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THInkPen, a “smart” pen for early screening of dysgraphia: study by Politecnico di Milano and the University of Insubria published

A study by Politecnico di Milano and the University of Insubria tested THInkPen, a sensorized pen, on over 700 children to assess writing difficulties. The results revealed significant relationships between digital indicators and clinical scores, confirming the ability of the pen to reliably reflect performance characteristics.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalPLOS Digital Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 10, 2026

How can you rescue a “kidnapped” robot? A new AI system helps the robot regain its sense of location in dynamic, ever-changing environments

A hierarchical 3D LiDAR localization method improves robot positioning in large outdoor spaces even after seasonal changes. The method integrates deep learning techniques to extract discriminative local features from 3D point clouds, making it robust to environmental variability.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalInternational Journal of Intelligent Systems·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2026

Small bat hunts like lions – only better

Researchers equipped miniature backpacks with fringe-lipped bats, revealing they hunt large prey like frogs, birds, and small mammals with remarkable success. The study found these small bats conserve energy by spending 89% of their time stationary and striking quickly, succeeding in about 50% of hunts.

SourceAarhus University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 31, 2025

Freely levitating rotor spins out ultraprecise sensors for classical and quantum physics

A macroscopic device has been designed to reduce eddy-current damping, allowing for precise measurements of physical phenomena like gravity. The system uses a graphite disk and rare earth magnets, enabling ultra-precise sensors that can be used in classical and quantum physics research.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalCommunications Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 10, 2025

Catalyst-free ionogel turns bamboo to 11-MPa “super-skin” for IoT sensors

Researchers have developed a catalyst-free ionogel made from cellulose and an ionic liquid that exhibits exceptional strength and conductivity, outperforming synthetic analogues. The gel is also eco-friendly and low-cost, making it suitable for fully compostable high-performance electronics.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2025

Freeze-frame: U of A researchers develop world's fastest microscope that can see electrons in motion

Researchers at the University of Arizona developed a transmission electron microscope with attosecond temporal resolution, allowing scientists to observe electron motion in real-time. This breakthrough enables studies of ultrafast processes at the atomic level, paving the way for advancements in physics and chemistry.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 21, 2024

The mother of all motion sensors

Researchers from Sandia National Laboratories have successfully miniaturized a motion sensor using silicon photonic microchip components, achieving unprecedented accuracy and reducing size by a thousand times. This breakthrough enables precise navigation even in GPS-denied areas, posing significant national security risks.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 13, 2024

Creation of a power-generating, gel electret-based device

Researchers developed a gel electret capable of stably retaining electrostatic charge and combining it with flexible electrodes to create a vibration sensor. The device achieves an 83% increase in output voltage compared to previous alkyl–π liquid electret-based sensors, enabling potential use as wearable healthcare sensors.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 20, 2024

A step forward for motor torque controllers: In order to reduce oscillations and oversets, a speed loop pseudo derivative feed forward controller is proposed

A proposed speed loop pseudo derivative feedforward (PDFF) controller-based direct torque controller for a PMSM drive reduces oscillations and overshoots. Simulation results show the dynamic performance of the proposed system is superior to PI controllers, with less overrun and improved stability.

SourceCES Transactions on Electrical Machines and Systems·JournalCES Transactions on Electrical Machines and Systems·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 19, 2024

KAIST team develops an insect-mimicking semiconductor to detect motion​

A KAIST team developed an insect-mimicking semiconductor that mimics the optic nerve of insects to detect motion. The device operates at high efficiency and ultra-high speeds, and has been applied to a neuromorphic computing system for predicting vehicle paths. It achieved 92.9% less energy consumption compared to existing technology.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 29, 2024

A system designed at the UMA estimates the speed of vehicles driving on the same road

A computer vision system developed by University of Malaga engineers estimates vehicle speeds in real time using a single camera, reducing complexity and costs. The algorithm, published in Neurocomputing, aims to improve vehicle safety and has potential applications in autonomous driving and driver assistance.

SourceUniversity of Malaga·JournalNeurocomputing·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 20, 2023

Exposure to soft robots decreases human fears about working with them

A Washington State University study found that watching videos of a soft robot working with a person at picking and placing tasks lowered the viewers' safety concerns and feelings of job insecurity. Soft robots have a potential psychological advantage over rigid robots, as proximity does not increase negative reactions.

SourceWashington State University·JournalIISE Transactions on Occupational Ergonomics and Human Factors·DateDec 5, 2023

Two-dimensional quantum freeze

Researchers from ETH Zurich have achieved groundbreaking cooling of a glass nanoparticle along two directions of motion, overcoming the 'Dark Mode Effect'. This breakthrough enables the creation of fragile quantum states and paves the way for ultrasensitive gyroscopes and sensors.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

Researchers demonstrate new sensors by creating novel health monitoring, machine interface devices

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a highly sensitive and stretchable strain sensor that can detect minor changes in strain with great range of motion. The sensor's innovative design features a patterned cut network that enables it to withstand significant deformation without sacrificing sensitivity.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 3, 2023

Predicting mortality risks using smartphones

Researchers used smartphone sensors to measure walking activity in 100,000 UK Biobank participants and developed predictive models of mortality risk. The study showed that just 6 minutes per day of steady walking measured by the sensor can accurately predict mortality risk, similar to physical measures.

Can smartphones predict mortality risk?

Researchers used data from 100,000 UK Biobank participants to develop predictive models of mortality risk using only 6 minutes of steady walking collected by smartphone sensors. These models achieved similar accuracy to traditional measures of gait speed and walk pace.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Digital Health·TypeObservational study·DateOct 20, 2022

3D printing can now manufacture customized sensors for robots, pacemakers, and more

A new 3D printing technique allows for the mass production of customized electronic machines, enabling advanced applications in robotics, medical devices, and others. This breakthrough could revolutionize manufacturing by providing a cost-effective solution for producing sensors in smaller volumes.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalMicrosystems & Nanoengineering·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2022

Electronic skin anticipates and perceives touch from different directions for the first time

Researchers from Chemnitz University of Technology and Leibniz IFW Dresden create a new approach for miniaturizing soft sensor units with integrated artificial hairs. They successfully integrate the 3D magnetic field sensors with magnetically rooted fine hairs into an artificial e-skin, enabling precise spatial arrangement and mass pro...

SourceChemnitz University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2022

Microcavities as a sensor platform

Researchers at University of Innsbruck and ETH Zurich propose a new concept for a high-precision quantum sensor using microcavities and levitated nanoparticles. By exploiting fast unstable dynamics, they demonstrate mechanical squeezing reducing motional fluctuations below zero-point motion.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 7, 2022