Articles tagged with Mechatronics
Researchers at Harvard's John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have developed a new fabrication method for printing robotic devices with long filaments featuring precisely placed hollow channels. This allows the device to bend and deform in predetermined ways, enabling the creation of soft robots with predictable s...
A new machine learning model interprets leg motion as expended energy, providing a more accurate measure of calories burned. The device has been shown to have double the accuracy of commercial smartwatches and activity trackers.
Researchers at Duke University have created a programmable Lego-like material that can change its stiffness and damping in response to temperature changes. The material, made from gallium and iron, can be programmed to mimic various commercially available soft materials.
A Kennesaw State University researcher is working on a new type of robotic hand that can move more naturally, enabling robots to handle objects with greater precision. The research uses advanced artificial intelligence to replicate human-like behavior, allowing robots to interact with their environment in a more intuitive way.
An AI-driven irrigation management system developed by Texas A&M University students uses soil sensors, crop data, and weather forecasts to optimize watering. The system conserves water, reduces costs, and increases crop yields, addressing global issues of water scarcity and inequity.
The robot fish, developed at Universitat Jaume I, has been recognized for its ability to deploy and retrieve sensors in the marine environment. Its advanced features include biomimetic fins, umbilical communication system, and visual inspection system for internal analysis of fish farm nets.
Researchers at Saarland University and ZeMA are developing smart film actuator technology using thin silicone films that can be precisely controlled to vibrate, flex, or press. These films enable wearable textiles to provide haptic feedback for enhanced VR gaming experiences and industrial gloves to respond to hand gestures.
Developed using lightweight shape memory materials, the gripper systems function without additional sensors, reducing energy consumption and increasing flexibility. They can be controlled in real-time with short pulses of electric current, enabling safe human interaction and minimizing production costs.
A team of researchers has created a robotic material-like collective that can change shape and stiffness in response to internal signals. The robots, composed of disk-shaped autonomous units, use light sensors, magnets, and force fluctuations to achieve this behavior, reducing power consumption compared to traditional robotic systems.
A new prototype developed by the University of the Basque Country assesses and rehabilitates balance problems in patients after a stroke or due to other conditions. The device makes reliable and repeatable measurements using sensors on a platform that stimulates the patient's balance.
The Human AugmentatioN via Dexterity (HAND) center aims to develop robots capable of enhancing human labor through engineered systems of dexterous robotic hands, AI-powered fine motor skills, and human interface. The center's goal is to make robotic assistance accessible and applicable to a wide range of physical actions.
An interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers compared various aspects of running robots with their equivalents in animals, finding that biological components performed poorly compared to fabricated parts. However, animals excel in integrating and controlling these components.
Researchers at the University of Sydney and Queensland University of Technology have developed a new approach to designing cameras that process and scramble visual information. The approach, known as 'sighted systems,' creates distorted images that can still be used by robots to complete tasks but do not compromise privacy.
Researchers at University of Missouri are developing software that allows drones to fly independently, perceiving and interacting with their environment while achieving specific goals. This technology has the potential to assist in mapping and monitoring applications, such as 3D or 4D advanced imagery for disaster response.
A new technology enables the printing of complex robots with soft, elastic, and rigid materials in one go. This allows for the creation of delicate structures and parts with cavities as desired.
A new 'multisensory pseudo-haptic' technology delivers believable tactile experiences in virtual environments by combining visual feedback from a VR headset with tactile sensations from a mechanical wristbracelet. This innovation keeps hands free, enabling long-term wear and more realistic user experiences.
Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology researchers have developed a rabbit-scale three-dimensional magnetic particle imaging system that can scan large volumes at high resolution. The system uses amplitude modulation to minimize peripheral nerve stimulation while maintaining high image quality.
Researchers at Pusan National University have developed oxidation-resistant copper thin films, which could potentially replace gold in semiconductor devices. The films' flat surface reduces the growth of copper oxides on its surface, making them resistant to corrosion.
A joint team of Kaunas University of Technology, Lithuania researchers, and JSC Abili created a prototype of an office chair that activates deep muscles and improves trunk stabilisation. This innovation aims to prevent musculoskeletal disorders caused by prolonged sitting, common among sedentary workers.
The UniSA-designed algorithm helps robots navigate paths without collisions, outperforming existing algorithms in simulations. It can direct robots to stop, turn, or reverse direction to avoid obstacles, with potential applications in industrial warehouses, agriculture, and more.
Researchers from Singapore University of Technology and Design developed the largest range of silicone and epoxy hybrid resins for 3D printing wearable devices, biomedical equipment, and soft robotics. The new resins exhibit excellent interfacial toughness and mechanical properties.
Scientists at Shibaura Institute of Technology and Waseda University created a novel printing method that mimics plant motion, enabling paper to fold itself. The technology has potential applications in robotics, healthcare, agriculture, and space exploration.
Researchers at University of Waterloo develop patented system for opening and closing valves, increasing internal combustion engine efficiency by more than 10%. This affordable technology has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in various industries.
The FAU-based project 'E|Connect' aims to improve the performance and reliability of on-board networks in mechatronic systems. Researchers will investigate ways to optimize these networks for higher speeds, larger numbers of nodes, and better power delivery.
Researchers developed a continuous monitoring system to detect potential machine faults through sensor analysis. The system can identify subtle changes in signal patterns, allowing for early warning of damage or mechanical wear.
Fraunhofer researchers develop a Functional DMU framework to simulate mechatronic products, enabling the evaluation of safety issues such as power windows. The virtual product can be tested with various software packages, including SimPack, Matlab/Simulink, and Dymola.