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Solving the challenges of robotic pizza-making

Researchers at MIT developed a framework for robotic manipulation systems that can perform complex tasks using a two-stage learning process. This allows robots to learn abstract ideas about manipulating deformable objects, such as pizza dough, and execute skills to complete tasks.

Bionic wing flaps improve wind energy efficiency

Scientists from China have developed a bionic approach to improve wind turbine performance by combining features of a seagull's wing with an engineered flow control accessory. The combined flow control improves lift and delays stalling at high angles of attack, increasing the efficiency of wind energy turbines.

BirdBot is energy-efficient thanks to nature as a model

Researchers created BirdBot, a robotic leg inspired by the ostrich's anatomy, which achieves energy efficiency through a mechanical coupling of muscles and tendons. The robot leg requires fewer motors than other machines, making it suitable for large size applications.

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.

‘Smart’ greenhouses could slash electricity costs

A new internet-connected lighting system for greenhouses can optimize lighting and reduce electrical costs by up to 33% by predicting sunlight. The system uses sensors and algorithms to adjust light levels, making the most of natural sunlight and minimizing energy waste.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Novel algorithm improves ‘consensus’ performance in multi-agent systems

Researchers have developed a novel algorithm that improves the speed at which nodes converge on agreement regarding a single data value needed during computation. The technique is based on designing an optimized network topology that reduces communication costs while allowing for adjustable convergence rates.

Combined approach finds best direct trajectory

A team of researchers has created a new algorithm that determines the most efficient route for robots to navigate complex spaces. The RBF-Galerkin method combines two existing approaches to find the optimal solution, surpassing other methods in terms of cost and time efficiency.

Cooperative control brings ‘smart shipping’ closer to port

Drones are not the only vehicles at the forefront of automating deliveries; researchers have developed a control strategy for ships and partnered tugs to navigate environmental disturbances. The multi-layer, multi-agent control scheme increases efficiency in the shipping process while reducing human error.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Focus on human factor in designing systems

A new study explores how human decision-making impacts engineered systems. Researchers found that people often overestimate their abilities and succumb to biases, leading to inefficiencies in system design.

National Science Foundation funds research into smart building ventilation

Texas A&M University researchers aim to develop a smart ventilation control system to minimize the risk of COVID-19 infection in public buildings. The project seeks to investigate a smart ventilation control system that can operate in both normal and emergency modes, utilizing factors such as outdoor air dilution and humidity levels.

Self-learning heating control system saves energy

A self-learning heating control system has been developed by Empa researchers, allowing for energy savings of up to 25% in residential buildings. The system uses machine learning and weather forecasts to optimize temperature settings, providing greater comfort while reducing energy consumption.

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.

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 cyborg cockroach could someday save your life

Researchers at UConn have created a tiny neuro-controller that can precisely control the movement of cyborg cockroaches. The system, which includes an inertial measurement unit and real-time feedback, enables operators to steer the insect in desired directions.

New methods developed for designing dynamic object controllers

Russian scientists have solved multicriteria problems of dynamic object control under uncertainty of external effects, enhancing the efficiency of controlling rotor motion in active magnetic bearings. The new methods utilize feedback control laws to minimize disturbance quenching levels and provide optimal solutions.

Improvement of humanlike conversations in humanoid robots

A child-like android named 'ibuki' was developed to facilitate human-robot interaction. The robot's conversation control system allows it to regulate speech, motion, gaze, and emotion based on its intention, increasing perceived human-likeness. This technology enables more natural conversations and social interactions.

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.

A bright light in a dark room

A team of researchers has developed a minimal logic system to bridge the gap between mathematical proofs, algorithms, and real-world outcomes in control systems. The work, published in IEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica, aims to improve the realism of theoretical mathematics by focusing on computational certainty.

Electronic control to ensure photovoltaic systems always work at maximum power

The UPV/EHU's Advanced Control Group has successfully developed a sliding mode controller to maintain maximum power point of solar panels despite changes in irradiation and load. This control system offers improved efficiency compared to traditional algorithms, which cause oscillating working points and diminish efficiency.

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.

Simulated ransomware attack shows vulnerability of industrial controls

Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed a new form of ransomware that can take over control of simulated water treatment plants, highlighting vulnerabilities in industrial control systems. The attack demonstrates the potential for attackers to compromise programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and hold critical systems hostage.

A parallel hybrid controller based on the backstepping method

A new simplified mass-spring-bar model is presented for the semi-pelagic trawl system, enabling trajectory tracking and control of the trawl net and two otter boards. The proposed hybrid control approach combines stability analysis with S-plane control to ensure effective motion control.

Fractional calculus helps control systems hit their mark

Researchers developed a new setpoint-tracking strategy using fractional calculus to improve the response time and stability of automated systems. The approach outperformed classical integer-order filters in tracking complex paths, offering potential benefits for applications like robotics, self-driving cars, and medical devices.

