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RoboCrop: Teaching robots how to pick tomatoes

A new model developed by Osaka Metropolitan University Assistant Professor Takuya Fujinaga enables robots to accurately pick tomatoes, with an 81% success rate. The system evaluates the ease of harvesting for each tomato, taking into account factors such as fruit clustering and stem geometry.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalSmart Agricultural Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2025

The avatar in a wheelchair

Researchers investigate how people with disabilities feel when their avatars depict them the way they see themselves. Most participants reported positive feedback when their avatar reflected their disability, and many felt comfortable expressing their identity in virtual reality.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems·JournalThe Journal of Strategic Information Systems·TypeObservational study·DateNov 25, 2025

Stable and versatile optical wireless power transmission for sustainable IoT

Scientists at Institute of Science Tokyo developed an automatic and adaptive LED-based optical wireless power transmission system that can efficiently power multiple devices without interruption. The system overcomes limitations of traditional OWPT systems by adapting to varying lighting conditions and ensuring stable power delivery.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalOptics Express·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 14, 2025

Software developers show less constructive scepticism when using AI assistants than when working with human colleagues

A new empirical study by computer scientists reveals that software developers tend to scrutinize AI-generated code less critically and learn less from it. In contrast, human pairs are more likely to engage in broader discussions and critically examine each other's contributions. The study highlights the limitations of AI assistants in ...

SourceSaarland University·TypeObservational study·DateNov 3, 2025

New software tool MARTi fast-tracks identification and response to microbial threats

MARTi enables rapid taxonomic classification and abundance analysis of microorganisms in various settings, including agriculture, environmental monitoring, and clinical environments. The tool provides immediate analysis results, allowing for quick identification and targeted treatments of pathogen infections.

SourceEarlham Institute·JournalGenome Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 27, 2025

New polymer designs for beyond-5G telecommunications

Researchers at Waseda University have developed a new class of polymers with ultralow dielectric loss, enabling high-speed telecommunications. The polymers, specifically poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene sulfide) (PMPS), achieved a low dielectric constant and dissipation factor, making them suitable for future 5G and beyond networks.

SourceWaseda University·JournalCommunications Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 2, 2025

SeoulTech scientists develop ultra-lightweight memory manager that transforms embedded system performance

Researchers at Seoul National University of Science & Technology developed LWMalloc, a lightweight and high-performance dynamic memory allocator for resource-constrained environments. The new allocator outperforms ptmalloc by achieving up to 53% faster execution time and 23% lower memory usage.

SourceSeoul National University of Science & Technology·JournalIEEE Internet of Things Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 2, 2025

Worcester Polytechnic Institute selected as key partner in national cybersecurity and AI training initiative to advance U.S. automotive innovation

The $2.5 million DRIFT program aims to close critical talent gaps and safeguard connected vehicles by providing specialized online and in-person training. Worcester Polytechnic Institute will lead the university’s DRIFT program, offering tuition-free modules and real-world training to upskill engineers and professionals.

Milestone for medical research: New method enables comprehensive identification of omega fatty acids

Researchers at the University of Graz and the University of California, San Diego have developed a novel method to determine omega positions of lipids in complex biological samples. This breakthrough enables the study of biological mechanisms in unprecedented detail, particularly for inflammation-related diseases.

SourceUniversity of Graz·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2025

Survival of the fuzziest: Open-source fuzzer uses evolutionary algorithm to produce customized test inputs

FANDANGO, a new open-source fuzzing tool, employs an iterative procedure modeled on biological evolution to produce high-quality test inputs that cover both semantics and syntax. The tool enables complete control over test inputs, allowing testers to specify input characteristics and explore specific parts of the program.

SourceCISPA Helmholtz Center for Information Security·JournalProceedings of the ACM on Software Engineering·DateJun 26, 2025

Virtual reality could help stroke survivors regain movement

A Cochrane review found that virtual reality (VR) can help stroke survivors regain arm movement and increase therapy time. VR may also improve balance and reduce activity limitations, but effects on mobility and quality of life are uncertain.

SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 19, 2025

Weakly supervised bird-flock counting in wetlands based on multimodal optical image perception

Researchers develop annotation-free avian population estimation approach using multimodal perception model, achieving high accuracy without explicit object localization. The method is tested on the Wetland-Bird-Count dataset, outperforming existing weakly supervised and unsupervised methods.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalWatershed Ecology and the Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 10, 2025

Farm robot autonomously navigates, harvests among raised beds

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University developed an autonomous driving algorithm for robots to navigate raised cultivation beds, utilizing lidar point cloud data. The system enables precise movement and accuracy in both virtual and actual environments, promising to expand tasks beyond harvesting to monitoring and pruning.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalComputers and Electronics in Agriculture·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 16, 2025

Investing using words

Researchers introduce an innovative approach using dynamic topic modeling to analyze annual and quarterly reports, uncovering hidden risk factors. The novel method creates tradable indices with a cost-effective alternative to traditional index construction.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalThe Journal of Finance and Data Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 9, 2025

How GPS helps older drivers stay on the roads

A new study published in PLOS Digital Health found that older drivers with GPS navigation systems tend to drive more frequently, suggesting these tools help maintain driving mobility. The research reveals that using GPS can alleviate spatial orientation difficulties and support older adults' independence on the roads.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalPLOS Digital Health·TypeObservational study·DateApr 3, 2025

Security veins: Advanced biometric authentication through AI and infrared

A new method of biometric authentication has been developed using hyperspectral imaging and AI to identify individuals through the unique patterns in their blood vessels on the palm of their hand. The technology shows great promise for secure personal identification and could potentially be used as a key to unlock homes.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 7, 2025