Giant 3D printer starts spitting out a house

A nighttime view of The KamerMaker, or "room builder," a 20-foot high 3D printer that's helping its owners construct a completely 3D-printed home in Amsterdam.

(Credit: Dus Architects)

Till now, 3D printing has been used to create relatively small items -- everything from iPhone cases to prosthetic fingers to aircraft parts and alien shoes. But none of those projects are a match for the full-size house Dutch architects have begun building in Amsterdam using a 20-foot-tall 3D printer.

A 3D-printed piece of the canal house on the project's opening weekend. (Click to enlarge.)

(Credit: Dus Architects)

The project, known simply as the "3D Print Canal House," uses a super-sized version of the popular in-home 3D printer made by Ultimaker. Dutch architectural firm Dus commissioned the machine when it decided to take the scale-model rooms it was already 3D-printing and turn them into the real thing.

"We bought a container from the Internet and we transformed it into one of the biggest printers on this planet," said Dus co-founder Hans Vermeule in a video (below) about the project.

The printer is called KamerMaker, which means "room builder," and that's exactly what it does -- construct a series of rooms that can be basically snapped together to form an entire house.

Thus far, the printer has produced a corner of the house with a partial staircase attached. The piece weighed about 400 pounds. The building blocks that are currently being produced, and take about a week each to print, have a honeycombed internal structure that will eventually be filled with a foam that reaches a concrete-like hardness, lending support and weight to the finished house, according to an Associated Press report.

The architects see multiple benefits to 3D-printing a house, aside from the possibilities of near-limitless customization. "For the first time in history, over half of the world's population is living in cities," Vermeulen said. "We need a rapid building technique to keep up the pace with the growth of the megacities. And we think 3D printing can be that technique."

The home-building site is currently open to the public, which can see the printer in action for €2.50 (about $3.50). The entire house will take about three years to finish and will be opened as design museum when it is done. I think they should fill it with nothing but 3D-printed furniturewhen it's ready!Hedwig Heinsman, another of Dus' co-founders, adds that there are environmental benefits to be gained as well. "We can recycle waste materials into useable materials, and eliminate the transportation costs of moving building materials," she said.

No US visa for Pakistani mangoes

The disappointment of Pakistani exporters is understandable as the US remains the most important destination for mango exporters with an annual demand of 200,000 tons. PHOTO: FILE

KARACHI: 

With the season around the corner, expats living in the US might, once again, wonder whether they will be able to buy Pakistani mangoes from their local grocery stores this year. Unfortunately, the short answer would be no.

Despite some advancement in processing technology, Pakistan has yet to reach the standards set by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to tap the world’s largest market.

In a recent interview with a major mango exporter, Babar Khan Durrani, CEO at Pakistan Horti Fresh Processing (Pvt.) Ltd, it was learnt that technological advancements, which opened up new markets for Pakistani mangoes, were helpful but still fail to meet USDA standards.

Previously, the country had been exporting mangoes to Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, China, Iran, Jordan and the UK. After acquiring the hot water treatment (HWT) technology in 2012, the country was able to enter new markets in Lebanon, South Korea, Australia and Mauritius, while

New Zealand and South Africa are likely to be added to the list this season.

Durrani said they have recently imported an automatic plant from the Netherlands. The plant not only processes but does the packaging and sizing of the mangoes as well and has an ultra violet ray function to separate the damaged or infected mangoes from those deemed fit for human consumption.

Mangoes can cause nine types of diseases – fruit flies, their eggs and larva being the most dangerous. The HWT technology kills them all, Durrani claims, which is why Australia that has one of the world’s toughest regulation standards opened up its market for Pakistani mangoes.

Besides HWT, growers have taken steps to protect their mangoes at the farm level. For example, they import special bags from Australia and Korea and wrap them around the fruit just when it blossoms – this protects the mangoes from fruit flies, Durrani says.

While the current technology has helped our mangoes reach more markets, including some developed ones, the exporters are barred from exporting Pakistani mangoes to the US via sea.

The disappointment of Pakistani exporters is understandable because the US remains the most important destination for mango exporters all over the world with an annual demand of 200,000 tons a year – 70% higher than Pakistan’s total exports, which were recorded at 140,000 tons in fiscal 2013.

Durrani argues that Pakistan has the same processing technology as Mexico does but the latter can export their mangoes via sea. He says better diplomacy from both sides can resolve this issue.

While Durrani believes it is a diplomatic matter, Washington disagrees.

HWT and Vapor Heat Treatment are used in some countries but fruit flies in those countries are different from those in Pakistan, Spokesperson for US Consulate General Karachi Andrew L. Armstrong told The Express Tribune.

Mexico and the US are in the same geographical region – the former’s pests, therefore, don’t pose a threat to the American crops but Pakistan’s do. It is for this reason that the US has not approved of the same treatment for Pakistani mangoes.

“Fruit flies and other pests present in Pakistan, but not in the US, must be killed in order to prevent them from harming fruit and vegetable crops in the US,” Armstrong said.

