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E+T Podcast

E+T Podcast

Join the E+T editorial team as they get behind the headlines and delve deep into the major topics form the latest issues of IET’s E+T Magazine.

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  • 20 episodes
  • monthly
  • Avg 40 min
  • English

Episodes 20

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  • S1 · E24
    July 28 · 41 min

    E+T Podcast: Episode 24 | London’s Robotaxis are finally here, but why did the future take 10 years?

    In this episode of E+T Off the Page, hosts Tim Fry and Jack Loughran sit down with Professor Siddartha Khastgir, head of safe autonomy at WMG, University of Warwick, to explore the real-world arrival of robotaxis on the streets of London. The episode covers why it took a full decade to move from early experiments to commercial driverless fleets, highlighting the immense engineering required to solve the final 5% of safety challenges. Prof Khastgir breaks down the milestone global UN safety regulations and explains why London’s historic, chaotic road network has become the ultimate commercial testbed for autonomous technology. The discussion also dives into the biggest hurdles facing public trust, from cybersecurity "computers on wheels" to debunking the famous Trolley Dilemma. Prof Khastgir also addresses the broader societal impacts, examining how autonomous vehicles can revolutionise accessibility, elevate job quality across the transport sector, and why human driving will always have a place on the road.

  • S1 · E23
    June 18 · 41 min

    E+T Podcast: Episode 23 | Is the future of clean energy hiding 5km underground?

    Is deep geothermal energy the missing piece in the UK’s green transition? In this episode of E+T Off the Page, hosts Tim Fryer and Jack Loughran sit down with Dr. Ryan Law, CEO of Geothermal Engineering Limited, to look inside the UK's first operational deep geothermal power plant at United Downs in Cornwall. The episode covers how geothermal energy succeeds as a reliable, green, 24/7 base-load power source where intermittent options like wind and solar face daily challenges. Dr. Law also explains the massive "lithium bonus," detailing how extracting critical minerals directly from deep geothermal fluids is completely reshaping the economic landscape of clean energy. The discussion also dives into the real-world logistics of deep-earth engineering, exploring the unique financial, planning, and scaling hurdles facing the industry in the UK today.

  • May 12 · 19 min

    Sponsored | E+T Audio Article: The revised wiring regs - and why they matter

    The IET’s Wiring Regulations BS 7671, colloquially known as the wiring regs, are a constantly evolving body of work and its latest iteration was launched in April 2026. It contains substantive changes in areas such as batteries, medical environments and power over Ethernet. E+T asked Mark Coles, head of technical regulations at the IET, to both explain the background to the update and summarise the key changes in the latest revision, and what practical changes they will make to the world of the electrical designer, installer and maintainer of electrical installations. This article also touches on the evolution of the wiring regs and the need for regular revisions to ensure the electrical world is a safe world. The print version of this article appeared in the May/June issue of E+T.

  • S1 · E22
    April 16 · 45 min

    E+T Podcast: Episode 22 | The evolution of mapping and its role in tomorrow’s technology

    What does it mean to map the future? In this episode, E+T regulars Tim Fryer and Jack Loughran are joined by Tom Gray from Ordnance Survey to explore how mapping has evolved into a critical layer of modern technology. Now largely digital, Ordnance Survey’s data is constantly updated - capturing everything from major infrastructure projects to small, everyday changes - and powering systems far beyond traditional navigation. The conversation looks at how tools like AI and machine vision are enhancing mapping, and how geospatial data is being used to plan EV charging networks, support autonomous vehicles, and optimise infrastructure like data centres. They also dig into the National Underground Asset Register and the challenges of mapping what lies beneath our feet, before touching on the future of fully digitised road networks and national-scale digital twins. A concise look at how mapping underpins the technologies shaping modern Britain - and what comes next.

  • S1 · E21
    February 19 · 36 min

    Is AI ready to replace the human touch in films and TV?

    Artificial intelligence has already transformed how we watch, listen and scroll — but is it about to reshape how entertainment is actually made? In this episode, E+T regulars Tim Fryer and Jack Loughran are joined by Sarah Atkinson, professor of screen media at King’s College London, to explore how AI is filtering into storytelling, production and performance. From Netflix algorithms and virtual actors to deepfakes, holograms and interactive cinema experiments, they examine whether AI is a creative partner, a cost-cutting disruptor, or a threat to already fragile creative careers. The conversation ranges from the legacy of early interactive film experiments to modern tools like generative video, asking whether audiences really want adaptive narratives — or simply better stories. As AI promises faster post-production and lower barriers to entry, could it democratise filmmaking and diversify voices, or will it accelerate job losses and homogenise culture? And in an industry built on illusion, does it matter if the magic is human-made? With Hollywood strikes, ethical concerns and education systems struggling to keep pace, the episode asks a bigger question: is AI the next evolutionary step in entertainment — or just another cinematic gimmick that will fade when the novelty wears off? “On one side, there’s very much a fear narrative. But then on the opposite scale, you have experimentation and eagerness to use this new tool to actually improve and enhance creativity.”

