The Center for Scalable and Intelligent Automation in Poultry Processing will hold its first field day on April 9 to share research on developing new robotic technologies. Researchers will demonstrate tools for deboning, detecting foreign materials and pathogens, as well as using virtual reality to operate equipment remotely.
Researchers developed magnetically controlled microrobots made from diatoms to target glioblastoma lesions with photodynamic therapy. The microrobots achieved a significant cytotoxic effect on primary glioblastoma cells and demonstrated good biocompatibility.
Researchers demonstrated a breakthrough in microrobotics: swarms of magnetic microrobots can manipulate objects without physical contact by harnessing fluid-generated torque. The microrobots act as motors to move millimeter-sized passive objects, opening new pathways for precision manufacturing and biomedical applications.
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Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
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.
Researchers found that participants initially overestimated the awkwardness of their gait but improved as they practiced using the prosthetic device. Despite significant performance gains, participants remained inaccurate in assessing their own body movement, focusing on torso position rather than prosthetic behavior.
Researchers at UC3M develop a new methodology for autonomous arm movement using observational learning and intercommunication between limbs. The ADAM robot can perform daily tasks such as setting and clearing the table, ironing, or tidying up the kitchen with fluid efficiency and natural movement.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed HoloRadar, a system that enables robots to reconstruct hidden 3D spaces beyond their line of sight using radio waves processed by AI. This capability can improve safety and performance in driverless cars and cluttered indoor settings.
Researchers developed a new AI control system that allows soft robots to learn a broad set of motions once and adapt instantly to changing conditions without retraining. The system combines structural learning with real-time adaptiveness, making it suitable for diverse tasks and environments.
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SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
A new fabrication method, optofluidic assembly, has been developed to create tiny 3D objects from a variety of materials, including metals, semiconductors and polymers. The technique uses light-driven flow to guide the assembly of micro- or nanoparticles within a confined space.
Researchers have identified a new vulnerability in AI-powered robots, where malicious text on signs or objects can hijack their decision-making. The study, led by UC Santa Cruz professors Alvaro Cardenas and Cihang Xie, presents the first academic exploration of environmental indirect prompt injection attacks against embodied AI systems.
A team of researchers at EPFL developed a robotic hand that can detach from its arm and 'crawl' to grasp multiple objects, overcoming human asymmetry and limitations. The device can perform 'loco manipulation' with seamless autonomy and has potential applications in industrial, service, and exploratory robotics.
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GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.
Scientists created biologically realistic artificial cilia using hydrogel, enabling precise control over their motion. The tiny structures can be powered by low-voltage electrical signals and have shown remarkable durability and versatility.
Developed by U-M and Penn, the robots can sense and respond to their surroundings, operate for months, and cost just a penny each. They have applications in monitoring cell health and aiding manufacturing.
A new model developed by Osaka Metropolitan University Assistant Professor Takuya Fujinaga enables robots to accurately pick tomatoes, with an 81% success rate. The system evaluates the ease of harvesting for each tomato, taking into account factors such as fruit clustering and stem geometry.
Researchers developed soft robots inspired by manta rays, utilizing magnetic fields to move, recharge power supply, and perform tasks autonomously. The magnets stabilize electrochemical reactions in flexible batteries, enhancing performance and efficiency.
Oxford researchers have developed soft robots that operate without electronics, motors, or computers, using only air pressure to generate complex, rhythmic movements. The robots can automatically synchronize their actions and perform tasks like sorting beads into containers without external control.
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Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati developed a flapping wing drone that can hover like a moth around a light source using an extremum-seeking feedback system. The drone makes fine adjustments to maintain stability and distance, without relying on AI or complex calculations.
Researchers developed a method to trigger magnetic jamming in materials using wireless magnetic fields, enabling reversible and programmable clumping. This technique allows for the creation of structures that can assemble, stiffen, relax, or break apart under magnetic control.
