Articles tagged with Actuators
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
Researchers created a self-healing polymer that mimics squid ring teeth, enabling fast and efficient repair of soft robotic actuators. The material can heal within one second, regaining its original strength and being fully biodegradable and recyclable.
Researchers at Harvard have developed a fast-moving jumping soft actuator that harnesses the energy released by buckling to achieve speed. The device uses shell buckling similar to toy poppers, enabling it to catapult itself into the air and navigate safely through uncharted landscapes.
Scientists at Nanyang Technological University created a paper-like material from pollen that responds to changing humidity levels. The pollen paper can bend, flip, and move, making it useful for applications such as soft robots, sensors, and artificial muscles.
A new graphene-based actuator swarm can enable programmable 3D deformation, expanding capabilities of smart devices. The swarm integrates SU-8 pattern arrays with GO to achieve active and programmable deformation under moisture actuation.
Scientists develop a method to teach synthetic plastic to walk and respond to light, learning new tricks based on past experiences. The thermoplastic, made from liquid crystal polymer networks and dye, can be controlled remotely and has potential biomedical applications.
Researchers at Harvard develop resilient RoboBee with soft artificial muscles that can withstand collisions and achieve controlled hovering flight. The breakthrough solves long-standing challenges in microrobotics, paving the way for potential applications in search and rescue missions.
Researchers at UC San Diego developed soft actuators that can be controlled electrically, making them compatible with small electronic devices and batteries. These actuators enabled the creation of compact, portable and multifunctional soft robots with various applications.
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.
Scientists at Huazhong University of Science & Technology have created a bio-inspired untethered fully soft robot in liquid that can actuate using environmental energy gradients. The robot achieves an impressive speed of 7 times higher than the best reported value for untethered soft robotic fish.
The team of researchers from RIKEN BDR and Tokyo Denki University have developed a bio-MEMS that is driven by real muscle, which could be useful in surgical implants. The new study successfully demonstrates an on-chip muscle-driven valve that can open and close without any external power source.
Carnegie Mellon University researchers developed software to make knitted objects with embedded tendons for actuation, enabling the creation of plush toys and wearable technologies. The technique allows for cost-effective production of soft robots and wearable devices.
Researchers have developed micromachines that can mechanically stimulate cells and microtissues, potentially preventing diseases. These gummy-like robots use cell-sized artificial muscles powered by laser beams to carry out complex tasks.
Researchers at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have developed a method to change the shape of a flat sheet of elastomer using actuation that is fast, reversible, and controllable by an applied voltage.
Soft robots are enabled by origami mechanisms that transform environmental stimuli into mechanical signals, allowing for basic Boolean logic operations and locomotion. The design uses a polymer actuator that changes shape in response to humidity, paving the way for environmentally responsive soft robotics.
Researchers have discovered a new material science concept that uses light to expand a two-dimensional nanosheet at incredible speeds. The nanosheet can expand up to 5.7% of its original size in sub-milliseconds, making it potentially useful for artificial muscles and soft robotic systems.
Researchers developed soft actuator prototypes with tunable parameters, achieving larger deflections than other recent examples. The 3-D printed dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) can perform high bending motion without skeletal support.
The minimally actuated serial robot (MASR) operates with two motors to achieve a wide range of movements, ideal for space, agriculture, and industry applications. The robot's lightweight design allows it to fix malfunctioning satellites and pick fruit with high accuracy and control.
Researchers at Brandeis University have engineered soft materials with embedded chemical networks that mimic the behavior of neural tissue, paving the way for autonomous soft robotics and dual sensors. The breakthrough material may also lead to artificial skins and exoskeletons.
Researchers develop biomimetic drive elements inspired by pine cones, which can open and close without energy consumption. The goal is to optimize building energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Rutgers engineers create a nano-sized actuator that can lift 265 milligrams hundreds of times in a row, defying conventional strength limits. The discovery uses molybdenum disulfide to generate extraordinary mechanical properties.
