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Bionics: Electric view in murky waters

A team of scientists from the University of Bonn has created a camera that uses electrical pulses to capture images in murky or dark water, mimicking the sensing abilities of the African elephantnose fish. The 'electric camera' can identify objects, determine distances and shapes, and even distinguish between living and dead prey.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalBioinspiration & Biomimetics·DateApr 9, 2019

Breakthrough could enable cheaper infrared cameras

A new method for making infrared cameras using quantum dots offers faster production and better performance. This technology could enable the use of infrared cameras in autonomous vehicles, smartphones, and other devices, improving their ability to detect heat signatures and see through smoke and fog.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Photonics·DateMar 7, 2019

Now you see heat, now you don't

Researchers have fabricated a film using DuPont Kevlar fibers and polyethylene glycol that absorbs heat and releases it slowly, making objects invisible to thermal cameras. The composite film performs comparably to other stealth films but is simpler and cheaper to make.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 27, 2019

New method improves infrared imaging performance

A new method developed by Northwestern Engineering's Manijeh Razeghi has greatly reduced image distortion caused by spectral cross-talk in dual-band photodetectors. This work enables high spectral-contrast infrared imaging devices for various applications, including medicine and security.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalIEEE Journal of Quantum Electronics·DateFeb 8, 2019

Eyes are faster than hands

A new machine learning-based intention detection method predicts grasping/releasing intentions based on user behaviors, enabling SCI patients to pick-and-place objects. The method utilizes a first-person-view camera and is advantageous in detecting user intentions without requiring person-to-person calibrations.

SourceSeoul National University·JournalScience Robotics·DateJan 30, 2019

Swifts ride air currents to catch a free lunch

Researchers analyzed the flight patterns of swifts, discovering that they spend most of their time gliding and using rising currents to power their movements. This unique strategy allows them to extract energy from the air almost for free, making their foraging capabilities extremely efficient.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateNov 19, 2018

Tiny light detectors work like gecko ears

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a system that uses tiny detectors to map the angle of incoming light waves, inspired by the unique structure of geckos' ears. This technology could support advances in lens-less cameras, augmented reality, and robotic vision.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateOct 30, 2018

Small flying robots haul heavy loads

Researchers at Stanford University have developed small flying robots called FlyCroTugs that can pull objects up to 40 times their weight using advanced gripping technologies. The robots' ability to anchor themselves to various surfaces using gecko-inspired adhesives and microspines enables them to navigate through snug spaces and inte...

SourceStanford University·JournalScience Robotics·DateOct 24, 2018

Decoding multiple frames from a single, scattered exposure

Researchers at Duke University have developed a new technique to reconstruct sequence of diffuse images from one long photographic exposure. By using a coded aperture, they can extract individual frames from a single, scattered exposure, overcoming limitations such as motion and constant scattering medium.

SourceDuke University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 27, 2018

Simple test detects disease-carrying mosquitoes, presence of biopesticide

A new diagnostic tool has been developed to identify the species of mosquitoes that carry diseases such as Zika virus and dengue. The tool uses a smartphone camera and detects the presence of biopesticide Wolbachia, which helps curb disease transmission. With high accuracy of over 97%, this innovative technology represents a significan...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateAug 30, 2018

New compact hyperspectral system captures 5-D images

A new compact hyperspectral system captures 5-D images with high speed and accuracy, benefiting applications such as optical-based sorting and personal medical monitoring. The system uses structured light to create detailed digital archives of historically valuable artifacts.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateAug 28, 2018

Novel optics for ultrafast cameras create new possibilities for imaging

MIT researchers developed novel optics that capture images based on the timing of reflecting light inside the optics. This allows for new capabilities in time- or depth-sensitive cameras, such as capturing a trillion-frame-per-second video. The new optics architecture includes semireflective parallel mirrors that reduce focal length by...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Photonics·DateAug 13, 2018

Illinois' crop-counting robot earns top recognition at leading robotics conference

Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a robot called TerraSentia to count corn plants with high accuracy. The robot uses a suite of sensors, algorithms, and deep learning to capture each plant from top to bottom, overcoming challenges such as varying inter-plant spacing.