Articles tagged with Mechanical Engineering
Researchers found that providing language descriptions of tools can accelerate a simulated robotic arm's learning of tool manipulation. The team used GPT-3 to obtain tool descriptions and showed improved performance in tasks such as pushing, lifting, sweeping, and hammering with new tools.
University of Illinois researchers derived the depth profile of electric double layers using statistical analysis and electrostatic calculations. They developed a new method, CP-3D-AFM, to experimentally quantify the charge distribution at electrode-electrolyte interfaces.
The research team successfully transplanted a stem cell sheet onto the heart, promoting angiogenesis and improving cardiac function. The technique has improved integration and engraftment rates, addressing challenges in patch-based treatments for myocardial infarction.
A high-precision 3D printing method has been developed to produce polarisation-encoded 3D anticounterfeiting labels with increased data encryption density. The new label can encrypt more digital information than a traditional 2D label.
Researchers used a novel modeling method to study hummingbird wing movement, revealing previously unknown principles of actuation. They found that hummingbirds' primary muscles pull wings in three directions: up and down, back and forth, and twisting. This discovery has implications for technological development of agile aerial systems.
Researchers discovered that eye movements can reveal valuable information about how humans make decisions. The study found that the speed and vigor of eye movements increased as participants considered their options before making a choice.
A pilot study conducted at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that a low-cost computer vision system was feasible and well-received by employees. The system accurately detected mask adherence 100% of the time, with most participants experiencing a positive interaction.
A University of Houston researcher has developed a method to describe complex systems using the least number of variables possible, reducing complexity from millions to just one. This advancement speeds up science with efficiency and ability to understand and predict natural system behavior.
Researchers developed a simple and accurate method for markerless gait analysis, combining RGB camera-based pose estimation with IMU sensor data. The new technique outperformed existing methods in measuring gait parameters and joint angles, showing significant promise for clinical settings and diverse applications.
Researchers create a soft robot that can detect damage and heal itself using stretchable fiber-optic sensors and polyurethane urea elastomer. The SHeaLDS technology provides a damage-resistant robot that can self-heal from cuts, and the researchers plan to integrate it with machine learning algorithms for more tasks.
Lehigh University has received nearly $1.75 million in funding from the US Department of Energy to support fusion energy research, specifically for ITER's long-pulse scenarios. The project aims to prepare ITER for operation and address critical research questions related to plasma control.
University of Minnesota researchers have developed a contactless manipulation method using ultrasound waves, which can move larger objects without physical contact. This technique uses metamaterial physics to steer objects in desired directions, enabling control through sound reflection.
Researchers at University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science developed a new electrostatically controlled clutch that enables soft robotic hands to hold 4 pounds, 40 times more than before. The clutch uses a fracture-mechanics-based model to achieve this feat while requiring only 125 volts of electricity.
Researchers developed a novel 3D printing technique to fabricate complex metal–plastic composite structures with arbitrarily complex shapes. The process, called MM-DLP3DP, allows for the creation of precise metal patterns and high-quality metal coatings, enabling the development of highly integrated and customizable microelectronics.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University developed a compact vibration energy harvester that amplifies electric power generated from human walking motion by about 90 times. The device can generate electricity from non-stationary vibrations, including walking motion, to power small wearable devices.
A group of international scientists transformed a top-down process into one that provides electricity to remote Amazonian communities. The "Inclusive engineering" approach engages with local values and preferences, ensuring the system is maintained by the community.
Researchers found that boron arsenide's thermal conductivity decreases at extremely high pressures, breaking the general rule of pressure dependence. This discovery may lead to novel materials for smart energy systems with built-in 'pressure windows'.
Researchers at Lehigh University have received a $1.2 million NSF grant to purchase a new plasma focused ion beam system for studying material deformation at the nanoscale. The system enables in situ mechanical testing and EBSD analysis, allowing for detailed study of microstructural elements and
A POSTECH research team developed single-cell-driven tri-channel encryption meta-displays, which project different images depending on where you look at them. These displays overcome the limitations of conventional metasurfaces by combining amplitude modulation and geometric phase manipulation.
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.
Scientists have developed a method to accurately measure the thermal expansion coefficient of 2D materials when heated, which could help engineers design next-generation electronics. The approach uses laser light to track vibrations of atoms in the material, allowing for precise measurements and confirming theoretical calculations.
