Articles tagged with Manufacturing
A team of researchers has developed a new method to produce sturdy and reusable bioplastics from domestic raw materials, reducing reliance on petroleum-based chemicals. The bioplastics, known as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), have similar levels of toughness and malleability to traditional plastics, but are infinitely recyclable.
Researchers at North Carolina State University unveiled Rainbow, a self-driving laboratory that autonomously discovers high-performance quantum dots. The system combines advanced robotics and AI to conduct up to 1,000 experiments per day, accelerating materials discovery.
A new magnet manufacturing process has been developed that produces strong permanent magnets quickly and uses less energy and is less expensive. The technique, called friction stir consolidation, eliminates porosity in the magnetic material and reduces oxidation.
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is collaborating with Mississippi State University to create new steels for the US Navy using a $5 million award. The team will focus on developing new steel materials, welding and strengthening mechanisms, as well as wire arc additive manufacturing.
Researchers have created a wearable system that combines drug delivery, electrical stimulation, and continuous monitoring to treat diabetic foot ulcers. The microneedle platform anchors securely into the skin and adjusts therapy in real-time to prevent severe tissue damage.
Researchers have developed a smart hydrogel surface that can instantly recognize whether it's in contact with oil or water and switch its behavior to separate the two. The surface achieves a record-breaking separation speed of 17,750 liters per square meter per hour, three to five times faster than most current membranes.
HIT researchers created multi-material, multi-responsive, multi-shape shape memory polymer (SMP) gradient metamaterials with tunable properties. These smart materials can adapt to different tasks without extra tools or infrastructure, enabling applications such as secure information storage and soft robotic systems.
Researchers developed an alginate-based microrobot that can be tracked using Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) and performs real-time localization, selective thermal therapy, and cell delivery. The robot is powered by a single magnetic actuation system independent of conventional medical imaging devices.
A new MSU study explores the perceptions of consumers regarding 'Made in USA' labels, finding that confusion exists and reality often exceeds or falls short of expectations. Researchers analyzed survey data from 131 adult respondents to better understand consumer attitudes towards domestic production and labeling.
Researchers are combining machine learning algorithms with neuromorphic hardware to build brain-like devices that can learn from data and adapt in real-time. These devices have the potential to revolutionize industries such as manufacturing by enabling machines to sense their environment, adapt to new tasks, and make decisions without ...
A study of France's supply chain law found no evidence that it harms companies' profits, contradicting business lobby narratives. The law requires due diligence on human rights, health and safety, and environmental standards, but did not discourage companies from participating in voluntary initiatives.
Engineers at RMIT University have developed a new low-cost approach to creating 3D-printed titanium alloys, which are about a third cheaper than standard alloys. The new alloy has improved strength and performance compared to traditional 3D-printed titanium alloys.
Researchers developed a new 3D printing method that creates strong, high-quality silicon carbide (SiC) ceramic parts at lower temperatures. The method uses vat-polymerization and adds silica to improve material quality, resulting in comparable strength to ceramics sintered at higher temperatures.
Researchers developed a new method for building powerful, compact energy storage devices using thin-film supercapacitors without metal parts. The device can output 200 volts, equivalent to powering 100 LEDs for 30 seconds or a 3-watt bulb for 7 seconds.
Researchers at Pusan National University developed a new Bayesian calibration framework to optimize digital twin models of automated material handling systems. The framework improves prediction accuracy by accounting for parameter uncertainty and discrepancy, enabling effective calibration with scarce field data.
Laser-generated nanoparticles offer a cleaner, scalable alternative to traditional chemical synthesis methods for electronics applications. The method, called laser ablation in liquids, produces surfactant-free, highly pure metal-based nanoparticles with tailored surface properties.
Researchers developed a novel fabrication method for thin-film temperature sensors that operate across an exceptionally wide temperature range, from –50 °C to 950 °C. The technique eliminates the need for complex protective layers, making it faster and cheaper to produce sensors.
The Idaho National Laboratory will lead the Semiconductor Manufacturing and Advanced Research with Twins USA Institute (SMART USA) in advancing American digital twin technology. Leveraging high-performance computing, digital engineering, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing, SMART USA aims to reboot domestic manufacturin...
A new book by Rutgers University professor Ko-Lin Chin investigates the operations of illicit businesses in China's counterfeit industry. The author examines individual characteristics, economic aspects, relationships with organized crime, and demand for counterfeit goods.
