2026.102323
Image Credits: Phelipe Janning/Agência FAPESP

Keywords

Urban planning, Transportation, Public health, Cycling, Active transportation, São Paulo, Infrastructure, Mental health

The new Zoox robotaxi has more cushioning, lighter colors, and a better microphone and speaker for communicating with Zoox Support.

The Samsara Tracking Label hides a BLE system that can offer real-time location in a disposable package.

Zoox, the autonomous vehicle company owned by Amazon, unveiled a new look for its boxy, bidirectional robotaxi, calling it the "next evolution" of the vehicle intended for mass production. The company is currently operating a free robotaxi service in San Francisco, Las Vegas, Austin, and Miami while it waits for the federal government to approve its request for an exemption from safety rules that require production vehicles to have traditional controls, like steering wheels and pedals.

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Read the full story at The Verge.

The company also expects owners to perform many repairs themselves and will provide instructions for doing so.

The Jeff Bezos-backed startup finally revealed more pricing details for its debut EV, including a $29,950 starting price for the SUV variant, and boosted the base range to 205 miles.

Seeking a concrete approach to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from the world’s hardest-to-decarbonize logistics sectors, DHL Global Forwarding France has entered into a strategic partnership with French shipping company VELA.

Under the agreement, the global freight giant will offer commercial shipping options aboard custom-built, wind-powered cargo trimarans crossing the Atlantic Ocean. Scheduled to launch operations in early 2027, the initiative introduces a clean, maritime alternative that integrates directly into existing supply chains without disrupting standard logistics processes.

Global maritime shipping currently accounts for roughly 3% of worldwide carbon dioxide emissions, largely because the heavy fuel oil burned by traditional container ships produces intensive pollution.

While wind-propelled commercial transit remains a niche concept within the broader cargo industry, the new partnership aims to demonstrate the viability of large-scale commercial sailing. Under the strategic framework, DHL secures a dedicated allocation of cargo space aboard VELA’s specialized vessels, with volume commitments expected to scale up continuously alongside the expansion of the sailing fleet.

Operational routing and transatlantic port logistics

The new maritime service will establish a direct ocean route connecting the secondary ports of Caen-Ouistreham in France and New Haven, Connecticut. By avoiding heavily congested major shipping hubs, the direct point-to-point path significantly limits the need for complex transshipments.

VELA is targeting a reliable port-to-port transit time of approximately 15 days. This timeline allows the clean shipping framework to remain reasonably close to the pacing of conventional diesel-powered cargo ships.

The specialized service is specifically engineered for companies handling less-than-container-load (LCL) freight. Instead of loading large, heavy metal containers, the interior layout of the VELA sailing vessels is explicitly tailored for palletized cargo.

Each trip will accommodate up to 600 European Union pallets, maximizing space efficiency for industries that ship products in smaller batches. DHL will handle the entire onshore logistics ecosystem for each voyage, including pre-carriage transport, local customs clearance, and secure warehousing.

Specialized protection for temperature-sensitive products

To accommodate highly sensitive commercial goods, the vessels integrate a patent-pending refrigeration system called CoolSafe. This technology allows the zero-emission ships to cater specifically to industries with rigid environmental controls, including pharmaceuticals, luxury items, cosmetics, aerospace components, and premium wines or spirits. The cooling network is fully compliant with Good Distribution Practice (GDP), ensuring strict adherence to global pharmaceutical handling standards.

Crucially, the climate-control systems within the cargo hold do not draw energy from fossil fuels. The onboard refrigeration units are powered primarily by decentralized renewable energy sources integrated directly onto the vessel’s hull.

An independent lifecycle analysis conducted by the specialized consulting firm Carbone 4 verified the exceptional environmental performance of this setup. According to their metrics, the VELA system reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 99% compared to traditional transport options under specific assumptions.

Scaling sailing fleets for regular weekly departures

While the initial launch will deploy a single vessel, VELA and DHL have mapped out a clear path toward industrial scale-up. The long-term blueprint calls for the construction and deployment of five identical wind-powered ships on the Europe-to-United States route.

Once the full fleet enters active service, the companies will expand their scheduling to offer up to one reliable weekly departure in both directions across the Atlantic.

By proving that wind-powered freight can maintain rigid commercial schedules, the project partners intend to establish a repeatable model for sustainable shipping.

The initiative balances environmental accountability with real-world practicality, giving shippers a functional tool to cut emissions without compromising traceability, cargo security, or supply chain reliability. If the rollout scales as planned, it will mark one of the first regular, predictable wind-powered freight services connecting Europe and North America.

Whether the Autopilot system was truly active, overridden, or malfunctioning likely won't be resolved until investigators finish combing through the vehicle's data logs.

The lawsuit, led by a Detroit pension fund, alleges Uber's board and management has cut too many compliance corners, resulting in thousands of lawsuits.

Dassault Aviation has achieved a major milestone in its business jet program as the all-new Falcon 10X successfully completed its maiden flight. The step marks the beginning of the aircraft’s flight-test campaign and demonstrating the maturity of the development program.

The inaugural flight took place from Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport in France, where test pilot Sébastien Dupont de Dinechin and copilot Fabrice Dougnac lifted off aboard the Falcon 10X for a mission lasting approximately two and a half hours.

During the flight, the crew evaluated the aircraft’s handling characteristics and onboard systems, reaching an altitude of 40,000 feet and accelerating to Mach 0.82 before returning for a smooth landing.