CSU researchers created the first successful soft robotic gripper capable of manipulating individual droplets of liquid, enabling precise and lossless liquid cleanup work. The innovative device is lightweight, inexpensive, and can be used for hazardous liquid cleanup scenarios.
A team of researchers used molecular dynamics simulations and electrochemical 3D atomic force microscopy to study the electric double layer structure of an ionic liquid on crystalline electrodes. They found that intermolecular interactions among cations and anions are stronger than electrode-specific interactions, proposing a key descr...
A new microscopy system using optical tapered fibers has successfully acquired images of photoacoustic signals without contrast agents. The resolution is sufficient for cellular imaging, including red blood cells, with a resolution of 1.0 ± 0.3 micrometers.
Researchers developed a new device, MAGENTA, that prevents and supports muscle atrophy recovery. The device stimulates muscles to stretch and contract, triggering key molecular pathways for growth. It has potential applications in treating various diseases such as ALS and MS.
A new MIT-developed heat treatment transforms 3D-printed metal microstructure, enabling energy-efficient 3D printing of blades for gas turbines and jet engines. Researchers discovered a way to improve the structure by adding an additional heat-treating step.
Engineers and chemists at the University of Illinois have combined electron microscopy and data mining to visualize chemical and physical alteration within ion batteries. The study reveals patterns of nucleation, growth, and coalescence that can inform the development of better rechargeable battery performance.
MU researchers, including Jay J. Thelen and Dong Xu, are exploring genetic modification to increase seed oil production in camelina and pennycress for biofuel use in the aviation industry. The team aims to create a sustainable 'green energy' source as an alternative to petroleum-based fossil fuels.
Researchers at MIT have created biomedical devices made from aluminum that can be disintegrated by exposing them to a liquid metal called eutectic gallium-indium. This process could eliminate the need for surgical or endoscopic procedures to remove medical devices, such as staples and stents.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new approach to improve the energy density of nonrechargeable batteries, enabling up to a 50% increase in useful lifetime. The new design uses a fluorinated catholyte material that reduces dead weight and improves safety.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have discovered that plant-derived cellulose nanofibers exhibit high thermal conductivity, potentially replacing environmentally damaging synthetic polymers. The discovery was made using a novel method to align the fibers, allowing for efficient heat transfer.
A new study by MIT researchers shows that mobile phones can collect useful structural integrity data while crossing bridges. The study found that information about bridge vibrations can be extracted from smartphone-collected accelerometer data, and that this method could add years to a road bridge's lifespan. By leveraging crowdsourced...
A research team developed a smart mask integrating an ultrathin soundwave sensor that detects breathing, coughing, and speaking sounds. The mask uses machine-learning algorithms to identify respiratory diseases and improve public health by enabling prolonged monitoring.
Lehigh University researchers have developed a new fabrication method for high-entropy alloys that can operate in extreme temperatures. The process uses lower temperatures and a different reaction route to achieve a more homogenous microstructure, potentially leading to the development of more efficient materials for aerospace and indu...
Researchers at Fudan University reviewed fundamental mechanisms and recent developments in selective laser sintering of polymers. The study highlights the need for innovative materials, sintering methods, and post-processing techniques to improve the efficiency and performance of SLS polymer parts.
A team of researchers, led by Ling Li from Virginia Tech, has discovered the key strategies behind the strength and toughness of sea urchin exoskeletons. The study reveals that a balance between branch connection nodes and pore size is critical to the material's damage tolerance.
Researchers at HKU have developed a novel technique to measure the rotational and translational motion of cell markers with high precision. This breakthrough technology uses single nitrogen-vacancy centers in nanodiamonds to tackle the long-standing challenge in mechanobiology research.
Researchers at UCF's COSMOS Lab developed a method to create strong bricks from lunar regolith using 3D printing and binder jet technology. The bricks can withstand extreme space environments and are suitable for constructing off-world structures, paving the way for sustainable space construction.
A team of researchers from Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH) has created a fixed LiDAR sensor that can see objects in all directions. The new sensor uses a metasurface to expand its viewing angle, allowing for 360° recognition and three-dimensional imaging.
