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KAIST makes buttons rise with light

Researchers at KAIST create a metal structure that changes shape using light, without any light-absorbing coating. The technology could enable new possibilities for tactile interfaces and wearable devices.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalAdvanced Science·DateJul 19, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New autonomous monitor prevents drone crashes in real time

A University of Houston engineer developed a real-time safety system for quadrotor drones that can prevent accidents caused by unexpected events. The new technology uses a 'safety supervisor' module to monitor the drone's tilt and position in real time, ensuring it stays within safety limits.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalJournal of Dynamic Systems Measurement and Control·DateJul 7, 2026

New hand sensors turn post-stroke rehab into an on-screen game

Researchers developed piezoelectric patch sensors that track finger movements to play rock-paper-scissors, promoting self-motivated healthcare and entertainment. The sensors provide quantifiable data and objective feedback, improving patient outcomes through accessibility, independence, and motivation.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateJun 2, 2026
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.

Turning down the heat

A University of Houston professor has found that tree-like thin films release heat at least three times better than traditional methods, enabling more efficient cooling in AI data centers. The discovery demonstrates the power of physics-aware AI design for validating high-impact cooling solutions.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalInternational Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer·DateFeb 12, 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
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Programming robots with rubber bands

A team of engineers at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences designed a proof-of-concept walking robot using only four moving parts connected by rubber bands and powered by one motor. The robot can find its way through mazes, avoid obstacles, and sort objects by mass without electronic control systems.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 15, 2025

Looking for the perfect fold? It’s frustrating.

Researchers at Princeton University have developed a new type of origami that changes its shape and properties in response to external stimuli. By introducing elastic components, they can execute precise folding patterns not previously possible. This technology has potential applications in prosthetics, antennas, and other devices.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 4, 2025

From static to smart: HIT researchers developed programmable 4D-printed metamaterials that think, change, and perform multiple tasks

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.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateAug 13, 2025

Smarter metal 3D printing to control quality in large-scale manufacturing

Researchers develop smart planning systems to predict weld bead geometry and optimize deposition paths, reducing thermal stresses and defect rates. Innovations in real-time monitoring and auxiliary strategies improve material integrity and mechanical properties.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateJul 2, 2025

IJEM ranked No.1 again—record-breaking Impact Factor of 21.3!

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.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateJun 18, 2025
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.

Robots made of linked particle chains

Researchers at Harvard developed link-bots, centimeter-scale robots composed of V-shaped chains with notched links, capable of coordinated movements and emergent collective behavior. The team demonstrated link-bots' ability to move forward, stop, change direction, squeeze through gaps, and cooperate on tasks.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2025

Mechanical computer relies on kirigami cubes, not electronics

Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a mechanical computer that uses a complex structure of rigid polymer cubes to store, retrieve and erase data. The system has reversible features allowing users to control when data editing is permitted.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2024

How scientists build rotatory machines with molecules

Researchers at UNIST developed zeolitic imidazolate frameworks that mimic intricate machines, exhibiting precise control over nanoscale mechanical movements. The discovery has significant implications for applications in data storage, digital technology, and beyond.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 26, 2024
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.

A new “digital twin” of laser-directed energy deposition repair technology

A new digital twin of laser-directed energy deposition repair technology has been developed to improve industrial sustainability. The system automatically determines optimum forming conditions, reducing metal powder waste and increasing the effectiveness of the repair process.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJournal of Thermal Spray Technology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 12, 2023

Optimizing wind flow simulations

Researchers at the University of Oldenburg and Fraunhofer IWES collaborate on a new project to develop more accurate wind flow simulations using artificial intelligence. The goal is to reduce computing times and enhance precision, ultimately accelerating innovation in wind turbine design.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·DateAug 26, 2022

Let machines do the work: Automating semiconductor research with machine learning

Researchers use machine learning to automatically analyze Reflection High-Energy Electron Diffraction (RHEED) data, enabling faster and more efficient discovery of new materials. The study focused on surface superstructures in thin-film silicon surfaces and identified optimal synthesis conditions using non-negative matrix factorization.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalScience and Technology of Advanced Materials Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2022
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

A longstanding mystery in manufacturing has been solved

Researchers at Aarhus University have developed a simple analytical model to predict chip formation and optimize surface finish in manufacturing processes. The study reveals the critical cutting depth for almost every material, tool geometry, and running conditions, minimizing tool wear and improving product quality.

SourceAarhus University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 14, 2021

Bringing real-time, fine-scale, subsurface quality control to 3D printing

Researchers from Osaka University introduced a non-contact quality control technology to 3D printing by detecting fine-scale defects below the surface of 3D-printed metal assemblies. They used laser ultrasonics to uncover small defects that are frequently difficult to image.

SourceOsaka University·JournalUltrasonics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Finding the cause of a fatal problem in rocket engine combustors

Researchers found significant periodic flow velocity fluctuations in fuel injector ignite combustion oscillations, leading to high mechanical stress on the combustion chamber. The findings provide a reasonable answer for why these oscillations occur and have significant implications for preventing fatal damage in critical engines.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalPhysics of Fluids·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 2, 2021

Equipping form with function

Researchers at IST Austria developed an interactive design tool that allows users to easily adjust a mechanical template to fit their desired shape. This tool guarantees functionality while enabling artists to make aesthetic adjustments, making it possible for novice users to create functional models with ease.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·DateJun 23, 2017