Articles tagged with Mechanical Engineering
A new robot designed to physically support the elderly and prevent falls as they move around their homes. The Elderly Bodily Assistance Robot (E-BAR) has a set of robotic handlebars that can be used for support, with airbags that inflate instantly to catch users if they fall.
Researchers at MIT created a table tennis bot that can return shots with high-speed precision, achieving a hit rate of 88% in tests. The technology could be adapted to improve the speed and responsiveness of humanoid robots for search-and-rescue operations.
Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH) have developed an achromatic metagrating that handles all colors in a single glass layer, eliminating the need for multiple layers. This breakthrough enables vivid full-color images using a 500-µm-thick single-layer waveguide.
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.
Engineers at Princeton University and Georgia Institute of Technology have created a method to reinforce structures without creating new weaknesses. The approach uses microstructures designed to protect against multiple loads, allowing designers to counter various stresses simultaneously.
Kavraki's interdisciplinary research in robotics and biomedicine has been recognized for its impact on manufacturing, space exploration, and medicine. Her work bridges theory and application, with contributions to novel robot motion planning, personalized cancer treatments, and drug discovery.
Researchers develop advanced materials from plant waste, enhancing wood strength without increasing weight or harming the environment. The treatment used is simple, cost-effective and safe, making it a potential replacement for traditional construction materials.
A new robotic system uses cues in a scene to determine a human's objective and quickly identify relevant objects, enabling intuitive assistance in household, workplace, and warehouse settings. The approach achieved 90% accuracy in predicting human objectives and 96% accuracy in identifying relevant objects.
MIT engineers developed ultrathin electronic films that sense heat and other signals, reducing the bulk of conventional goggles and scopes. The new pyroelectric thin film is highly sensitive to heat and radiation across the far-infrared spectrum, enabling lighter, more portable night-vision eyewear.
Researchers at the University of Houston create ceramic materials with origami-inspired shapes and a soft polymer coating, allowing them to bend under pressure without breaking. The resulting structures have improved toughness and can be used in medical prosthetics, aerospace, and robotics.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new method to fabricate stretchable ceramics, glass, and metals using a double-network design. This material can stretch over four times its size without breaking, making it suitable for tear-resistant textiles and flexible semiconductors.
A team of UVA engineering students is testing a novel, low-cost design for hypersonic research using a miniature spacecraft technology. If successful, the project could save millions of dollars per test flight and pave the way for future academic research in hypersonic flight.
The Harvard RoboBee has been equipped with crane fly-inspired legs and an updated controller, allowing it to land safely on various surfaces. The robot's delicate actuators were protected by the improved design, which enabled controlled landing tests on a leaf and rigid surfaces.
Researchers from Osaka Metropolitan University developed an explainable AI model for ship navigation that explains the basis for its decisions and intentions using numerical values. This technology aims to increase trust among maritime workers and contribute to the realization of unmanned ships.
University of Cincinnati researchers, in collaboration with end users, develop a user-centered, easy-to-use assistive device to help restore hand grasping motions. The team aims to combine an exoskeleton device with functional electrical stimulation (FES) technology to create a hybrid system.
Researchers from Waseda University used machine learning to enhance the performance of photomechanical crystals, achieving up to 3.7 times greater force output compared to previously reported values. This breakthrough has significant implications for remote-controlled actuators, medical devices, and energy-efficient systems.
Researchers found that roofs with shorter peak heights (less than three feet) should be wider to minimize heat loss, while taller peaks require equilateral triangles with a specific height-to-width ratio. These findings are similar to those seen in ancient architecture across the world.
Researchers developed a bio-inspired thermoelectric cement with a Seebeck coefficient of −40.5 mV/K, surpassing previous materials by ten times. The composite achieves superior mechanical strength and energy storage potential, enabling continuous power supply for electronic devices.
A novel machine learning-driven approach uses deep-learning operator-surrogate models to monitor critical degradation indicators in nuclear power facilities. This technique provides real-time predictions and addresses limitations of physical sensors or classical modeling predictions.
Researchers at Nagoya University developed an ultra-thin loop heat pipe to improve heat control in smartphones and tablets. The device transports heat without electricity, enabling sustained high performance without compromising on design or user experience.
Four UTA faculty members - Cameron, Dias, Shiakolas, and Yuan - recognized by the National Academy of Inventors for their outstanding research discoveries. Their innovations have made a tangible impact on society through patents, licensing, and commercialization.
