A team of scientists will develop high-tech tools to explore cyanobacteria in lakes across the East Coast. The project combines big data, artificial intelligence, and robotics with new techniques for lake sampling to understand where and how cyanobacterial blooms develop.
Researchers have developed a new kind of robotics that can assemble large structures from identical subunits using simple robotic systems. The system works by having the robot work together with the structure, adjusting its position as it adds each piece, allowing for efficient and precise assembly.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Robotics and Automation Letters·DateOct 16, 2019
The new material combines liquid metal and shape-morphing rubber, exhibiting adaptability and responsiveness to environmental changes. It also shows resilience and can detect damage, making it suitable for various applications in healthcare, wearables, and robots.
SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 10, 2019
Researchers at U.S. Army Research Laboratory have made significant breakthroughs in developing artificial nanomotors inspired by biological molecules, which can harness Brownian motion for efficient energy production. These advancements aim to create faster, more versatile robots with improved autonomy and stealth capabilities.
SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalJournal of Biomechanical Engineering·DateOct 9, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A team of researchers is working on understanding the agility of hummingbirds to develop robotic systems that can mimic their complex escape maneuvers. By studying the aerodynamics, perception, motion planning, and control of hummingbird flight, the team hopes to create robots that can achieve high agility in fluid environments.
Researchers designed a new structural design method that can transform flat layers into predetermined shapes in response to ambient temperature changes. The new structures can achieve complex configurations, such as transforming into a human face shape.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 30, 2019
Scientists create a soft, flexible artificial skin made of silicone and electrodes that can replicate the human sense of touch. The skin provides real-time pressure and vibration feedback to enhance rehabilitation and virtual reality applications.
SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalSoft Robotics·DateSep 27, 2019
Researchers created the world's most realistic model of the human hand's musculoskeletal system using MRI and visual effects techniques. This breakthrough has implications for computer graphics, prosthetics, medical education, robotics, and virtual reality.
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
Researchers created robots entirely from smaller robots called smarticles, unlocking a new locomotion technique. The smarticles can form structures and move in response to stimuli, allowing them to navigate mazes and even change their shapes.
SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalScience Robotics·DateSep 18, 2019
Researchers developed Tunabot to better understand fish propulsion, which could lead to faster, more efficient propulsion systems for underwater vehicles. The robot's design was informed by studies of yellowfin tuna and mackerel, and its performance data sets a high standard for the field of fish robotics.
SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalScience Robotics·DateSep 18, 2019
The new technology distributes decision-making throughout a stretchable material by sensing, computing, and responding without centralized processing. This approach holds promise for use in soft robotics and prosthetic devices, mimicking the decentralized brain of octopuses.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 13, 2019
Researchers develop new approach combining individual finger control and automation to improve grasping and manipulation for amputees. The technology uses machine learning and sensor data to interpret user intention and automate object grasp.
SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateSep 11, 2019
The 'Flying Fish' robot uses a water-reactive chemical reaction to create gas, which propels it out of the water and into a glide of up to 26 meters. The robot can travel long distances without additional power, making it suitable for collecting water samples in hazardous environments.
SourceImperial College London·JournalScience Robotics·DateSep 11, 2019
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.
Four researchers from Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia have been awarded ERC Starting grants to develop collaborative robotics and biotechnologies. Their projects aim to improve human-robot interactions, create new solar energy storage methods, and enhance immunotherapies using genetically modified T cells.
SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·DateSep 3, 2019
Researchers from KAIST have created an ultrathin artificial muscle that expands, contracts, and rotates using electricity, opening doors for applications in wearable electronics and advanced prosthetics. The actuator is flexible, durable, and highly responsive, with a durability of over five hours.
SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalScience Robotics·DateAug 21, 2019
A soft robotic exosuit can assist both walking and running by detecting the wearer's gait and providing appropriate assistance, reducing metabolic costs of walking and running by 9.3% and 4.0%, respectively. The device weighs only 11 pounds and enables a near-seamless transition between gaits.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 15, 2019
Researchers argue that robots must understand the reason behind their actions to work alongside people safely and effectively. This shift in thinking is necessary as automation increases and human-robot interaction grows.
SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateAug 12, 2019
The Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory has developed dynamic vision sensors that can interpret live information in real-time, revolutionizing robotics and autonomous vehicle sensing. Additionally, researchers are using additive manufacturing techniques to unlock new potential in tungsten for fusion energy, while also ...
SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateAug 1, 2019
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.
A new insect-sized robot created by UC Berkeley researchers can scurry across the floor at nearly the speed of a cockroach and withstand the weight of an average human. The robot's design allows it to 'leapfrog' forward using electric vibrations, enabling it to navigate through tight spaces.
SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience Robotics·DateJul 31, 2019
Scientists develop a soft snail robot that harnesses energy from a laser beam to crawl on horizontal surfaces and climb vertical walls. The robot's unique properties offer insights into micromechanics with smart materials, paving the way for future exploration in small-scale soft robotics.
