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Extra “eye” movements are the key to better self-driving cars

A new AI system uses artificial neural networks to recognize objects more accurately and stably, despite changing visual inputs. The system mimics human eye movements to improve machine vision capabilities, reducing errors in self-driving cars and other applications.

SourceRIKEN·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 22, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Charting a safe course through a highly uncertain environment

Researchers at MIT developed a technique that enables an autonomous vehicle to plot a provably safe trajectory in highly uncertain situations. The algorithm considers probability of observing different environmental conditions and obstacles, and formulates trajectory planning as a probabilistic optimization problem.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateMay 20, 2022

On the road to cleaner, greener, and faster driving

A new study demonstrates a machine-learning approach that can learn to control a fleet of autonomous vehicles as they approach and travel through a signalized intersection. The technique reduces fuel consumption and emissions while improving average vehicle speed, with benefits seen even when only 25% of cars use the control algorithm.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateMay 17, 2022

Underwater map-making robot aces first real-world trials in crowded marina

Researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology developed an underwater robot capable of mapping its environment, tracking its location, and planning safe routes in complex marine environments. The breakthrough enabled the robot to accurately map a busy harbor in real-time using active SLAM algorithms.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Journal of Oceanic Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2022
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.

Warning: Objects in driverless car sensors may be closer than they appear

Researchers at Duke University have demonstrated a new attack strategy that can deceive industry-standard autonomous vehicle sensors into believing nearby objects are closer or further than they appear. This vulnerability highlights the need for additional redundancy and data sharing between vehicles to protect against such attacks.

SourceDuke University·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2022

Technique improves AI ability to understand 3D space using 2D images

Researchers developed MonoCon, a new AI technique that enables accurate identification of 3D objects in 2D images. By incorporating auxiliary context, the method improves object detection and estimation accuracy, paving the way for safer and more robust autonomous vehicles.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 26, 2022

MIT engineers test an idea for a new hovering rover

The MIT team developed a levitating rover design using ion thrusters, capable of producing enough repulsive force to hover on the moon and larger asteroids. The concept uses tiny ion beams to charge up the vehicle and boost its natural surface charge.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Spacecraft and Rockets·DateDec 20, 2021

Creating the human-robotic dream team

A team of UBC Okanagan researchers has developed a system to enhance interactions between humans and robots in industrial settings. The system uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to capture and analyze the environment, allowing robots to respond in a timely manner to ensure human safety.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalRobotics and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 14, 2021
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.

Development of a curious robot to study coral reef ecosystems awarded $1.5 million by the National Science Foundation

The grant aims to build a robot that navigates complex environments and collects data over long periods, combining image collection and acoustic analysis to mimic a trained diver's curiosity. This will enable scientists to slowly build a detailed picture of ecosystem function and health, reducing the impact on animals' behavior.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·DateNov 10, 2021

UArizona engineer awarded $5M to build quantum-powered navigation tools

The Quantum Sensors project aims to create ultrasensitive gyroscopes and accelerometers using quantum states, enabling precise measurements for self-driving cars and spacecraft. This technology could capture information not provided by GPS, improving navigation and stability in various environments.

SourceUniversity of Arizona College of Engineering·DateOct 6, 2021
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Blockchain technology could provide secure communications for robot teams

A blockchain-based system allows leader robots to signal movements and add transactions to a chain, while malicious leaders forfeit tokens when caught in a lie. This limits the spread of incorrect information and enables follower robots to eventually reach their destination.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Robotics·DateOct 5, 2021

Making self-driving cars human-friendly

Researchers used neuroscientific theories to develop a decision-making model that predicts pedestrian road-crossing decisions. The model shows that pedestrians add up sensory data before crossing, helping autonomous vehicles communicate more effectively with pedestrians.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalComputational Brain & Behavior·DateOct 4, 2021

Study: Benefits outweigh risks for autonomous vehicles - if they are regulated

A North Carolina State University panel of experts assesses AV deployment risks and benefits, predicting substantial benefits if well-regulated. The study's findings suggest regulations could limit urban use of AVs and commercial fleet ownership, reducing risk and increasing benefits.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeContent analysis·DateAug 23, 2021
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.