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.
Frasky, developed by IIT, combines robotics and AI to address environmental sustainability and labor shortages in agriculture. The robot can navigate autonomously, map its surroundings, and apply selective treatments to grape clusters with precision.
Researchers created a new approach that integrates visual and tactile information to manipulate robotic arms, outperforming conventional vision-based methods. This breakthrough represents a significant advancement in multimodal physical AI.
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Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.
Robotics experts disagree with claims that humanoid robots will surpass human capabilities in surgery, factory work, and serving as personal butlers. The main limitation is dexterity, making tasks like picking up objects difficult for current robot technology.
A team of researchers has developed a robot with self-morphing, wing-like feet that mimic the agile movements of water striders. The insect-scale robot enhances surface maneuverability and can execute sharp turns in just 50 milliseconds, rivaling the rapid aerial maneuvers of flying flies.
A wearable robot has been upgraded to provide personalized assistance to ALS and stroke patients. The device uses machine learning and a physics-based model to adapt to an individual user's movements, offering more nuanced help with daily tasks.
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Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
A new robotic slip-prevention method has been developed to improve robots' grip and handling of fragile or slippery objects. This bio-inspired approach allows robots to predict when an object might slip and adapt their movements in real-time, outperforming traditional strategies.
Researchers at IIT have successfully demonstrated the first flight of a humanoid robot, iRonCub3, which can lift off the floor and maintain stability. The robot's AI-powered control system enables it to handle high-speed turbulent airflows, extreme temperatures, and complex dynamics.
The study reviews recent advances in heterogeneous aquatic robot systems, integrating robots to perform coordinated tasks in complex marine environments. Key findings include the development status of communication, sensing, navigation, control, decision-making, and energy management technologies.
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Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.
Researchers created dynamic metashells that leap into the air on a predetermined schedule without intervention, jumping up to nine times their height. The structures were engineered to store energy and release it at a controlled timing, with scheduled jumps possible from three seconds to 58 hours in advance.
The Association for Computing Machinery has recognized five individuals with awards for their impactful service to the computing field. Manish Parashar received the ACM Distinguished Service Award for his leadership in furthering the transformative impact of computer science on science and engineering.
Aerial robots are limited to manipulating rigid objects, but Lehigh University researcher David Saldaña aims to expand their capabilities with an adaptive controller and reinforcement learning. His research has potential applications in construction, disaster response, and industrial automation.
Researchers developed novel haptic devices to enable precise robot control with tactile feedback, reducing collisions and improving user proficiency. The devices integrate digital twin technology and augmented reality for enhanced immersion.
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Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.
SWORD accelerates robotics development by reducing manual coding required for complex applications, integrating CAD with open-source ROS tools to streamline automation. The software models, plans, and executes automation in a user-friendly environment.
A team of Brown University researchers has developed an artificial intelligence model called MotionGlot that can generate movement in robots and animated figures. The model enables users to type an action and generates accurate representations of that motion, translating across different robot and figure types.
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 developed an intelligent autonomous robot capable of automating hospital disinfection processes through dual disinfection system, increasing efficiency and precision. The robot's performance was validated through real-world testing, reducing the risk of infection in hospitals.
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.
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.
A new brain-like computer uses analog computing to process and store information in the same location as biological neurons, reducing power consumption by 0.25%. The device, called a memristor network, is more efficient than conventional transistor-based computers and has implications for autonomous vehicles and drones.
A new coffee-making robot, developed by the University of Edinburgh, demonstrates cutting-edge AI and motor skills that enable it to adapt to challenging kitchen environments. The robot can interact with objects and people seamlessly, solving complex problems like accessing drawers and measuring ingredients.
The Harvard robot uses latch-mediated spring actuation to jump high and cover long distances relative to its size. It combines walking and jumping modes for effective navigation in natural environments.
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.
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.
