Subjects: Technology

Rotterdam is Europe’s busiest port. Watch as the most powerful tugboats in the world tow gargantuan container ships and tankers through the narrow channels of the hectic harbour. Then, in order to avert another disaster from flooding the Dutch have invented a whole new way of constructing homes: they float! Find out how the world’s largest flower auction sells over 20 million flowers and plants every day. Finally, come for a ride in the world’s fastest road-car, the Donkervoort, which can go from 0-100 in 3.6 seconds

This hour delves into Spanish science on the sea, the road and even the dance floor. Take a ride on Europe’s fastest and newest roller coaster. Explore the cutting-edge weather monitoring system unveiled at this year’s America’s Cup sailing race where success and even survival depend on the weather. See how cutting-edge technology is streamlining an historic building project: Gaudi’s stunning Sagrada Familia Cathedral was begun in 1882 based on complex and innovative geometry, and is still decades away from being finished. Also don’t miss a Spanish Supercar, the world’s biggest nightclub, and the first ever solar power tower.

Switzerland is a tiny country making a huge impact in the world of science and technology. Visit the world’s biggest science experiment, taking place in a circular tunnel 27 km across, 100m below Geneva. Called the Large Hadron Collider it will be used to propel particles until they collide at high speeds, giving up secrets about the very nature of our universe. Fly with Yves Rossy as he jumps out of an airplane and then gains altitude via a homemade rocket-propelled “wing” strapped to his back. Other highlights include the construction of the longest railway tunnel in the world, an automotive visionary and his wildly creative concept cars, and a look behind the scenes at the biggest fireworks display in Europe.

Focusing on the western half of the country, this fascinating special takes a closer look at how American scientists and engineers are leading the way in aviation, shipbuilding and civil engineering. San Francisco’s quake-prone Bay Bridge is undergoing a mega safety upgrade that will see half the bridge demolished and replaced with the longest self-anchored suspension span in the world. Follow the logistical ballet of unloading tens of thousands of containers every day at the nation’s busiest port. Join the Air Force on an unusual rescue mission as they fly a zoo elephant from Alaska to retirement in California on board a C-17, the only aircraft big enough for the job. Other engineering marvels include the first football stadium in North America with a retractable playing field and a Volkswagen Beetle souped-up with a jet engine for an extra 1350 horsepower.

A whole continent in one country, Australia is a vast landscape best known for its natural beauty. It is also a place where technological and scientific innovation thrives. Highlights include the manufacturing of the world’s biggest truck. Called a “road train”, this monster is a unique solution to moving goods across the vast Australian landscape. Take a ride on the world’s biggest motorcycle as rolls right over a mobile home, and go deep into the “Super Pit” – the biggest open pit gold mine in the country where up to 28 tons of gold is blasted out of the rock every year.

Discover cutting edge innovations in science and technology from across the Great White North. Step inside the state-of-the-art facilities where Canada’s coolest and fastest aerospace and transportation exports are developed, manufactured and tested. Other possible stories include diamond mining in the Northwest Territories, and the epic ice road that must be built every year to haul the 300,000 tons of fuel, explosives, steel and concrete needed to operate the mines.

Industrious and innovative, Germany is an engineering powerhouse! From resurfacing a busy airport runway in mere hours to a tractor/tank hybrid designed to safely clear landmines, the country’s top scientists, engineers, designers and inventors are leading the charge into the 21st century. See how Deutschland’s innovations are changing the world we live in. Other stories include the world’s most automated port, a transparent car factory, putting the brakes on a superfast jet, and the legendary Nurburgring racetrack.