Infrared detector for smartphones and autonomous vehicles

The new infrared detector can make two technically important ranges of infrared radiation visible, previously not covered by conventional photodiodes. The sensor can distinguish between substances based on their different absorption properties in the NIR and SWIR range.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalACS Photonics·DateAug 17, 2021

System trains drones to fly around obstacles at high speeds

Researchers at MIT have created an algorithm that enables drones to navigate complex obstacle courses at high speeds without crashing. The new approach combines simulations with real-world experiments, allowing drones to adapt to challenging aerodynamics and find the fastest routes.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalThe International Journal of Robotics Research·DateAug 10, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Development of a novel technology to check body temperature with smartphone camera

A research team developed a novel sensor that can detect and convert infrared light into electrical signals at temperatures up to 100°C. The device eliminates the need for cooling devices, reducing production costs and operating speeds, making it suitable for smartphone and autonomous vehicle applications.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalApplied Surface Science·DateJul 26, 2021

Driving in the snow is a team effort for AI sensors

Researchers at Michigan Technological University discuss solutions for snowy driving scenarios using sensor fusion, which combines data from various sensors like lidar, radar, and cameras. This approach enables autonomous vehicles to better detect obstacles and understand their environment.

SourceMichigan Technological University·DateMay 27, 2021
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Ultra-sensitive light detector gives self-driving tech a jolt

Researchers have developed a new, pixel-sized light detector that can accurately amplify weak signals in real-time, giving autonomous vehicles a fuller picture of their surroundings. This breakthrough increases sensitivity and consistency, making it ideal for lidar receivers and applications in robotics, surveillance, and terrain mapping.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Photonics·DateMay 20, 2021

The environmental trade-offs of autonomous vehicles

New research reveals autonomous vehicles will increase energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions across all categories studied. However, electric autonomous vehicles can change this outcome, particularly if adoption rates exceed 40%.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMay 18, 2021

What might sheep and driverless cars have in common? Following the herd

A new study by computer scientists found that individuals are more willing to sacrifice their own safety when peers are more likely to do so in programming autonomous vehicles. The researchers also showed that the social component of decision-making is often overlooked and that transparency in machine programming is crucial for public ...

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalFrontiers in Robotics and AI·DateFeb 25, 2021
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 accident preventers

Researchers at TUM have developed a software module that analyzes and predicts events while driving, ensuring the vehicle will not cause accidents. The system determines movement options and emergency maneuvers to prevent collisions, using simplified dynamic models for swift calculations.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateSep 16, 2020

You can train your brain to reduce motion sickness

Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed a training tool to reduce motion sickness susceptibility by over 50% using visuospatial exercises. This method has shown promise in both driving simulators and on-road experimentation, with potential applications in autonomous vehicles and other domains.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalApplied Ergonomics·DateSep 14, 2020
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.

Managing data flow boosts cyber-physical system performance

Cyber-physical systems face challenges due to large volumes of data flowing through communication networks, causing routing and queuing delays that degrade system quality. The new algorithms developed by researchers strike a balance between communication sparsity, delay, and performance, ensuring safe and stable operation.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAutomatica·DateSep 1, 2020

Self-driving car trajectory tracking gets closer to human-driver ideal

Researchers have developed a new optimization method for tracking self-driving car trajectories that reduces errors while keeping computation demands low. The method prioritizes passenger comfort, aiming to replicate human drivers' ability to balance speed, safety, and route choice.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateMar 5, 2020

Swarming robots avoid collisions, traffic jams

Researchers at Northwestern University developed a decentralized algorithm that enables swarms of robots to form shapes and avoid collisions. The algorithm views the ground as a grid, allowing each robot to sense its closest neighbors and make local decisions without global information.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Robotics·DateFeb 24, 2020
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Autonomous vehicles could benefit health if cars are electric and shared

The study found that autonomous vehicles can reduce road accidents and promote physical activity, but the impact depends on factors like technology implementation and fuel use. If implemented correctly, autonomous vehicles could have a significant positive impact on public health, especially if used in electric and shared formats.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalAnnual Review of Public Health·DateJan 30, 2020

Bioinspired sonar reflectors

Researchers have developed bioinspired shapes that serve as acoustically conspicuous guideposts for sonar-guided autonomous vehicles. These bioinspired sonar reflectors were tested in experiments and showed promising results, enabling robots to navigate through new environments with improved accuracy.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 6, 2020

Better autonomous 'reasoning' at tricky intersections

Researchers have developed a new model to help autonomous vehicles navigate intersections with obstructed views, reducing the risk of collisions. The model estimates risks based on factors like sensor noise, driver awareness, and occlusions.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateNov 4, 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.

