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Making “transport” robots smarter

University of Missouri engineers are working on a collaborative human-robot order picking system to speed up the online delivery process. The proposed model aims to optimize key decisions in warehouse operations, allowing robots to navigate efficiently and collaborate with humans to increase efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalInternational Journal of Production Economics·DateNov 29, 2022

Advances in research on surface/interface friction behaviors of the metal cutting process

A systematic review of cutting friction behaviors in the metal cutting process reveals its significant impact on tool wear and surface quality. The study contributes to the development of high-quality cutting technology by understanding cutting friction mechanisms, simulation technologies, and anti-friction strategies.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateNov 28, 2022

NTU Singapore scientists convert waste paper into battery parts for smartphones and electric vehicles

Researchers at Nanyang Technological University have developed a technique to convert waste paper into lithium-ion battery electrodes, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing durability. The new method uses carbonisation and laser cutting to create reusable batteries with superior properties.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalAdditive Manufacturing·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2022

Key to chemical industries’ sustainable future? The world’s first industrial model of a flow photo-on-demand synthesis system

A new flow photo-on-demand synthesis system using chloroform as a precursor has been successfully developed by researchers at Kobe University. The system achieves high conversion rates and can synthesize various chemical products continuously in large quantities, offering a safe, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly alternative to...

SourceKobe University·JournalOrganic Process Research & Development·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2022

Trial by wind: Testing the heat resistance of carbon fiber-reinforced ultra-high-temperature ceramic matrix composites

The study investigates the degradation of carbon fiber-reinforced ultra-high-temperature ceramic matrix composites at temperatures above 2000°C. The results show that the amount of zirconium in the alloy affects the composite's oxidation resistance, and modifying the matrix composition is necessary to prevent degradation.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJournal of Materials Science·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2022

A new way of fabricating high-efficiency diffraction gratings for astronomical spectroscopy

Researchers develop a new way to manufacture high-efficiency diffraction gratings using reactive ion-plasma etching, achieving near-theoretical unpolarized diffraction efficiency of 94.3%. The process enables robust and durable gratings suitable for harsh environments.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Astronomical Telescopes Instruments and Systems·DateNov 10, 2022

Fast burst of infrared light opens a way for 3D processing inside semiconductor chips

Researchers from LP3 Laboratory developed a light-based technique for local material processing in three-dimensional space of semiconductor chips. They successfully fabricated embedded structures inside Si and GaAs materials, which cannot be 3D processed with conventional ultrafast lasers.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateNov 7, 2022

Tracking trust in human-robot work interactions

Researchers at Texas A&M University used functional near-infrared spectroscopy to monitor participant responses during human-robot collaborations. They found that faulty robot actions decreased operator trust and associated it with increased brain activity in the frontal, motor, and visual cortices.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalApplied Ergonomics·DateNov 1, 2022

Self-folding origami honeycombs pave the way to sustainable protective packaging

Researchers from Shibaura Institute of Technology created a novel method to produce self-folding origami honeycomb structures using paper sheets, which can provide excellent protection against shocks and compression. The developed technique has potential applications in packaging, agriculture, and other fields.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalMaterials & Design·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2022

Recent progress in synthesis and surface modification of nickel-rich layered oxide cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Researchers from South China University of Technology have developed novel surface modification techniques for nickel-rich layered oxide cathode materials, improving their electrochemical performance. The techniques allow for high-performance nickel-rich cathode materials to be synthesized, enabling in-depth mechanisms to be captured a...

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateOct 31, 2022

New study unveils vertically oriented 2D ruddlesden–popper phase perovskite passivation layer for efficient and stable inverted PSCS

Researchers have developed a vertically oriented 2D Ruddlesden–Popper phase perovskite passivation layer for efficient and stable inverted PSCs. The new design achieved a champion PCE of 21.4% in devices with outstanding humidity and thermal stability.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateOct 20, 2022

Electrostatic atomization minimum quantity lubrication machining: From mechanism to application

The study reviews electrostatic atomization minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) mechanism and applications, highlighting its benefits in clean cutting and biolubricant development. Researchers propose future directions for improving coordination parameters and equipment integration.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateOct 16, 2022

“Size matters”: stronger and more ductile microlattice materials with reduced unit sizes

Researchers have developed stronger and more ductile microlattice materials by reducing unit sizes from 60 μm to 20 μm, enabling tailoring of mechanical properties. The size effect results in higher fracture strain and strength, making these materials suitable for various structural and functional applications.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateOct 14, 2022

Current FDA oversight of vaping industry likely to have minimal impact

The FDA's warning letters issued in 2020 and 2021 revealed that the regulator is failing to target leading tobacco companies and products most popular among young people. Over 90% of warnings were sent to small online retailers, while flavoured refillable e-cigarette liquids accounted for over 90% of the products cited.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalTobacco Control·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 13, 2022

Compostable bioleather offers sustainable solutions for the clothing industry and beyond

Researchers at Columbia Engineering created a compostable bioleather with superior flame-retardance and low environmental impact. The microbial nanocellulose (MC) bioleather has a significantly smaller carbon footprint than synthetic leather or cotton, making it an attractive alternative to traditional leather.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalEnvironmental Science Advances·DateSep 28, 2022

Engineers discover new process for synthetic material growth, enabling soft robots that grow like plants

Researchers developed a plant-inspired extrusion process for synthetic material growth, enabling soft robots to create new material and navigate obstacles. This technology has applications in remote areas and biomedical fields, potentially reducing the need for expensive machinery.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2022

Oil-based systems show promise for eradicating salmonella on food production machinery

A new study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology suggests that oil formulations with food-grade organic acids can kill dried Salmonella on stainless steel surfaces. This approach has the potential to replace water-based cleaning methods, which promote microbial growth and are often challenging to use.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 8, 2022

Engineers repurpose 19th-century photography technique to make stretchy, color-changing films

Researchers developed a new printing technique that applies a 19th-century color photography method to modern holographic materials, producing large-scale images on elastic materials with structural color. The team's results enable the creation of pressure-monitoring bandages, shade-shifting fabrics, or touch-sensing robots.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 1, 2022

Molecular electronics: a possible solution beyond Moore's Law

Researchers have developed instruments for single-molecule electrochemistry and spectroscopy, aiming to design and synthesize materials with chemistry, physics, and engineering at the atomic scale. They discuss challenges and opportunities in functionalizing molecular junctions and forming stable molecular electronic devices.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateJul 27, 2022