Jiawei Yang creates bioadhesives with two layers, a transparent solid hydrogel layer and a clear liquid adhesive layer, to provide fast, strong, stable, and deep adhesion in the body. The new bioadhesives have potential applications in treating Parkinson's disease, heart failure, and healing damaged cartilage.
Dr. Wei Li is creating a virtual lunar welding platform to simulate welding in the moon's harsh environment, addressing temperature fluctuations and extreme vacuum conditions. The project aims to enable reliable large structure assembly on the moon, a crucial step for human colonization.
The new robotic gripper, called GRIP-tape, uses a combination of softness and stiffness to grasp fragile fruits and vegetables with precision. With its ability to navigate obstacles and deposit objects into containers, the gripper has shown promising results in lifting large fruits like lemons.
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University developed an innovative real-time ASL interpretation system using AI and deep learning. The system achieved a 98.2% accuracy rate with minimal latency, enabling fast and reliable performance for applications such as live video processing and interactive technologies.
Engineered materials mimic quantum behaviors, allowing for the simulation of Schrödinger dynamics in classical systems. This breakthrough enables the study of quantum phenomena in more accessible environments, paving the way for novel technologies.
Researchers will use sensors and software to predict AM part lifespan, enabling cost savings and extending part life. The project aims to improve Darwin software to provide detailed insights into manufacturing processes.
Researchers have developed a new type of metamaterial that stores large amounts of energy through twisting rods, with enthalpy levels 2-160 times higher than other materials. The material has potential applications in various fields such as spring-based energy storage, shock absorption, and flexible structures.
The device uses AI technology to detect potential heart problems and provides real-time health insights. It has multiple points touching the skin near the heart, allowing for more accurate tracking even during movement.
Researchers at Waseda University developed a novel self-assembly process to create multilayered films with superior thermal, mechanical, and gas barrier properties. The film exhibits enhanced hardness and self-healing ability compared to conventional materials.
Three UVA Engineering faculty members have been elected as AAAS Fellows for their groundbreaking work in computer architecture, energy transport, and hydrology. Sandhya Dwarkadas, Patrick E. Hopkins, and Venkataraman Lakshmi were recognized for their innovative research and contributions to their respective fields.
Researchers developed a new liquid-crystal-based platform to handle hundreds of optical modes in compact two-dimensional setups, overcoming optical losses. This breakthrough enables the scalability of quantum simulations and all-optical AI systems.
A team of engineers at the University of Texas at Dallas has developed a new surface design that collects and removes condensates rapidly, challenging conventional theory. The discovery reveals a limitation in existing heat transfer models and inspires a new theory to explain the phenomenon.
A team of researchers at MIT has developed a system that makes pesticides stick to plant leaves, reducing waste and costs for farmers. The new technology, which involves coating droplets with an oily material, improves the 'stickiness' of the droplets by up to a hundredfold.
The researchers have created a way to deliver certain drugs in higher doses with less pain by injecting them as a suspension of tiny crystals. This approach can enable long-term delivery of contraceptives or treatments for diseases such as HIV, reducing the need for frequent injections.
A team of scientists has successfully developed a novel platform for diabetes treatment utilizing bioink derived from pancreatic tissue and 3D bioprinting technology. The HICA-V platform replicates the structure and function of the human endocrine pancreas, supporting islet maturation and functional enhancement.
A new platform allows users to rapidly prototype large, sturdy interactive structures without requiring mechanical or electrical engineering expertise. The system utilizes reconfigurable building blocks with integrated electronics that can be assembled into complex devices.
Researchers from Virginia Tech have published a visionary paper on fusing wireless technologies and AI to create human-like common sense. The team aims to develop a network that can think, plan, and imagine like humans, enabling seamless merging of physical, virtual, and digital dimensions.
MIT engineers have developed a way to grow artificial muscles that twitch and flex in multiple coordinated directions. This breakthrough allows for the creation of soft, wiggly robots with enhanced flexibility and range of motion.
KIT will present innovative technologies such as optical meta surfaces, smart earphones, and sustainable cooling solutions at Hannover Messe 2025. The showcase highlights the institution's commitment to addressing global challenges like climate change and energy transition.