A research team at UNIST has developed a perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell with a special textured anti-reflective coating, increasing its power conversion efficiency to 23.50%. The device maintains its initial efficiency for 120 hours, outperforming existing devices which drop to 50% after 20 hours.
The platform enhances neurosurgical procedures by delivering precise treatment and diagnosis in deep brain tissue. Researchers successfully implanted the catheter in live sheep without damage or infection, paving the way for potential human trials within four years.
A team co-led by CityU developed a wearable electrotactile rendering system that can mimic the sensation of touch with high spatial resolution and a rapid response rate. The device has various application potential, including enhancing VR/AR experiences and facilitating work in thick gloves.
A team of researchers used clear mud to study turbulence in water flows, discovering that low clay concentrations alter the structure of turbulent dynamics. This finding has implications for understanding sediment transport and predicting flow behavior in natural environments.
Researchers develop mechanical neural networks (MNNs) with tunable beams that can learn behaviors and adapt to external forces. The MNNs, composed of a triangular lattice pattern, exhibit smart properties through machine learning algorithms. Early prototypes overcame lag issues and achieved accurate performance in various applications.
A research team at POSTECH developed a skin-attachable microphone sensor that clearly detects voices even in harsh noisy environments. This technology can be used for disaster-response communication between medical professionals wearing protective equipment and firefighters wearing gas masks.
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.
Researchers from McGill University developed a medical adhesive inspired by flatworms that uses suction to absorb blood and promote blood coagulation. The adhesive can be removed without causing re-bleeding, making it a potential replacement for wound sutures or delivering drugs.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed an algorithm that enables 2D materials to maintain their mechanical strength after conversion into 3D structures. The algorithm is inspired by kirigami art and mimics the structure of nacre, a natural shell coating known for its robust mechanical properties.
The CMU Array, a new microelectrode array, offers customized treatments for neurological disorders by allowing for three-dimensional sampling and ultra-high-density configurations. This technology has the potential to transform how doctors treat conditions like epilepsy and limb function loss.
Researchers have advanced a novel platform to accelerate the harvesting process, solving a key problem in water collection by removing thermal barriers. The design features mushroom-like channels that direct water droplets into collectible containers, allowing for continuous water harvesting anywhere.
A University of Houston professor has developed a nonreciprocal solar energy harvesting system that surpasses the thermodynamic limit and clears the way to use solar power 24/7. The new system can achieve significant efficiency boosts, paving the way for practical applications in power plants.
Purdue researchers have developed a new formulation of the world's whitest paint that is thinner and lighter, achieving nearly the same benchmark of solar reflectance as the original. The new paint incorporates hexagonal boron nitride and voids of air, providing reduced weight and increased cooling capabilities.
Researchers at WVU are resurrecting discarded electronics, recovering minerals, and making new products for national defense. The technology also has promise beyond national defense, including community-level e-waste recycling and space applications.
Rice undergrad Colter Decker creates programmable, air-driven circuits that can perform Boolean functions using compressed air. The system combines digital and analog components, simplifying the overall architecture and achieving new capabilities.
HKU researchers create ultra-strong aerogels by combining aramid nanofibers with polyvinyl alcohol, outperforming traditional aerogels in load-bearing structures. The new material has vast applicational values for diverse functional devices.
A research team at POSTECH and Sungkyunkwan University has developed an ultrahigh refractive index metamaterial that maximizes light-matter interaction. The material recorded the highest-ever refractive index of 7.8 in visible and near-infrared regions, enabling strong reflection of specific wavelengths.
A team of University of Missouri researchers is working to understand why solid-state lithium-ion batteries struggle with performance issues. They will use a specialized electron microscope and thin film polymer coatings to study the interface between the battery cathode and electrolyte, with the goal of developing an engineered interf...
UC Riverside engineers develop low-cost robotic clothing to help children with cerebral palsy. The soft machine garments contain sealed regions that inflate to provide force for movement, enabling natural limb functioning.
Researchers at POSTECH developed a chiral structure to block all vibration modes in a specific frequency band, effectively reducing any vibration. This innovation has significant implications for various fields like mechanical structures, buildings, and civil engineering.
The devices, made from a combination of stretchy material and dinoflagellate-infused culture solution, trigger light emission through mechanical stress. They can be recharged with sunlight and are maintenance-free, making them suitable for soft robots exploring dark environments.