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Seoul National University of Science and Technology researchers develop energy-saving TPMS feet for quadruped robots

Researchers at Seoul National University have developed a novel approach using porous triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) feet and deep reinforcement learning controller, which significantly reduces battery power consumption in quadruped robots. The solution reduces energy consumption by up to 6.2% while maintaining stable locomotion.

SourceSeoul National University of Science & Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Precision Engineering and Manufacturing-Green Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 31, 2026

USC robot learns music by ear, opening new possibilities in medicine and therapy

A robotic hand developed at USC can hear a melody once and play it back after just two minutes of self-taught practice on a keyboard. The system, called the Musician Hand, mimics the way the brain and body coordinate fine motor skills through trial and error, offering a new model for machines — and medicine — to approach complex moveme...

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 27, 2026

Wristband enables wearers to control a robotic hand with their own movements

Researchers at MIT have developed an ultrasound wristband that precisely tracks hand movements, allowing users to control a robotic hand or manipulate virtual objects. The device produces high-quality images of the wrist's muscles and tendons, which are then translated into specific hand positions, enabling precise movement control.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Electronics·DateMar 25, 2026

Advancing brain–computer interfaces for rehabilitation and assistive technologies

A novel AI-based framework, EDGCN, decodes dynamic variations in EEG patterns for better brain-computer interface technology. The model outperforms current state-of-the-art methods with high classification accuracies and decoding accuracy, enabling more seamless communication between the human brain and machines.

SourceChiba University·JournalInformation Fusion·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 10, 2026

Optimizing robotic joints

Researchers at Harvard University have developed a new design method for optimizing rolling contact joints in robots, which can lead to better grippers, assistive devices, and more efficient robotic movement. The optimized joints performed spectacularly, correcting misalignment by 99% in knee-assist devices.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2026

Do children imitate communication manners of machines? Experiment on children's response to polite vs. commanding robot

In a study by SWPS University, researchers found that children interact with polite robots almost always respond politely. Younger children and girls are more likely to anthropomorphise the robot, suggesting social cues in interactions between children and robots are crucial for positive learning outcomes.

SourceSWPS University·JournalComputers & Education·TypeObservational study·DateNov 26, 2025

Hanyang University ERICA researcher reveals psychological pathways shaping behavior of customer witnessing robot mistreatment

A recent study reveals that the response to witnessing robot mistreatment depends on factors such as the robot's humanlike design and the observer's moral identity. Anthropomorphism influences empathy, encouraging customers to treat robots with dignity, while moral identity plays a crucial role in shaping behavioral contagion.

SourceHanyang University Research Strategy Planning Team·JournalJournal of Retailing and Consumer Services·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 15, 2025

The soft tech that responds to your taps and squeezes

A team of researchers at the University of Bath has developed a new technology called HydroHaptics that allows users to interact with soft objects in a meaningful way. The system uses a deformable surface to provide tactile feedback, enabling applications such as wearable tech, gaming, and medical simulation.

SourceUniversity of Bath·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2025

UN agency for digital technologies teams with will.i.am and Google to train young AI and robotics pioneers in Africa

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has launched an initiative to bring artificial intelligence and robotics training to students across Africa. The programme combines hands-on AI and robotics training for young people in underserved communities, with a focus on reaching girls and other underrepresented groups.

Could robots help kids conquer reading anxiety? New study from the Department of Computer Science at UChicago suggests so

A new study from the University of Chicago found that children experience less anxiety when reading aloud to a robot than to a human adult. The robot's calming influence helped children feel more comfortable making mistakes, creating a more encouraging environment for building their reading skills. While there were no substantial diffe...

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalScience Robotics·DateSep 10, 2025

TUM creates seal of approval for robotics

Researchers at TUM create standardized procedure to compare industrial robots and assess their sensitivity, categorizing them into 'industrial robots,' 'cobots,' 'soft robots' and 'tactile robots.' This evaluation scheme has the potential to become an industrial testing standard, creating a seal of quality for the robotics market.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2025

A fully soft and multipurpose robotic tactile sensor

A new type of intrinsically soft robotic sensors with quadruple sensing functionalities has been developed, enabling the perception of complex environments in both contact and non-contact manners. The sensors can be fully recycled for reuse, achieving superior cost-efficiency and eco-sustainability.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 4, 2025

SNU researchers develop world's first 3D microphone capable of position estimation with a single sensor

The research team developed a novel auditory technology that allows sound-based interaction between humans and robots, even in noisy environments. The technology facilitates sound-based recognition of human positions using only a single microphone.

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalRobotics and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2025

Gender characteristics of service robots can influence customer decisions

Researchers found that service robots with male characteristics can be more persuasive when interacting with women who have a low sense of power. Conversely, cute features in robot design can reduce the effect of portrayed gender on persuasiveness, making them effective for both male and female customers.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Hospitality and Tourism Management·TypeSurvey·DateMay 6, 2025