  • S1 · E20
    February 5 · 43 min

    Rebuilding Venezuela’s oil sector: are there any takers?

    Venezuela sits on some of the largest oil reserves on the planet — but after years of nationalisation, sanctions, brain drain and crumbling infrastructure, is that oil actually worth the trouble? In this episode, we step away from the politics and dig into the realities of reviving Venezuela’s oil industry. What would it take to get production back online? Who would invest, who would take the risk, and how long would it really take to make a difference to global oil markets? Joining the discussion alongside E+T regulars Tim Fryer and Jack Loughran is Alan Gelder, senior vice president of refining, chemicals and oil markets at Wood Mackenzie, who brings a clear-eyed view of the technical, financial and geopolitical hurdles — from heavy crude and broken refineries to sanctions, emissions, and investor confidence. Is Venezuela a future energy powerhouse waiting to be unlocked — or an uninvestable headache in a world already awash with oil? "Resources that are in unstable regimes that look like they’re very costly to develop and also have a very high emissions intensity, don’t go to the top of the list.”

  • S1 · E19
    January 14 · 44 min

    A year of voluntary change

    What difference can a President make in a year at the helm of the IET? How do individual agendas fit in with the overall strategy of the IET? And how do you measure success? These are some of the issues E+T's editor Tim Fryer put to the new President of the IET Dawn Ohlson. The conversation highlighted the importance to the IET of volunteering and why this is core to Dawn's objectives for the year.

  • S1 · E18
    Nov 10, 2025 · 50 min

    Have we got the materials to support the EV revolution?

    Electric Vehicles are seen as part of a sustainable future, but irrespective of affordability and appeal, are there more fundamental issues facing the electrification of the car fleet? Have we optimised the technology and, more specifically, do we have the resources to fulfil future requirements? Essential materials are not always abundant. E+T’s Tim Fryer and Jack Loughran discussed the issues with Louis Piper, Professor of Electrochemical Materials at WMG, University of Warwick.

  • S3 · E1
    Oct 23, 2025 · 36 min

    How ABB is advancing Top Industrial Efficiency with Large Motors & Generators | ABB Podcast

    Join ABB and E&T Magazine as we explore how ABB Large Motors and Generators are helping industries reach new levels of energy efficiency and performance. Learn more about ABB’s Top Industrial Efficiency (TIE) campaign and how our technology solutions can help optimise your operations. Explore the full TIE story: https://new.abb.com/motors-generators/top-industrial-efficiency For more information contact ABB. Follow ABB for more insights visit: https://www.abb.com/motors-generators https://www.youtube.com/ABB https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/abb-motion/

  • S1 · E17
    Oct 2, 2025 · 40 min

    Is communication the key to solving Britain's housing crisis?

    In this episode of E+T of the Page, Tim Fry, Jack Loughran, Tanya Weaver, and guest Oliver Deed, co-founder of communications consultancy ECF, explore why public opinion and the built environment are often at odds—and how better communication could help bridge the gap. The discussion ranges from the challenges of planning major infrastructure and housing projects to the role of developers in ensuring local communities are happy with their projects. From HS2 to local housing schemes, the conversation highlights how trust, transparency, and genuine dialogue can turn conflict into solutions and help ease Britain’s housing shortage.

  • S1 · E16
    Aug 14, 2025 · 37 min

    Inside the future of medical implants – from spinal cord breakthroughs to brain stimulation

    From the first pacemakers of the 1950s to cutting-edge brain and spinal cord stimulation, implantable medical devices have come a long way – but the real breakthroughs might still be ahead. In this episode of Off The Page, E&T’s Tim Fryer and Jack Loughran speak with Professor Nick Donaldson of University College London about the science, engineering, and ethics behind modern implants. We explore how bioelectronic medicine could transform treatment for spinal injuries, chronic pain, mental illness, and inflammatory diseases – and why regulation, cost, and complexity still stand in the way. From restoring lost movement to the possibility of “programmable” implants for a range of conditions, we discuss what’s real, what’s next, and what it will take to bring these innovations to patients.

  • S1 · E15
    Jul 29, 2025 · 37 min

    Is gaming tech on the brink of a new golden age?

    The pace of gaming innovation between the years 1990 and 2010 saw a drastic shift from 2d sprites moving linearly across flat landscapes to fully-realised 3D worlds presenting an almost limitless array of gameplay options. But as development costs skyrocket and physical hardware reaches its limits, the question becomes: where does gaming go from here? Have we now entered an era of diminishing returns where AAA games cost more than your average Hollywood film only to deliver a set of experiences that are long familiar to seasoned gamers? Or do promising technologies like AI, virtual reality, 5G and ray tracing offer a glimpse into a future of possibilities that gamers can only imagine? These are the topics discussed in this podcast with our special guest, Dr Mariza Dima. If you want to hear more from Mariza, she has her own podcast, Mixed Reality in Culture, that can be found here: https://open.spotify.com/show/7m4PtmI26UaeabUUMLh8ph

  • S1 · E14
    Jun 19, 2025 · 29 min

    Are we making smart choices for our cities?