The University of Virginia's AI-powered vision system, mimicking praying mantis eyes, has been selected as the best paper of 2024 by Science Robotics. The innovative system enables machines to track objects in 3D space, addressing limitations in current visual data processing.
Researchers developed a platform to help AI learn complex tasks through nuance and real-time instruction, achieving up to a 30% increase in success rates. The GUIDE framework allows humans to provide ongoing, nuanced feedback, fostering incremental improvements and deeper understanding.
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Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
Researchers at TUM developed a new tool that makes intrinsic dynamics calculable, enabling robots like BERT to mimic natural oscillation patterns. The method results in effortless and dynamic movement, surpassing conventional movement patterns.
Scientists at Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems developed a novel method for deploying multiple magnetic miniature robots to navigate through complex networks resembling blood vessels. The system allows for simultaneous treatment of multiple locations, saving critical time and enabling localized care.
Researchers developed a wearable ultrasound device that tracks muscle function without invasive procedures, offering high-resolution imaging and wireless monitoring capabilities. The technology has potential applications in respiratory health and human-machine interfaces.
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Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.
Scientists at Princeton University develop a system of two robots connected by flexible tether, enabling them to solve complex problems like maze navigation and object gathering. The innovative approach harnesses physical characteristics rather than digital calculation to achieve remarkable abilities.
A new knee exoskeleton has been developed to support the quadriceps muscles during lifting tasks, helping workers maintain better posture even when fatigued. The device, which uses a complex algorithm to predict assistance needs, enabled participants to lift faster and with improved posture.
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.
Researchers created RoboFabric, a wearable fabric that can stiffen on demand for medical applications and soft robotics. The technology reduces muscle activity by up to 40% when assisting joints while lifting loads.
The University of Maryland team created a camera mechanism that mimics the involuntary movements of the human eye, resulting in sharper and more accurate images. The Artificial Microsaccade-Enhanced Event Camera (AMI-EV) has implications for robotics, national defense, and industries relying on accurate image capture.
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Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
Researchers at Princeton University and North Carolina State University have combined ancient paperfolding and modern materials science to create a soft robot that can bend and twist through mazes with ease. The new design allows the flexible robot to crawl forward and reverse, pick up cargo and assemble into longer formations.
A recent study published in Science Robotics found that robots struggle to outperform biological organisms in foot races. The researchers analyzed data from dozens of studies and concluded that the failure of robots to outrun animals is not due to shortfalls in individual components, but rather inefficiencies in system design.
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 Georgia Tech have developed a universal approach to controlling robotic exoskeletons that requires no training, calibration, or adjustments. The system uses deep learning to autonomously adjust assistance levels for walking, standing, and climbing stairs, reducing user effort and metabolic expenditure.
Researchers at Bar-Ilan University discovered that each filter recognizes small clusters of images, with sharpened recognition as layers progress. This breakthrough can improve AI performance by reducing latency and memory usage while maintaining accuracy.
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CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.
The USC team created a low-cost, customizable learning kit for students to build their own 'robot friend' using the Blossom robot. The three-part module provides hands-on experience and instruction on various AI aspects, including robotics, machine learning, and software engineering.
Researchers aim to create robots that can change tasks autonomously and explore settings to optimize performance. The project will focus on battery recycling and energy efficiency, with the goal of reducing industrial waste.
Researchers have developed twisted ringbots that can roll forward, spin like a record, and follow an orbital path around a central point. These devices can navigate and map unknown environments without human or computer control.
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Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.
Researchers at Princeton University and Google have developed a new technique to teach robots to ask for help when they're unsure. The method uses large language models to gauge uncertainty in complex environments, allowing robots to reduce the amount of help required while maintaining high accuracy.
Researchers at ETH Zurich developed an autonomous excavator called HEAP to construct a 6-meter-high and 65-meter-long dry-stone wall. The excavator uses sensors, machine vision, and algorithms to place stones in the desired location, achieving a high level of precision and speed.