MIT engineers developed a versatile demonstration interface that allows users to teach robots new skills in three intuitive ways: remote control, physical manipulation, or demonstration. This innovation expands the type of users and 'teachers' who interact with robots, enabling robots to learn a wider set of skills.
Researchers propose sparse-view irradiation processing VAM (SVIP-VAM) to reduce projection data and computation time. The method enables structure manufacturing with a reduced number of projections, increasing the feasibility of sparse-view printing.
Researchers are creating generalized digital twins for machines, aiming to improve coordination up and down the production line. The center also plans to develop digital twins for human-robot collaboration and use software for simulation and analysis.
Pusan National University researchers developed a comprehensive issue set for MDA implementation, covering technical, organizational, and environmental challenges. The framework helps manufacturers prioritize issues and address them proactively, enabling efficient and effective data-driven smart manufacturing.
A new laser machining method enables high-precision patterned laser micro-grooving with root mean square errors below 0.5 μm. This technique allows for rapid and scalable manufacturing of custom microstructures, advancing applications in microfluidic devices, sensors, and heat dissipation systems.
Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) is expanding its heat exchanger testing capabilities to include megawatt-scale performance evaluations. This move addresses a significant market gap for high-heat transfer rates involving high-temperature and -flowrate applications in data centers, defense, and other fields.
A recent study by Carnegie Mellon University found that illegally manufactured fentanyl primarily enters the US via counties along the Canadian border. The analysis revealed these counties accounted for over 40% of large fentanyl seizures in 2023-2024, despite comprising only 3.1% of the national population. This finding undermines eff...
Researchers developed a cost-effective, wafer-scale thermal emitter for infrared information encryption and decryption. The emitter demonstrates versatile wavelength-, angle-, and polarization-selective optical functionalities across the LWIR spectrum.
The article discusses the use of solution-processed 2D materials to fabricate memristors, offering a scalable alternative to traditional methods. Recent breakthroughs have overcome manufacturing limitations, producing larger and less-damaged nanosheets with improved device performance.
A new study from Michigan State University explores the economic shock of the largest series of U.S. tariff hikes since 1930, reshaping global supply chains. The framework helps researchers and policymakers understand the chaos and make sense of future disruptions.
This innovative technology reduces dependence on critical REEs by creating high-performance magnets with less rare earth content. The technologies, developed in partnership with the Critical Materials Innovation Hub, aim to secure U.S. energy independence and technological leadership.
A recent study by University of Houston researcher Melika Shirmohammadi examines career success disparities among minority and non-minority groups. The framework of 'complex visibility' reveals how minority groups are seen or perceived, often feeling hyper-visible yet invisible in certain contexts.
International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing (IJEM) achieves a new Impact Factor of 21.3, surpassing 20 for the first time and maintaining its position as top journal in the field. IJEM has attracted submissions from 853 institutions in 81 countries.
Australians waste 7.6 million tonnes of food annually, with poor label design and inconsistent packaging being key reasons for this problem. Clearer date labels and storage advice could drastically reduce edible food waste.
A study of nearly 600 US companies over 17 years found that firms in states with stakeholder-focused laws are better at avoiding environmental issues. CFOs' personalities, especially if they're overconfident, can lead to risky decisions harming both the environment and the company.
MIT engineers developed a new resin that turns into two different solids depending on the type of light, enabling the creation of complex structures with easily dissolvable supports. This method speeds up the 3D-printing process and reduces waste by allowing for recycling and reuse of the supports.
Researchers developed self-propelled ferroptosis nanoinducers to enhance cancer therapy by inducing programmed cell death. The nanotherapeutics exhibited enhanced diffusion and deep tumor penetration while maintaining biocompatibility.
A team of researchers at Texas A&M University has received a $1.6 million grant to develop a system for rapidly accelerating the certification process of 3D-printed critical components used in military applications.
Researchers have demonstrated a new technique using lasers to create ceramics that can withstand ultra-high temperatures. The technique allows for the creation of ceramic coatings, tiles, or complex three-dimensional structures, enabling increased versatility in engineering new devices and technologies.
Researchers from Empa developed machine learning algorithms to optimize laser-based manufacturing techniques, reducing preliminary experiments by two-thirds. They also implemented real-time optimization using field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) for improved welding processes.
Researchers developed a new equation to predict seismic wave propagation in magma containing crystals and bubbles, revealing how crystal content influences wave velocity and waveform properties. The analysis also showed that bubble content affects attenuation effects, with discernible differences emerging between models.