    The Smart City movement began when the enabling digital technology allowed a level of communication that made lives better for those living in the urban environment. But some of the impetus was lost as the technology was taken for granted. However, recent developments appear to be allowing more tangible progress now - our cities could be getting smarter again!

  • S1 · E13
    May 27, 2025 · 48 min

    Is the space industry doing more harm than good?

    While most of us agree that it is not, there are issues causing increasing concern. Rocket launches, space debris and obsolete space equipment burning up on re-entry all have environmental consequences down here as well as up there. Should we be more careful with our space endeavours?

  • S1 · E12
    Apr 10, 2025 · 42 min

    Ukraine's hidden threat: Tackling the landmine crisis

    In this episode of E+T: Off the Page, the team explores the growing landmine crisis in Ukraine, now the most heavily mined country in the world after three years of war with Russia. Host Tim Fryerspeaks with Michael Nevard, director of capability at the Halo Trust, about the devastating impact of landmines on civilians and the long-term challenges of de-mining. The discussion focuses on how Halo employs local Ukrainians to safely clearmines to help communities reclaim their land. Nevard also explains how land mine technology has evolved, which can make detection and removal increasingly complex. The conversation also highlights the broader, global issue of landmine contamination, referencing Cambodia, Syria,and Afghanistan, where decades-old mines still maim civilians. In addition, the team explores the financial and logistical hurdles of de-mining, while stressing its humanitarian and economic benefits.

  • S1 · E11
    Mar 4, 2025 · 50 min

    Forever Chemicals - Are they an environmental disaster in progress?

    Hosted by: Tim Fryer and Tanya Weaver Special Guest: Stephanie Metzger, Policy Advisor at the Royal Society of Chemistry. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances - better known as PFAS or Forever Chemicals, are incredibly useful. They are so good at repelling water, oil and heat that they are used in a multitude of everyday applications. However, there is evidence linking them to serious health issues including cancers and, as the name Forever Chemicals suggests, they are very difficult to get rid of. So how are we going to engineer our way out of this problem? Regulars Tim Fryer and Tanya Weaver are joined by guest Stephanie Metzger, Policy Advisor at the Royal Society of Chemistry.

  • S1 · E10
    Feb 13, 2025 · 41 min

    Are we losing engineers due to burnout?

    Hosted by: Tim Fryer, Jack Loughran and Tanya Weaver Special Guest: Simon Swales, Senior Consultant, Mindset Practice Engineers don’t have it easy. Barely manageable workloads, zero tolerance towards making mistakes, frequently morphing into roles that go beyond their engineering roots - like management, finances, logistics etc - excessive travel and yet solitary nature of the task - all are contributorary factors in making engineering a mentally tough occupation. It is no surprise then that engineer burnout is not just a recognisable condition, but a growing problem. In this podcast we discuss why it is problem that can no longer be ignored. Regulars Tim Fryer, Jack Loughran and Tanya Weaver are joined by guest Simon Swales, Senior Consultant, Mindset Practice

  • S1 · E9
    Jan 16, 2025 · 42 min

    Is the AI bubble about to burst?

    While Artificial Intelligence is on everyone's lips as the key to the development of just about everything, more practical issues are resulting in a re-evaluation of where the technology might take us. Public uptake and trepidation on the user side are added to by energy consumption, LLM limitations and profitability on the technology development side. All this and more is discussed in the latest E+T Off The Page podcast. Regulars Jack Loughran and Tanya Weaver are joined by guest Julie Wall, Professor of AI & Advanced Computing, University of West London.

  • S1 · E8
    Dec 3, 2024 · 38 min

    Trump's America - what does it mean for the global tech sector?

    Few modern day politicians are as divisive as Donald Trump - but what does his forthcoming presidency mean for the tech sector, both in the US and around the world? Will import tariffs kill trade and result in hyper inflation? Or will they stimulate the tech manufacturing sector within the USA? Will removing red tape help innovation, particularly in areas such as AI, where a tech race is on with China? And will the climate change process take a hit if Trump pulls America out of the Paris Agreement. Regulars Tim Fryer and Tanya Weaver form the E+T editorial team discussed all this with Paul Dempsey, long-time American correspondent and geopolitical expert on the technology and engineering sector.

  • S1 · E7
    Oct 23, 2024 · 38 min

    The ethics and economics - does space tourism stack up?

    This episode of E+T: Off the Page looks into the divisive world of space tourism. Regular contributors Tim Fryer, Jack Loughran and Tanya Weaver are joined by Dr Simon Foster from Imperial College London to discuss whether space tourism has a sustainable, meaningful future, or if it’s just an extravagant venture for the wealthy. The engages in thoughtful debate on whether space tourism can inspire a new generation toward STEM or if its environmental impact and exclusivity overshadow any potential benefits. The conversation also weaves through the evolution of rocket technology, from Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic flights to Elon Musk's reusable rockets at SpaceX and explores the current ticket prices, environmental consequences, and regulatory complexities surrounding private space flights.

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