The UMass Amherst nurse-engineer team, led by Elaine Marieb Center for Nursing and Engineering Innovation, has developed an innovative IV pole designed to enhance patient safety and reduce errors. The award-winning design features a smart pump that can detect potential problems and alert medical staff, improving overall care.
Physicists have created a new code, QUADCOIL, to design stellarators, which could lead to simpler and more affordable fusion facilities. The code helps balance physics and engineering by quickly ruling out unstable plasma shapes and predicting magnet complexities.
Researchers have created quantum holograms using metasurfaces and nonlinear crystals, enabling precise control over entangled information. The technology holds promise for practical applications in quantum communication and anti-counterfeiting, with potential to increase information capacity and reduce system size.
Researchers discovered that aligning protein chains and increasing hydrogen bonds through stretching make spider silk stronger, tougher, and more elastic. The study aims to design engineered silk-inspired proteins for strong, biodegradable materials like sutures and body armor.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute have created a biorobotic arm with artificial muscles that can mimic and suppress real tremors. The technology has the potential to revolutionize assistive exoskeletons and wearable devices for individuals with tremors, providing a more discreet and effective solution.
A POSTECH research team developed a photoacoustic computed tomography (PACT) system that non-invasively monitors cerebrovascular changes in small animals with early stages of an ischemic stroke. The technology also measures oxygen saturation in blood vessels, allowing precise tracking of vascular recovery after stroke.
Dr. Sarah Du, an associate professor at Florida Atlantic University's College of Engineering and Computer Science, has been selected as a Senior Member of the National Academy of Inventors for her significant contributions to advancing medical technology. Her research focuses on developing point-of-care diagnostic tools and monitoring ...
Researchers have found that similar patterns of cracks on planets Earth, Mars and Europa may indicate past water presence and potential life. The study uses a mathematical framework to analyze two-dimensional fracture networks across the solar system.
The Hydrogen Engine Alliance of North America aims to educate the public about hydrogen's potential and build support for infrastructure development. It will foster innovation and collaboration across sectors to ensure that internal combustion engine vehicles contribute meaningfully to North America's hydrogen ecosystem.
The Dielectric Elastomer Sensor (DES) offers real-time pressure and vibration monitoring in soft fluidic actuators, ideal for robotics and biomedical devices. The sensor's flexibility and ability to withstand large deformations make it suitable for applications in automobile designing and structural health monitoring.
Researchers developed a self-healing hydrogel that can resist cracking and damage quickly. By incorporating sacrificial segments, the material forms new networks to reinforce itself.
Scientists at Penn State have created a new type of computer memory that could revolutionize electronic devices. The material harnesses incipient ferroelectricity to enable faster and more sustainable computing technologies.
UTA's expansion of its undergraduate research program has enabled students to present their work at major symposiums, including the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics conference. The program has strengthened students' commitment to pursuing graduate studies in various fields.
Researchers at Columbia University developed a way for robots to autonomously model their own 3D shapes using a single camera, enabling them to understand and adapt to their movements. This breakthrough allows robots to overcome damage to their bodies, making them more reliable and resilient for various applications.
A novel computational model enables prediction and improvement of multifunctional structures in 3D printing. Researchers have controlled internal structure to enhance mechanical resistance and electrical signal transmission.
Ebru Demir aims to study how groups of AI-driven microswimmers move in biological fluids for potential applications in drug delivery, fertility treatments, and other medical fields. Her research combines artificial microswimmers with machine learning to uncover the underlying physics governing their movement.
Three University of Houston professors, Birol Dindoruk, Megan Robertson, and Francisco Robles Hernandez, have been named Senior Members of the National Academy of Inventors. The recognition highlights their dedication to innovation and research excellence.
Researchers develop novel methods to visualize and understand gas flow dynamics in plasma arc cutting, improving cut quality and efficiency. They found that curved cutting fronts result in oblique shockwave structures, which reduce flow velocity and can lead to safer and more efficient dismantling of nuclear facilities.
Researchers propose a new local electricity market to harness the power of homeowners' grid-edge devices in case of outages or attacks. Devices like solar panels and electric vehicles can pump power into the grid or rebalance consumption.
Researchers created robotic materials that can change shape, support heavy loads, and self-heal by enabling dynamic inter-unit forces and biochemical signaling. The system can be scaled to thousands of units, enabling the development of robust and adaptable robotic materials.