Control system serpent: Scientists propose new model for automation

Scientists propose a new control system design using Fractional-Order Generalized Principle of Self-Support (FOGPSS), disregarding traditional cause-and-effect definitions. The model uses fractional order calculus to describe potential outcomes over time, allowing for robustness and adaptability in systems with long-term memory.

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.

UNIST to develop a new form of futuristic transportation system

Researchers at UNIST are developing a new form of futuristic transportation using the Hyperloop technology, which could reduce travel times from Seoul to Busan to just 16 minutes. The team aims to overcome challenges such as air resistance and friction by using magnetic levitation and innovative power supply systems.

Device 'fingerprints' could help protect power grid, other industrial systems

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a device fingerprinting technique to identify legitimate signals in electrical grid control networks. The approach uses unique physical properties of devices to differentiate between genuine and spoofed signals, improving the security of critical infrastructure networks.

NSF CAREER award supports researcher's cyber-physical systems work

A Kansas State University researcher has received a $446,000 NSF CAREER award to develop robust verification of cyber-physical systems, enabling high-confidence systems in automotive and aerospace applications. The project aims to bridge a gap in existing methodologies for cyber-physical system analysis.

Behavior modeling and verification of MA of CTCS-3 using AADL

This study models and verifies the behavior of Chinese Train Control System Level 3 (CTCS-3) using the Architecture Analysis & Design Language (AADL). The authors use the Behavior Language for Embedded Systems with Software (BLESS) and Hybrid Annex (HA) sublanguages to capture discrete and continuous behaviors, respectively. They verif...

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Progress in safety verification of Chinese high-speed train control system

A Chinese research team proposes a novel approach to verify the correctness of high-speed train control systems, combining simulation and formal verification. The method models the system using Simulink/Stateflow and then transforms it into a formal Hybrid CSP model for verification, advancing the state-of-the-art in verifying train co...

IUPUI mathematician modeling human motor movements in Huntington's disease

Researchers are developing a biologically plausible model of the whole system to predict outcomes of future experiments and provide more information about the brain's ability to learn new motor movements. The goal is to understand how people execute, control and learn movements to lead to new treatments for Huntington's disease.

Flight control breakthrough could lead to safer air travel

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed an adaptive control technology that can override failures and maintain safe handling in aircraft. The L1 system has been tested on a manned aircraft and shown consistent performance across varying flight conditions, making it a promising solution for improving air travel safety.

Human arm sensors make robot smarter

The system eliminates vibrations caused by human muscle co-contraction, allowing the robot to move safely and efficiently. By modeling human operators in this way, robots can actively adjust to changes in movement, improving performance and safety in manufacturing plants.

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.

UW, local company building innovative deep-sea manned submarine

The University of Washington is partnering with OceanGate to develop a five-person deep-sea manned submarine that can reach depths of over 9,842 feet. The Cyclops submarine features a carbon-fiber hull and advanced control systems, allowing for increased safety and efficiency in ocean research and exploration.

New cybersecurity tool suite demonstrated this week

The Idaho National Laboratory has demonstrated a suite of cybersecurity tools that provides situational awareness of networks and control systems. The Sophia software tool passively observes network communications, providing real-time and historical records of those communications.

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

NASA's Webb Telescope flight backplane section completed

The center section of NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has been completed, marking a significant milestone in the telescope's hardware development. The backplane will support the telescope's mirrors, instruments, and thermal control systems during its mission.

Wind turbines that learn like humans

Researchers developed a biologically inspired control system that uses memory of past control experiences and outcomes to generate new actions. This approach shows promise for enhancing wind power conversion efficiency, outperforming traditional methods in simulations.

Carnegie Mellon methods keep bugs out of software for self-driving cars

Computer scientists at Carnegie Mellon University developed a model of a distributed car control system and used mathematical methods to formally verify its safety. They proved that the system design would keep cars from crashing into each other, even for complex scenarios like merging across multi-lane highways.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

26 percent of herbs eaten in Spain are contaminated with bacteria

A study by researchers at the University of Valencia found that up to 26% of herbs sold in Spain are contaminated with bacteria, compromising their quality. The study highlights the need for improved health controls during production and cultivation to prevent health risks.

GOCE successfully completes early orbit phase

After completing the Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP), GOCE's control systems have been confirmed to be operating normally. The Satellite-to-Satellite Tracking Instrument (SSTI) has also been successfully switched on, enabling autonomous orbit determinations.

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.

Robots learn to follow

Researchers at UC Davis developed a control system that allows robots to pick up on cues and predict where leaders are going, enabling them to follow accurately around corners. The system uses behavioral cues such as head turns and incorporates them into decision-making processes.

Microrobots dance on something smaller than a pin's head

Researchers at Duke University have successfully assembled five micro-robots into a self-organized structure using global control and slight variations in device dimensions. The microrobots, measuring just 100 times smaller than previous designs, can move, turn, and circle together with precision.

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.