To address this problem, Islamabad and Washington agreed that irradiation was the best treatment, according to Armstrong. In 2010, both countries agreed that the best option was to utilise irradiation facilities in the US. To facilitate this, the USDA created a first of its kind system to allow safe import and irradiation of Pakistani mangoes in the US. Currently, one private facility in Iowa is available for irradiation of mangoes from Pakistan.

But this option is economically not viable for Pakistani exporters. Treating Pakistan’s mangoes in the US is not only costlier but also riskier, according to Waheed Ahmed – another major player in the mango export business.

A pre-clearance might have been the other option. However, the spokesman said the USDA has determined that a preclearance program is not possible at this time because it requires a USDA inspector to be present in Pakistan for the entire season and carry out various inspections – this would only raise the costs for exporters. Under the current scenario, there is perhaps only one option.

“We need at least two irradiation plants — one each in Karachi and Multan,” Waheed said. Since one plant costs around $2 million, he said, they asked for the government’s support but the latter did not bother.

Agriculture: Tech developments to help farming sector

The plan is to develop genetic modification expertise for producing high yield/pest resistant crops. PHOTO: AFP/FILE

ISLAMABAD: 

The Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) is developing new technologies which include remote sensing, laser land-leveling, bio-fertilisers and solar tube-wells for enhancing the efficiency in agriculture sector.

The plan is to develop genetic modification expertise for producing high yield/pest resistant crops. MoST will produce, preserve and process fruits and vegetables that satisfy food chain requirements of the international market.

“The ministry will establish facilities for producing quality controlled halal food for Muslim consumers in different parts of the world and will support schemes for modern techniques in poultry, livestock and fish farming,” an official told the media.

Pakistan Council of Science and Technology Chairperson Dr Mudasar Asrar said that despite contributing 20-25% of the GDP and being the mainstay of our economy, it has not been possible, for one reason or the other, to exploit the livestock and agricultural sector to its full potential.

Significantly lower average yields of crops, persistent decrease in the quantity as well as the quality of water available for irrigation, high cost of fertilisers, limited availability of quality certified seeds, weak pest management and large post harvest losses are only some of the factors, limiting the growth of this critical sector, she said.

“Today about 30-35 million people in rural areas are engaged in raising livestock and about a third of their income is generated from selling livestock products.”

Pakistan is still spending a significant amount of foreign exchange on the import of food grains, meat and dairy products, she said

Balochistan to receive big slice of Chinese funds

Commitment: $4.5b is the annual investment China has pledged over the next seven years. PHOTO: FILE

ISLAMABAD: 

After taking operational control of the strategically important deep-sea port of Gwadar, China is focusing on poverty and militancy-stricken province of Balochistan, which will get a major chunk of funds worth $31 billion pledged by Beijing for energy and port expansion projects, sources say.

The government is working on a plan to expand Gwadar Port, which is part of an investment programme set by China for boosting economic activities in Balochistan.

“Of the total investment, Lahore-Karachi motorway, Gwadar Port expansion and integrated development of Gwadar will attract an investment of $11 billion,” a source said.

Gwadar Port has given western China access to the Arabian Sea, which has upset India and the US. Many western and Indian analysts believe that China has intentions to build naval bases there.

However, Chinese authorities insist that Gwadar Port will give western China access to oil supplies from the Gulf and will boost economic activities in Pakistan. Under a long-term plan, China is expected to lay oil and gas pipelines through Gwadar Port to meet its energy needs.

According to sources, the government has also handed over to Pakistan Army the task of providing fool-proof security to Chinese officials in Balochistan in a bid to address Beijing’s concerns and execute the investment plan in the province, which will get 38% of the funds.

In a meeting of the federal cabinet on February 25, it was announced that China had agreed to invest $4.5 billion annually over the next seven years in Pakistan. The premier described it as an unprecedented example where only one country, China, would invest $31.5 billion.

“In the energy sector, 10 projects will be launched in Gadani, Balochistan and six coal projects in Thar, Sindh,” he added.

Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal told the meeting that China had initially approved projects worth $15-20 billion and working groups had been set up in that regard. However, Beijing was concerned over the security situation and called for making improvements.

PPRA rules

Background discussions with officials reveal that Chinese investment would portray a positive picture of Pakistan and help woo investors from around the world. However, China wanted that it be awarded contracts directly.

The Ministry of Water and Power approached the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) to seek advice on direct award of contracts for mega energy projects to foreign companies, investors and sovereign states. But the PPRA turned down the plea.

However, officials point to the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline contract, which was being given directly to Iranian company Tadbir Energy. Apart from this, the government was negotiating a liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply deal with Qatar on a state-to-state basis. The officials suggest the government would have to strike such deals with China as well.

“Pakistan has procured nuclear power plants from China without any bidding and the same model could be followed in order to execute the multi-billion-dollar investment plan,” an official said.

Many countries, like China and Russia, and even foreign private investors were interested in undertaking big energy projects with the offer of financing but they wanted contracts without bidding, the official said.

