Sandwell youngsters will be able to take advantage of innovative state-of-the-art TechPlay craft sessions at some of the borough’s libraries during the summer holidays.

The TechPlay sessions – made possible thanks to £85,000 of funding from Arts Council England – use virtual reality headsets, iPad tablets, 3D doodler pens and robotic kits.

The aim is for children aged eight and above to have fun as well as developing their skills using technology.

There will be drop-in sessions in the six town libraries of Blackheath, Oldbury, Smethwick, Tipton, Wednesbury, and Central Library West Bromwich.

All sessions are free, and are being run by the LearnPlay Foundation, who have great experience in working with children and young people.

Councillor Richard Marshall, cabinet member for leisure, said: “It’s great news that we are able to offer these sessions as a result of our successful bid to Arts Council England.

“This is a great opportunity for children to have fun with new technology that might otherwise be unavailable to them.

“Our libraries are offering a wide selection of activities during the summer for all ages, so I would urge parents and children at alike to check out what’s going on at their local library.”

The TechPlay sessions are as follows and run from 10.30am-1pm, and 2pm-4.30pm

Blackheath Library: Monday 31 July/Monday 7 August/Monday 14 August/Friday 1 September

Wednesbury Library: Tuesday 1 August/Tuesday 8 August/Monday 21 August/Tuesday 29 August

Tipton Library: Wednesday 2 August/Wednesday 16/Wednesday 23 August/Wednesday 30 August

Central Library: Thursday 3 August/Wednesday 9 August/Friday 18 August/Friday 25 August

Oldbury Library: Friday 4 August/Friday 11 August/Tuesday 15 August//Tuesday 22 August

Smethwick Library: Thursday 10 August/Thursday 17 August/Thursday 24 August/Thursday 31 August

For more information, contact any Sandwell Library.

The future of construction technology will be unveiled at this year’s Plantworx exhibition (6-8 June), thanks to two game-changing feature launches from Mecalac Construction Equipment UK Ltd (formerly Terex GB).

The progressive manufacturer will launch a front-facing Hazard Detection system for its market-leading site dumper portfolio, developed in partnership with Vision Techniques, alongside introducing Capture – an innovative telematics tracking package provided by Trakm8.

Hazard Detection

Bringing award-winning automotive technology to the construction site, Mecalac’s Hazard Detection solution features ‘SensorVision: Drive’ from Vision Techniques. Using a microwave radar, the system provides flawless obstacle detection and is unique to the construction industry.

The system comprises a stainless steel radar unit and audio visual display which are able to detect potential obstacles from three customisable detection zones. To cover all scenarios, sensitivity has been pre-set to avoid false alarm signals arising from uneven ground or other objects that do not constitute a hazard.

The new technology comes as part of a wider strategic commitment to leading the way in on-site safety, delivering next-generation solutions for the future of construction.

Capture – intelligent telematics

Capture is Mecalac’s innovative telematics solution, developed in partnership with fleet tracking specialist Trakm8. Allowing hire firms and site managers to monitor unit location, distance travelled and hours completed each day, the state-of-the-art system provides detailed equipment insight at the touch of a button.

As well as providing remote maintenance capability, integration with the ECU offers access to real-time fuel consumption data logs, service planning functionality and geo-fencing reporting to within three metres.

Paul Macpherson, Sales & Marketing Director at Mecalac Construction Equipment UK Ltd, commented: “As a market-leader in the design, development and manufacture of site dumpers, we continue to innovate – developing state-of-the-art features to suit ever-changing market requirements.

“Plantworx provides a great platform to engage with highly-experienced operators. With representatives from across the Mecalac dealer network joining us on stand, we can’t wait to showcase our vision for the future and demonstrate that we really are ‘better together’.”

In addition to launching the new technologies, Mecalac will also reveal three new products – the eagerly-awaited TLB870 backhoe loader, 2017 TV1200 tandem roller and all-new single-drum roller trailer. The manufacturer will also use Plantworx to unveil its game-changing wheeled-excavator concept – the MWR – to the UK market, as well as launch Mecalac Financial Solutions.

The University of Wolverhampton is putting on a festival to spark interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).

SCI-FEST, now in its sixth year of running, plays host to school pupils of all ages from around the region ranging from those studying STEM subjects at primary school, GCSE, A Level and BTEC levels.

A family day will also be held at the City Campus in Wolverhampton on Saturday 1^st July 2017 between 10.00 am and 4.00 pm, offering a range of free workshops, experiments, games and drop-in activities – all designed to bring STEM subjects to life.  All ages are welcome.

Titan the Robot will be putting on performances at 11.30 am, 12.30 pm and 3.00 pm; there will be Fizz Pop Science, face painting, forensic games, rocket cars on display, coding and maths games as well as a petting zoo with a chance to meet guide dogs.

Building games will be on offer in the Springfield zone where children will get the chance to make badges and buildings.  Science Shack is putting on a performance of ‘Blastermind’ – a Mastermind-style theatre show quizzing the greatest science minds of all time – tickets are still available.

Professor Nazira Karodia, Dean of the Faculty of Science & Engineering at the University, said: “The idea behind SCI-FEST is to engage the community and showcase that science and technology is exciting and fun.  We hope that, as well as enjoying what is on offer, people will learn something new as well.

“The University is investing over £100 million in new facilities for its Science and Engineering Faculty and interest in our STEM courses is increasing every year.  Our aim through SCI-FEST is to showcase the range of subjects we offer while at the same time offering a day of family fun.”

The average British adult spends an average of 57 minutes on their gadgets in bed before going to sleep, according to new research.

