-
- News
- Books
Featured Books
- smt007 Magazine
Latest Issues
Current IssueComing to Terms With AI
In this issue, we examine the profound effect artificial intelligence and machine learning are having on manufacturing and business processes. We follow technology, innovation, and money as automation becomes the new key indicator of growth in our industry.
Box Build
One trend is to add box build and final assembly to your product offering. In this issue, we explore the opportunities and risks of adding system assembly to your service portfolio.
IPC APEX EXPO 2024 Pre-show
This month’s issue devotes its pages to a comprehensive preview of the IPC APEX EXPO 2024 event. Whether your role is technical or business, if you're new-to-the-industry or seasoned veteran, you'll find value throughout this program.
- Articles
- Columns
Search Console
- Links
- Events
||| MENU - smt007 Magazine
Tomography System Uncovers Ancient Secrets
June 2, 2006 |Estimated reading time: 1 minute
HERTS, U.K. — X-Tek Systems is using its imaging equipment to uncover the use of a mysterious calculation device discovered in a shipwreck in the Greek islands. Teaming with international universities, the company is using the equivalent of its body scanner to determine the secrets behind the Antikythera Mechanism, a 2,000-year-old astronomical calculation device that is possibly more advanced than any other mechanism for at least a thousand years after its manufacture in about 100 B.C.
The artifact was discovered in 1900 A.D., contains more than 30 gear wheels and dials, and is covered in astronomical inscriptions. Scientists suspect the mechanism was used to demonstrate the motion of the sun, moon, and plants; or to calculate calendars and astrological events. X-Tek offered its 7.5-ton, 400-kV microfocus Computed Tomography System to examine the shoe-box-size artifact. X-Tek's equipment has allowed scientists to view inscriptions inside the device; and work can continue on counting the gear teeth and deciphering the inscriptions.
A conclusion on the mechanism's purpose is anticipated after examination of the data. The Antikythera Research Project is a joint program between Cardiff University, Athens University, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, the National Archaeological Museum of Athens, X-Tek Group, and Hewlett-Packard U.S.A., funded by the Leverhulme Foundation.