Saudi Arabia unveiled the Riyadh Metro, the longest driverless transit system in the world, spanning 176 km (109 miles) with 85 stations across the capital city. The metro, which connects key business, cultural, and residential districts, is set to revolutionize public transportation in Riyadh. Once fully operational, the network will carry up to 3.6 million passengers daily and reduce CO2 emissions by 12.5 million tons annually.

The Riyadh Metro features 69 Alstom Metropolis trains and 47 Innovia Metro trains, all electric and fully automated. Notable stations include the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) Metro Station, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, which boasts an eye-catching exterior and climate-conscious design to combat Riyadh’s extreme summer heat. The metro's advanced systems ensure smooth, safe operations, including automatic train door openings and real-time passenger information. This massive project is part of Saudi Arabia's broader efforts to modernize its infrastructure and position itself as a futuristic tourist destination.

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SpaceX reached a major milestone on December 4, 2024, with the successful launch of 20 Starlink satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. This deployment completes the first direct-to-cell phone constellation, enabling unmodified cellphones to access internet connectivity in remote areas. While the initial bandwidth per beam is limited to ~10Mb, future Starlink constellations are expected to offer greater capabilities. The Falcon 9 rocket’s first stage also returned to Earth after a flawless landing on the droneship "Of Course I Still Love You." With this achievement, SpaceX now has 6,799 operational Starlink satellites, including 330 direct-to-cell capable ones.

Image credit: SpaceX

Tesla has unveiled a new design for vehicle wiring harness connectors, aiming to revolutionize the automotive industry by promoting standardization. The initiative, led by Tesla's Global VP Tao Lin, could simplify over 200 connector types into six standard interfaces, addressing more than 90% of power and signal needs.

This breakthrough promises significant cost reductions, enhanced production efficiency, and lower failure rates. Tesla invites automakers and suppliers to collaborate, driving innovation and automation in one of the least standardized sectors in automotive manufacturing.

The move could reshape the industry, fostering smarter and more sustainable production practices.

BMW Motorrad has introduced the BMW R 12 S, a new addition to its Heritage range that pays homage to the iconic R 90 S from 1973. The R 12 S brings the spirit of the original into the modern era with advanced technology and refined design. Inspired by the legendary R 90 S Daytona Orange, the R 12 S features Lavaorange metallic paint, a handlebar-mounted cockpit fairing, and brushed aluminum surfaces, all complemented by retro touches like the red-laid "S" emblem.

The motorcycle includes high-quality equipment such as Option 719 Classic II wheels and the Comfort Package, which offers conveniences like Hill Start Control, heated grips, and cruise control. For added safety, the adaptive cornering lights in the Headlight Pro provide better visibility during night rides.

Customization is a key feature, with a wide range of accessories available, including titanium exhaust systems, short rear-end options, and digital micro-TFT displays. The BMW R 12 S not only celebrates the racing heritage of the R 90 S, known for its victories at Daytona and the Isle of Man TT, but also delivers a modern, sporty retro experience for today's riders.

Liebherr-Aerospace has officially joined the Digital Alliance, a partnership between Airbus, Delta TechOps, and GE Aerospace, aimed at advancing predictive maintenance technology. By leveraging Liebherr's cutting-edge algorithms and trend monitoring applications, the alliance seeks to minimize operational disruptions and reduce "no fault found" scenarios.

Liebherr's expertise will now integrate with Airbus's Skywise platform, connecting data from approximately 11,700 aircraft as of late 2024. This addition enhances health management systems for Airbus fleets, improving both planned and unplanned maintenance while boosting overall aircraft availability.

Joël Cadaux, Director of Business & Services at Liebherr-Aerospace, highlighted the potential of this collaboration to meet the industry's evolving needs through combined analytics and OEM expertise.

Looking ahead, the Digital Alliance plans to expand predictive maintenance capabilities for Airbus A220 and A350 platforms in 2025, marking a significant step forward in aerospace innovation and operational efficiency.