A third (32%) of Britons fall trap to watching television in bed, revealed research of 1,012 UK adults carried out by gadgets and technology e-tailer, LaptopsDirect.co.uk. The device most commonly used by Brits in bed was unsurprisingly smartphones, with 68% using them from the comfort of their duvet.

1 in 5 (19%) use their tablet before sleeping, 14% admitted to listening to music in bed, while 8% confessed to playing on games consoles.

Mark Kelly, marketing manager at LaptopsDirect.co.uk said “It is interesting to see just how many Brits will postpone sleep to play on their devices in bed. Gadgets are great and can be really fun but using them right before sleep can be a little disruptive to sleep quality

Those aged 18-24 were most likely to use tech in bed, racking up an average of 71 minutes in front of the screen.

More than half (56%) have a morning alarm set on their smartphone, while 22% use some form of technology or app to monitor their sleep.

Kelly added, “Technology such as smartphone apps and fitness bands can also be used to measure the quality of sleep and help us nod off when we struggle to sleep. The advancements in technology and its increased accessibility mean that we are able to get a better insight into our sleeping habits once we have closed our eyes.”

Over seven million adult Brits (14 per cent) have used someone else’s Wi-Fi because they cannot afford their own, according to new research from Santander UK, which also reveals that millions are putting their online security at risk while trying to save money.

The study found that five per cent of people have ‘borrowed’ Wi-Fi from their neighbours (regardless of permission) because they couldn’t afford their own, rising to 14 per cent for those aged 18 to 34 years. Five per cent (11 per cent for 18 to 34 year olds) have spent time in a café or shop with free Wi-Fi without ordering or buying anything. And three per cent of people have jumped on an unknown, unsecured Wi-Fi when out and about.

While data security is a concern for over half (52 per cent) of individuals when using someone else’s Wi-Fi such as in an airport or a shop (rising to 60 per cent for those living in London), the need to ‘get online’ and take advantage of a free connection appears to take priority over concerns about unsecure networks. Despite acknowledging the risks, 17 per cent of those with security concerns are willing to use Wi-Fi hotspots if they ‘need’ to check their social media profiles or download shop or restaurant discount codes. And 19 per cent put aside their worries to use an unsecured network for work.

Meanwhile, Santander’s research showed that over a quarter (26 per cent) of British adults, and 49 per cent of those in the 18-34 year old age group have carried out financial transactions on their phone using an unsecured Wi-Fi network. This includes checking balances, making transfers and inputting bank or credit card details to make purchases.

Over the past ten years, the cost of phone and broadband bills has increased by 24 per cent, putting financial pressure on consumers. Bills are made worse for the three in ten Brits (30 per cent) who say they go over their data allowance, with six per cent doing so every month. Those topping up data spend an average of £16 per month – a collective £212 million.

Matt Hall, Head of Banking and Unsecured Credit at Santander, said: “Mobile phones are such an important part of life these days, but many people appear to struggle with the associated costs. While ‘piggybacking’ someone else’s Wi-Fi might seem like a good way to save a few pounds, consumers are risking their online security by doing so.

“Whether it’s a private or a public connection, we urge internet users not to make financial transactions using unsecured networks. Consumers should look to manage their data costs by carefully reviewing their contracts and payment plans, double checking the small print for things like extra charges for non-direct debit payments and being careful not to go over their data limits.

“And a final word of caution - consumers should be aware that borrowing Wi-Fi without permission is potentially a criminal offence.”

According to the results of a recent survey carried out by the British Chambers of Commerce, businesses across the UK are still without reliable broadband connections, despite companies saying the availability of fully functioning broadband is extremely important to their operations.

Within the local West Midlands region, all companies surveyed (99%) stated that a reliable broadband connection is important, (84% say extremely so), yet more than one in five (22%) suffer from unreliable connections (12% not very reliable; 11% not at all reliable).

Furthermore, the survey suggests that more reliable broadband connections would allow businesses to do more. For instance, more than half of businesses (51%) say if the reliability of their broadband connection was improved it would allow them to use more applications, particularly those relating to the transfer of large files (27%), cloud-based services (24%), and internet telephony services (18%).

Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Business communities across the UK still report that our digital infrastructure is not fit for purpose. Throughout the country, significant numbers of companies of every size and sector lack reliable internet connectivity – a basic requirement for businesses to operate efficiently in today’s world.

“Unreliable connections stunt productivity, causing needless delays, costs and frustration. While businesses in every corner of the UK are affected, our research shows that rural areas and small businesses that are most likely to suffer. An unreliable connection acts as an obstacle to growth, and puts those firms most in need of support at a competitive disadvantage.

“We’ve been calling on both providers and government for years to fund the necessary upgrades required to deliver superfast broadband to business communities. Regulators, too, must ensure that firms actually get the quality and speeds of connection they are promised. While we welcome recent ministerial announcements about investing in 5G technology and efforts to build a world-class digital infrastructure in the UK, there is still a long way to go in getting the basics right. The immediate focus must be on providing all companies with connections that are reliable and of sufficient speed, which would boost business confidence and encourage firms to maximise opportunities for growth, trade and investment.”

Corin Crane, Chief Executive of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, commented: “Following a consultation that we held in November 2016, the Black Country Chamber of Commerce has identified improvements in digital infrastructure as being a key area of development for the local business community. The fact that more than one in five companies in the region suffer with unreliable internet connections is unacceptable.

“Moreover, local businesses have an insatiable appetite for growth, which is seemingly being hampered by inadequate technology that is quite often beyond their control, with more than half of those surveyed telling us that improved connectivity would help to facilitate their ambitions for growth. Therefore, we are calling for increased investment in digital infrastructure, as well as transport infrastructure, so that we can work to get the Black Country moving again.”