First flight

The successful first flight represents a significant step forward for Dassault Aviation as it prepares what is expected to become one of the most advanced and spacious ultra-long-range business jets in the world.

Speaking on the achievement, Dassault Aviation Chairman and CEO Eric Trappier described the maiden flight as an important milestone for the company. He credited the accomplishment to the dedication and expertise of the engineering, production, and flight-test teams, as well as the support of the company’s global network of partners.

“This inaugural flight is another milestone for Dassault,” said Chairman and CEO Eric Trappier.

“It is a reflection of the dedication and high skill of our engineering, production, and flight teams, and also the quality of our global network of partners. All of us are excited to see this day as we launch into a new phase for the 10X.”

Aircraft performed as planned

The Falcon 10X program has been years in the making, involving thousands of employees and suppliers. Test pilot Sébastien Dupont de Dinechin noted that the aircraft performed as planned throughout the flight, highlighting the extensive effort invested in bringing the aircraft from concept to reality.

The flight-test program is expected to expand rapidly. A second test aircraft is nearing completion and will soon join the campaign, while a third aircraft equipped with a full interior will be used primarily for systems evaluation, cabin functionality assessments, and reliability testing.

The Falcon 10X is positioned as the flagship of Dassault’s Falcon family and is designed to set new standards in business aviation through a combination of advanced technology, long-range capability, and passenger comfort. The aircraft is expected to compete in the ultra-long-range segment, serving customers who require intercontinental travel with enhanced efficiency and luxury.

Dassault Aviation emphasized that it is currently the only aircraft manufacturer flying an entirely new aircraft type in 2026, underscoring the company’s continued commitment to innovation. The achievement also reflects the benefits of Dassault’s unique expertise across both civil and military aviation sectors, which has long been a cornerstone of the company’s success.

With more than a century of aerospace experience and over 10,000 aircraft delivered worldwide, Dassault Aviation continues to strengthen its position as one of the leading manufacturers of high-end business jets. The successful maiden flight of the Falcon 10X marks the beginning of a new chapter for the company and brings the aircraft one step closer to entering service.

Trump spoke of his need for a "plane that’s much newer ​and much better." Is it actually better?

Car buyers love Android Auto. Automakers? Not so much.

Go's IPO — Japan's biggest so far this year — has done more than provide a much-needed boost to the country's languishing listing season. It has also supplied the taxi-hailing app with the capital required to address an existential issue: Japan's shortage of drivers.

Norway is preparing to move ahead with the construction of the world’s first ship tunnel after securing funding in the revised national budget, and completing the evaluation of contractor bids for the project.

The Norwegian Coastal Administration (Kystverket) announced that it is ready to sign a contract with the winning contractor for the Stad Ship Tunnel project. The government agency expects construction to begin in early 2027.

The decision follows after Norway’s center-left parties reached an agreement to include funding for the project in the revised national budget. Final approval by the Norwegian Parliament is expected by June 19.

“We have received the news regarding the ship tunnel,” Einar Vik Arset, Kystverket General Director, said. “We are ready to initiate the processes needed to facilitate a construction start in the beginning of 2027.”

World’s first ship tunnel

First mentioned in an article in the Nordre Bergenhus Amtstidende newspaper, in 1874, the Stad Ship Tunnel will be the world’s largest ship tunnel. Located on the Stadlandet Peninsula, it is expected to stretch 1.1 miles (1.7 kilometers) through solid rock, or 1.37 miles (2.2 kilometers) when entrance sections are included.

The tunnel will measure 164 feet (50 meters) in height and 118 feet (36 meters) in width. Officials noted that it will be excavated through the narrowest part of the peninsula, connecting Moldefjord and Kjødepollen in the Vanylvsfjord region. The dimensions are large enough to accommodate vessels up to the size of Norway’s famous Coastal Route ships, including the Hurtigruten fleet.

It will allow large cargo vessels, ferries, and cruise ships to bypass the Stadhavet Sea. The waters are considered among the most hazardous along Norway’s coast, with rough weather, powerful currents, and high waves contributing to more than 30 maritime deaths since World War II.

“This is a major project, but we have prepared thoroughly over several years,” Arset pointed out. “We are ready as soon as we receive instructions from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries.”

According to Kystverket, about 81 percent of today’s ship traffic will be able to use the tunnel. Cruise ships will reportedly be limited to a speed of eight knots inside it. This will allow them to complete the passage in about 10 minutes.

Built for modern shipping

For its construction, Norway will excavate roughly three million cubic meters of rock. This is equivalent to around 750,000 truckloads of material. The project will rely on conventional drill-and-blast methods to carve the tunnel through hard gneiss rock beneath the peninsula.

Kystverket said that it has completed its review of bids from three consortiums competing for the project’s main construction contract. The final contenders include Norway’s AF Gruppen, France’s Eiffage Génie Civil, and a joint venture between Sweden’s Skanska and Norway’s Vassbakk & Stol.

“The evaluation has been completed,” Harald Inge Johnsen, one of the project’s manager, concluded in a press release. “Once the contract award is announced, there will be a standstill period for any complaints before the contract can be signed as planned.”

Additional contracts covering demolition work and new water infrastructure near the tunnel site are also ready to be tendered. The Stad Ship Tunnel is expected to improve navigational safety and reliability for maritime traffic along Norway’s rugged western coast.

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Rivian is being sued over the self-driving capabilities of its early vehicles, or lack thereof.