Researchers develop platform for scalable testing of autonomous vehicle safety

The researchers have developed a platform that enables companies to quickly address safety concerns in autonomous vehicles through software and hardware advances. They analyzed 144 AVs driving over 1,116,605 miles and found that human-driven cars were up to 4000 times less likely than AVs to have an accident.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·DateOct 25, 2019

Driverless cars could lead to more traffic congestion

New research from the University of Adelaide predicts that driverless cars could increase traffic congestion in Australia's City of Adelaide. The study, which surveyed over 500 commuters, found that autonomous vehicles may lead to an adverse impact on public transport, causing peak period vehicle flows to rise.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalUrban Policy and Research·DateOct 23, 2019

System can minimize damage when self-driving vehicles crash

A new decision-making and motion-planning technology has been developed to limit injuries and damage when self-driving vehicles are involved in unavoidable crashes. The system considers various factors such as relative speeds, angles of collision, and differences in mass and vehicle type to determine the best possible manoeuvre.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalIEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems·DateOct 10, 2019
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Studying the impacts of autonomous vehicles on the workforce

A four-year study will examine the impacts of autonomous vehicles on the future workforce, focusing on how driving jobs will change and what new skills are required. Researchers will also investigate the anticipated downstream impacts on drivers' employment trends and income inequality.

SourceMichigan State University·DateSep 18, 2019

Researchers propose method to balance user experience and cloud cost

A new algorithm assesses cloudlet placement to achieve an optimal balance between cost and service performance. The proposed method uses cloudlets, tiny versions of the cloud, to improve network service performance for a limited number of users.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateAug 25, 2019
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Student teams use O.R. and analytics to help GM introduce new autonomous vehicles to fleet

In the INFORMS O.R. & Analytics Student Team Competition, student teams from around the world used operations research (OR) and analytics to optimize autonomous vehicle delivery processes for General Motors. The winning team from Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology minimized total costs while satisfying all constraints.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·DateApr 16, 2019

How to make self-driving cars safer on roads

A new mathematical method developed by USC researchers can identify anomalies in self-driving cars' perception algorithms before they hit the road, improving safety. The method uses 'sanity conditions' to test machine learning tools and can be used to pinpoint specific problems and retrain the algorithms for faster error detection.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateMar 28, 2019

Giving keener 'electric eyesight' to autonomous vehicles

MIT researchers develop a two-dimensional, sub-terahertz receiving array on a chip that's orders of magnitude more sensitive than existing sensors. This can help steer driverless cars through fog and dust by detecting signals at sub-terahertz wavelengths with ease.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Journal of Solid-State Circuits·DateFeb 14, 2019
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Programming autonomous machines ahead of time promotes selfless decision-making

Researchers found that programming autonomous vehicles in advance leads to more cooperative decisions, as people prioritize collective interests over short-term rewards. This effect generalizes beyond the domain of autonomous vehicles and has implications for shaping societal dilemmas.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 11, 2019

Simpler parts make for a more efficient system

Researchers at George Washington University found that decentralized systems perform better when individual parts are less capable, as overly smart components lead to overcorrections and mistakes. This discovery has potential applications in company structure, autonomous vehicles, AI algorithms, and even biological evolution.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 6, 2019

Mean streets: Self-driving cars will 'cruise' to avoid paying to park

Self-driving cars will slow traffic by cruising at low speeds to avoid high downtown parking fees. Cities face challenges regulating autonomous vehicles, which can create havoc if not properly managed. Congestion pricing is proposed as a solution to reduce congestion and pollution.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalTransport Policy·DateJan 31, 2019

Autonomous vehicles could shape the future of urban tourism

The study explores the potential impact of autonomous vehicles on urban tourism, highlighting both benefits such as reduced traffic congestion and improved foreign car hire processes, as well as concerns over job losses and increased urban sprawl. As AVs become mainstream, urban attractions may be transformed, and new industries like A...

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalAnnals of Tourism Research·DateNov 7, 2018

How should autonomous vehicles be programmed?

A massive global survey on autonomous vehicle ethics found that people generally prefer sparing human lives over animal lives and young people's lives. However, regional variations were observed, particularly in the eastern cluster of countries where preference for younger people was less pronounced.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateOct 24, 2018
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.