Soft robotic exosuits have been developed to assist stroke patients in walking with more efficiency and reduced asymmetry. The devices provide forward propulsion and correct problems with ankle dorsiflexion, a common issue affecting up to 20% of stroke survivors.
The new tool enables users to build customized legged or wheeled robots using 3D-printed components and off-the-shelf actuators. It provides a physical simulation environment to test the robot before fabrication, allowing for iterative design adjustments.
Researchers developed a molecular robot that changes shape in response to specific DNA signals, enabling biomimetic robotics and potential medical innovations. The tiny robot, about 1 millionth of a meter in size, consists of protein and DNA molecules.
A novel control scheme is proposed to control unknown nonlinear systems without exact knowledge of system dynamics. The method uses an observer-based approach with a neural network to observe the system at multiple time scales and update its information.
Researchers have developed a method to automatically design soft actuators for complex motions, enabling the creation of soft robots that can bend and twist like living tissues. This breakthrough streamlines the process of designing soft robots, allowing for the creation of robots with enhanced mobility and dexterity.
HRL Laboratories developed an active variable stiffness vibration isolator capable of 100x stiffness changes and millisecond actuation times. This innovation solves long-standing challenges in shock and vibration problems for next-generation transportation platforms.
Researchers at Harvard have engineered a new soft actuator that utilizes unstable responses to create fast-moving instabilities. These snap-through instabilities can trigger large changes in internal pressure, shape, and exerted force without significant volume change, enabling fast, untethered motion for soft robots.
Researchers found that vibratory stimulation applied to the soles of the feet using piezoelectric technology significantly improves balance by reducing postural sway and gait variability. The study participants showed a persistent improvement in performance on timed tests, indicating potential benefits for fall prevention.
The James Webb Space Telescope features a primary mirror composed of 18 smaller lightweight mirror segments, each with precise actuators to align and shape the mirror. The segments are designed to work together as one giant mirror, capturing light from distant galaxies and stars in space.
A soft-bodied robotic fish with a flexible spine can mimic real fish swimming motions and perform rapid accelerations. The innovative design enables the robot to adapt to various environments, showcasing advancements in soft robotics.
Researchers developed a novel rotary actuator that delivers more torque than previous devices, achieving four-fold improvements in loading torque and accuracy. The device uses piezoelectric material and a clamp with a changeable clamping radius to optimize power and control.
Researchers developed an elegant and powerful new microscale actuator based on vanadium dioxide material, which expands and contracts in response to temperature variations. The actuators are smaller than human hair width and offer large force and displacement, suitable for biological and microfluidic applications.
A new anti-windup design paradigm was developed to improve control system performance in the presence of actuator saturation. The triple loop anti-windup design outperforms other methods, demonstrating stronger ability to recover nominal closed-loop performance.
A new video article demonstrates a standardized procedure for harvesting and processing synthetic spider silk from bacteria, improving fiber strength and scalability. The technique has potential industrial applications in industries where spider silk's properties are valuable.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology developed a muscle-like actuator that can control camera systems, allowing robots to move more like humans. The technology has potential applications in MRI-guided surgery and robotic rehabilitation.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison have successfully integrated single-crystal piezoelectric material onto silicon, enabling low-voltage near-nanoscale electromechanical devices. These devices could improve high-resolution 3D imaging, signal processing and energy harvesting applications.
The team aims to create biologically inspired material systems that can intelligently sense and actuate a network of distributed robust sensors and actuators. They will develop a robotic fish-like underwater vehicle by integrating biological investigations of fish with engineering knowledge about sensors and actuators.
Scientists at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have created a breakthrough method for producing long, hair-like strands of carbon nanotubes up to 20 centimeters in length. This simplified approach uses chemical vapor deposition (CVD) with a sulfur-containing compound and hydrogen, resulting in high yields of long strands.