Maker of Revo talks about its re-launch

If Adam Motor re-launches Revo, then its price would be around Rs600,000 owing to the depreciation of the Pakistani rupee since 2005. PHOTO: ATHAR KHAN/EXPRESS

KARACHI: When the country’s premier expressed a desire for a ‘made in Pakistan’ vehicle at the recently-held auto show in Lahore, he had probably forgotten about Adam Revo — Pakistan’s first locally produced car that made an entry nine years ago.

Among the attentive audience was Feroz Khan, the maker of Revo, who was astonished at the silence of the industry giants present at the Lahore Expo Centre where Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif made the remark.

“I felt hurt when none of my life-long friends stood up and informed the prime minister that Pakistan had already succeeded in producing a local car in 2005,” Khan told The Express Tribune in an interview. “Add to this the maker of that car was sitting right before him in the audience.”

Adam Motors, the makers of Revo, launched the car on April 18, 2005 with high hopes. However, the company sold just 600 units before it broke down owing to a lack of working capital. Former prime minister Shaukat Aziz inaugurated Revo’s plant in 2003, located a few kilometres from Karachi, owing to which most units were sold in the city.

According to Khan, Aziz promised him to buy his car for the government as it was the cheapest in the country. The government could have easily bought 5,000-10,000 cars a year but it never fulfilled its promise and that, according to Khan, was one of the major reasons why the project collapsed.

When launched, Revo’s price was Rs269,000 — cheaper by Rs46,000 when compared to the more popular choice of Suzuki Mehran.

Asked whether he could re-launch Revo, Khan reluctantly said that it could “within 15 months after studying the current needs of the industry”.

Khan’s reluctance to take another risk is understandable. He still owes Rs230 million despite paying a large part of the Rs1-billion debt he accumulated in launching Revo.

If Adam Motor re-launches Revo, then its price would be around Rs600,000 owing to the depreciation of the Pakistani rupee since 2005, Khan said.

The current price of Suzuki Mehran is Rs686,000.

“This is a better time to produce a local car as prices have gone up way too high owing to the expensive imported parts,” said Khan. “But I must say that I am fearful in re-launching Revo because of this country’s politics.”

Despite difficulty in procuring its spare parts, one can still find Revo on roads after all this time.

Those who still use the car say some of the attractive characteristics of Revo are its strong body and spacious interior.

Khan believes Pakistan can achieve more milestones in the future because of the position where its auto industry stands today. However, for that to happen, the local industry needs to work hard especially if it wants to prepare itself for regional competition.

Trade with India

The Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA) and Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts and Accessories Manufacturers (Paapam) needs to work collaboratively if they want to prepare themselves for trade with India, otherwise both would face difficulties, said Khan.

Pakistan’s auto industry also needs to study non-tariff barriers (NTBs) in India and then apply the same if they fail in exporting their parts to India because of them, he added.

“Pakistan can export auto parts to India but then it needs to upgrade its standards such as environment, pollution, vehicle inspection etc,” he stressed.

Microsoft Innovation Center Holds Hackathon Windows 8.1

 

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Microsoft Innovation Center team is quietly working to further the technological advancement of Pakistan. The activities of MIC include mentoring startups and holding workshops and seminars that educate hundreds of people in the country. Most recently, MIC held the Windows 8.1 Hackathon under the banner of Punjab Youth Festival.

The two day event, which will conclude today, saw a massive response both from the students and the developers. More than 1500 people actively responded to the event and the event got almost 419 team registrations.  Yesterday, more than 250 people gathered at the venue, and developed applications for Windows 8.1 store.

Prior to the Hackathon, MIC also held more than 20 sessions in different Universities to educate students about App Development on the Windows platform. Windows Platform is steadily growing and is the third most popular OS in the mobile OS zone. The technical consultants were Shahid Aziz and Usman-ur-Rehman. The team visited Universities in various cities including Lahore, Faisalabad and Bahawalpur.

While the results have not yet been finalized, more than 300 application submissions are expected from the event. The three main categories of the competitions include

• Innovation
• Game Development
• Code for Pakistan

Another special category is reserved for the team/individual who will submit the maximum number of applications to store in this competition. The last date for the participating teams to send in their work for evaluation is 30thMarch and the result is expected around April. The winners will get their hands on the new stylish Lumia 1520 phablet as well other phones from Lumia series including Lumia 1020, 920 and 625!

With such a massive response coming from Pakistani youth, you can expect better Windows applications in the Windows Store. More than that, it encourages students to come together and learn. Later, some participants can even use their skills to start their own company. Events like these help in education of students as well as equipping developers with the right platform where they can exhibit their talent.

Above 7,000 Pakistani women working abroad on prominent posts

About 7,331 Pakistani women were sent abroad for employment during the last five years in different cadres. Official sources said that women have been appointed on important posts including Community Welfare Attaches (CWAs) in Pakistan embassies. These women were posted in Pakistan embassies of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Norway, Italy, Kuwait, Malaysia for resolving the problems of the Pakistanis. Elaborating the responsibilities of CWA, they said, these officials attend the problems promptly and take up issues with the concerned authorities. “Even the legal aid is provided wherever it is required and appropriate action is taken to resolve the issues of overseas”, they said.