Triboelectric and piezoelectric nanogenerators convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, enhancing robotic autonomy and efficiency. The technology has the potential to reshape future robotic capabilities, particularly in industrial automation, healthcare, and smart home applications.
The University of Texas at Arlington's (UTA) Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center (TMAC) has developed a real-time sensor data system to track environmental impact. The program helps Texas manufacturers reduce pollution, lower emissions, and save costs by identifying energy waste, water consumption, and air leaks.
Researchers developed novel haptic devices to enable precise robot control with tactile feedback, reducing collisions and improving user proficiency. The devices integrate digital twin technology and augmented reality for enhanced immersion.
SWORD accelerates robotics development by reducing manual coding required for complex applications, integrating CAD with open-source ROS tools to streamline automation. The software models, plans, and executes automation in a user-friendly environment.
Researchers achieve plastic warm metalworking in previously brittle semiconductors, enabling efficient and cost-effective manufacturing of high-performance electronic devices. The new technique unlocks new opportunities for scalable fabrication of thermoelectric devices with improved performance.
A synthetic lichen system developed by Texas A&M researchers enables concrete to heal itself without outside intervention. This innovation uses cyanobacteria and filamentous fungi to produce crack-filling minerals, setting it apart from previous self-healing concrete endeavors.
Researchers at Texas A&M University are developing a new method to recover rare earth elements from old electronics, such as tablets and phones, using solid-phase extraction technology. This method aims to reduce energy use, cut down on solvents, and streamline the process, making it more environmentally friendly and commercially viable.
The MASTER project invites educational institutions to develop innovative XR educational content and validate cutting-edge XR technologies in real settings. Selected applicants will receive financial support, access to advanced XR tools, and expert mentorship.
Researchers developed an intelligent autonomous robot capable of automating hospital disinfection processes through dual disinfection system, increasing efficiency and precision. The robot's performance was validated through real-world testing, reducing the risk of infection in hospitals.
Researchers found that while AI models showed promise in assessing weld quality, they performed significantly better analyzing curated online images compared to actual welds. Context-specific prompts may enhance the performance of AI models in some cases.
Researchers propose a novel approach to reduce carbon emissions in cement manufacturing by leveraging iron naturally present in cement raw materials. The method enables the co-thermal conversion of CaCO₃ with CH₄ under a methane atmosphere, resulting in high-value syngas as a byproduct and significantly reducing carbon footprint.
Researchers developed Draw2Cut, a novel vision system that allows users to draw directly onto materials to be cut or milled. The system creates 3D CAD plans for CNC machines, reducing complexity in manufacturing.
A new study calls for limiting plastic usage in test kits to reduce unnecessary waste, with average weights ranging from 6 grams to 40 grams. The researchers propose setting a maximum limit of four grams of plastic usage in the lateral flow tests cassettes.
A new collaboration aims to develop an affordable and accessible monoclonal antibody therapeutic for CCHFV, treating thousands globally. USAMRIID discovered the antibody in mice, and LifeArc is supporting development of a fully humanized antibody.
Researchers at Zhejiang University developed a novel 3D-printed hydrogel that can easily switch its Young's modulus from kPa to GPa through on-demand crystallization. The hydrogel exhibits a hardness of 86.5 Shore D and a Young's modulus of 1.2 GPa, surpassing current 3D-printed hydrogels.
A new method using UV light and machine learning can detect microbial contamination in cell cultures, providing a quicker yes/no assessment within 30 minutes. This technology aims to reduce the time spent on sterility tests, making it crucial for life-saving treatments.
A recent study reveals that only 9.5% of plastic materials produced globally in 2022 were made from recycled materials, with the majority coming from fossil fuels. The study also highlights a significant increase in plastic waste disposal by incineration and regional differences in plastic consumption.
Researchers have developed a new understanding of electrolyte wetting in advanced lithium-ion batteries, revealing the impact of manufacturing processes on wetting behavior. The study provides insights into permeability and capillary forces, offering concrete guidance for optimizing production processes.
Kathleen Thelen examines the growth of supersized retailing in the US, tracing its roots back to the late 19th century. She argues that policy and politics played a crucial role in shaping the industry's dominance.
Researchers at MIT have developed a method to mass manufacture nanoparticles that target cancer cells, eliminating the need for manual polymer mixing and streamlining production. This approach integrates good manufacturing practice (GMP)-compliant processes, making it suitable for large-scale production of cancer treatments.