SourceUniversity of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics·JournalMacromolecular Rapid Communications·DateJul 31, 2019
A novel soft robot with color-changing capabilities has been developed by mimicking the chameleon's skin cells. The robot can sense its environment and exhibit dynamic color change in response. Its unique properties make it suitable for sensing, communication, and disguise in soft robotics.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalMatter·DateJul 31, 2019
Current fisheries management methods fail to rebuild many fish stocks with a 55% average recovery rate. Robotics-based approaches can achieve higher recovery rates and increased economic returns.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 22, 2019
Researchers from UC San Diego successfully embedded complex sensors inside robotic limbs and grippers using commercial 3D printing. However, the performance of these sensors is limited by the use of non-conductive polymers, which require additional post-processing for optimal functionality.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalFrontiers in Robotics and AI·DateJul 16, 2019
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics announced technical excellence awards to recognize outstanding contributions in space automation, robots, and propulsion. Winners include DARPA, NASA, and top aerospace professionals for their pioneering work and innovative achievements.
SourceAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics·DateJul 12, 2019
A robot developed by the University of Cambridge has successfully harvested iceberg lettuce in various field conditions, demonstrating potential for expanding robotics in agriculture. The 'Vegebot' uses machine learning to identify healthy lettuces and cut them without crushing, reducing physical demands on manual harvesting.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of Field Robotics·DateJul 7, 2019
MIT researchers have created a set of five fundamental parts that can be assembled into various functional devices, including a tiny walking motor. The new system uses 'digital materials' and offers an alternative approach to constructing robots, which could lead to the development of standardized kits for specific tasks.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJul 2, 2019
A new study published in Brain suggests that neurotechnology-based therapies, such as brain-machine interfaces and robotics, can lead to largest treatment effects when tailored to individual patient needs. Personalized combination of these therapies may allow patients to continue their recovery beyond what is possible today.
SourceWyss Center for Bio and Neuroengineering·JournalBrain·DateJun 30, 2019
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.
A Rutgers University study uses artificial intelligence to control a robotic arm that efficiently packs boxes, saving businesses time and money. The system develops software and algorithms for robust motion and real-time monitoring to detect failures.
A robotic gripper developed by researchers at UC Davis and Carnegie Mellon University can 'taste' for specific chemicals using engineered bacteria. The device is a proof-of-concept for biologically-based soft robotics and has potential applications in repair, energy generation, and biosensing.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScience Robotics·DateJun 26, 2019
A KIST research team has successfully taught a robot to trap a dropped ball like a soccer player using surface electromyograms (sEMG) of muscles. The technology enables robots with flexible joints to mimic human movements, advancing the study of interactions between humans and robots.
SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·DateJun 20, 2019
A miniature robot, called Sonopill, has been developed to guide a tiny robotic capsule inside the colon for micro-ultrasound imaging. This technology has the potential to replace invasive endoscopic examinations and detect cancer at an early stage.
SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalScience Robotics·DateJun 19, 2019
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.
Computer vision researchers demonstrate a new technique that enables them to reconstruct the shapes of unseen objects with great detail, including George Washington's profile on a U.S. quarter. The technique uses special light sources and sensors to see around corners or through gauzy filters.
Researchers developed a new composite material with magnetic shape memory activated by magnetism, offering advantages in medicine and robotics. The material consists of polymer and droplets of magnetorheological fluid, increasing stiffness up to 30 times.
SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 4, 2019
Researchers designed SlothBot to linger in the forest canopy for months, measuring environmental factors like weather and chemicals, to observe changes over long periods. This approach leverages energy efficiency, avoiding the high energy needs of fast-moving robots, and aims to provide a fail-safe transition between cables.
Researchers developed a new methodology to create stretchable polymer composites with improved electrical and thermal properties. The materials are promising candidates for use in soft robotics, self-healing electronics, and medical devices.
SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMay 23, 2019
Blossom, a handcrafted open-source robot platform, is designed to be simple, expressive, and inexpensive, allowing users to customize it with various materials like wood and wool. The robot's mechanical design enables flexible gestures, making it suitable for teaching children about robotics and human-robot interaction.
SourceCornell University·JournalACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction·DateMay 22, 2019
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
Salto's new skills allow it to bounce like a pogo stick and jump through obstacle courses like an agility dog. Researchers hope the robot will aid in search-and-rescue missions by navigating rubble to find trapped people.
The Stanford Student Robotics club developed an affordable, open-source quadruped robot called Stanford Doggo, which can perform acrobatic tricks and navigate challenging terrain. The robot's cost is estimated under $3,000 and all components can be bought online.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev have developed a hybrid FSTAR robot that can fly like a quadcopter, drive on tough terrain, and squeeze into tight spaces. The robot's sprawl mechanism allows it to transform its movement for various applications.
SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·DateMay 20, 2019
Researchers at the University of Maryland introduced a new way of combining perception and motor commands using hyperdimensional computing theory, which can fundamentally alter AI tasks. This integration enables robots to fuse their perceptions with motor capabilities, creating a more efficient and faster way to complete tasks.
SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalScience Robotics·DateMay 15, 2019
A team of researchers developed a soft-bodied robot, LEeCH, inspired by land leeches that can climb vertical walls and transition to the other side. The robot's flexible body structure allows it to bend and elongate like a leech, enabling it to navigate complex terrain and obstacles.
SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalSoft Robotics·DateMay 10, 2019
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.
LaViers' paper presents a simplified counting model that compares the expressive capabilities of robots and natural beings, revealing trends in robotic capacity. The research shows that robots perform similarly to a microscopic worm, highlighting the need for improvement in mimicking nature in robotics.
SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 9, 2019
Researchers repurposed shrink films to make strong grippers that can encapsulate materials or be incorporated into soft robotics. The grippers were made by patterned black ink onto polystyrene sheets, which then wrapped around objects to grip them.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Polymer Materials·DateMay 1, 2019
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital demonstrate a robot that can autonomously navigate inside the body to reach a leaky heart valve. The robotic catheter uses AI and image processing to build a mental map of the cardiac anatomy, allowing it to find its way without surgeon guidance.
SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalScience Robotics·DateApr 24, 2019
Engineers at Duke University create a smart robotic system that uses physics-based models and path planning algorithms to locate gaseous leaks in complex environments. The system can handle multiple sources and measure contamination rates, offering a more robust approach than existing heuristic methods.
SourceDuke University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Robotics·DateApr 18, 2019
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.
Researchers at the University of Luxembourg have discovered a method to create an anti-ordered state in liquid crystals, which can exhibit unique properties such as shape-changing behavior. This breakthrough enables the development of novel materials with potential applications in soft robotics and artificial muscles.
SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 12, 2019
A new research project is harnessing diverse disciplines to examine the relationship between disability and technology, aiming to produce new ideas about how disability is seen in a world of artificial intelligence and robotics. The project will also create new technologies that can be used by people with disabilities today.
The new cellulose-based material measures all three parameters independently, making it suitable for applications such as robotics, healthcare, and security. The sensor utilizes thermoelectric effect and distinguishes between electron and ion responses to measure temperature and humidity levels.
SourceLinköping University·JournalAdvanced Science·DateMar 25, 2019
Rutgers engineers created flexible, lightweight materials that change shape with temperature, enabling better shock absorption and morphing airplane or drone wings. The materials can be reshaped and returned to their original form on demand, opening up possibilities for soft robotics, tiny implantable biomedical devices, and more.
SourceRutgers University·JournalMaterials Horizons·DateMar 22, 2019
Researchers developed particle robotics systems comprising disc-shaped units that can push and pull each other in coordinated movement. The cluster can gravitate toward light sources and transport objects, with particles able to add or subtract without impacting the group.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateMar 20, 2019
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.
Researchers created a magnetic liquid metal that can move and stretch both horizontally and vertically without being fully immersed in liquid. The material exhibits high conductivity, low melting point, and deformability, making it suitable for use in soft robotics and flexible electronics.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMar 20, 2019
Researchers developed a new method of moving microscopic objects using micro-robotics, allowing for high-resolution sorting and imaging. The technique uses fluid flow to pinpoint specific particles without affecting others nearby.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 14, 2019
A new technology aims to bridge the gap for visually impaired students in STEM fields by using robotics, touchscreen technology, and sound. The project focuses on developing graphics and simulations that can be felt and heard, enabling equal access to math, engineering, and science concepts.
North Carolina State University researchers created fibers that combine rubber's elasticity with metal's strength, resulting in a tougher material. The fibers can stretch up to seven times their original length before failure while absorbing energy, making them suitable for applications like soft robotics and textiles.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 22, 2019
Dr. Kyungsuk Yum develops bioinspired 3D materials that can form complex shapes and motions in response to external signals. His research has potential applications in bioinspired soft robotics, biomedical devices, tissue engineering, and artificial muscles.
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GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.
The University of Lincoln is launching the world's first Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Agri-Food Robotics, investing £6.6m for 50 doctoral students. The CDT will focus on areas like autonomous mobility, harvesting, and soft robotics to address global food chain challenges.
A perception system for soft robots has been developed, mimicking human body components to predict complex motions and forces. The system uses a motion capture system, neural network, and soft sensors to interpret sensor signals, enabling accurate predictions of robot movements.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Robotics·DateJan 30, 2019
Columbia engineers create a robot that learns what it is from scratch with zero prior knowledge of physics or motor dynamics. The robot uses deep learning to create a self-model, allowing it to adapt and learn from its own experiences.
SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalScience Robotics·DateJan 30, 2019
Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed an ambidextrous approach that enables robots to grasp various objects without training, paving the way for faster and more efficient e-commerce fulfillment. The system uses a common reward function for different gripper types, allowing it to rapidly decide which gripper to use for each situation.
SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience Robotics·DateJan 16, 2019
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a cuttable wireless power transfer sheet that can charge devices wirelessly and be molded or cut to fit different shapes. The innovative technology offers a potential solution for emerging fields like robotics and could lead to untangled cables and versatile charging solutions.
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Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.