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Making robots faster by helping them think ahead

Researchers at MIT developed a new technique called VLASH that allows robots to predict their future position, enabling smoother motions and quicker reactions. This breakthrough doubles the speed of robots performing tasks like pick-and-place and boosts performance in dynamic activities.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJul 28, 2026

Flying robot rides the wind like a bird

Scientists created a shape-changing flying robot named Floaty that can fly efficiently while staying stable in the air. By adjusting its flaps to control air resistance, Floaty balances itself and recovers from disturbances.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems·Journalnpj Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 22, 2026
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Rovers, regolith, robots: The blueprint for the moon

Researchers at Texas A&M University are designing how humans will build and survive on the moon, focusing on sustainable construction using lunar regolith. The institution's efforts aim to reduce costs associated with shipping materials to the moon, making it possible to produce rocket propellant locally.

SourceTexas A&M University·DateMay 29, 2026

A stair-climbing robot that catches itself when it falls

A robot that catches itself when it falls has been developed using reinforcement learning and artificial intelligence. The system achieved an average success rate of 69.4 percent in arresting the robot's fall and returning it to a stable position.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalResults in Engineering·DateMay 28, 2026

Omnidirectional, sea-urchin-like robot defies traditional designs

Researchers at Duke University introduce Argus, a 20-eyed robot with no front or back, demonstrating dynamic symmetry and improving performance across various measures. The design surpasses the theoretical maximum of 0.6, enabling robustness, energy efficiency, and resilience to damage.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Robotic ‘matter’ flows, adapts through mechanical intelligence

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a robotic collective that exhibits coordinated motion and adaptability without centralized control. The Cross-Link Collective consists of small robots that can entangle and move collectively, self-organizing into shifting configurations.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience Robotics·DateMay 20, 2026

Too many cooks, or too many robots?

The study, led by Lucy Liu and L. Mahadevan, shows that adding the right amount of noise to individual robot movements can ease gridlock and improve efficiency in crowded environments. The researchers used computer simulations and experiments with small robots to test their ideas.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2026
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

A smarter way to move in tight spaces using ‘flexible’ robots

IITGN researchers develop a novel control framework for flexible continuum robots, called virtual actuation space (VAS), to improve their precision and scalability. VAS reduces the complexity of controlling multi-section robots by using just two parameters: direction and magnitude.

SourceIndian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar·JournalRobotica·DateMar 31, 2026

Bats inspire advance in aerial robots

Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute developed a palm-sized aerial robot that uses ultrasound sensors and AI to navigate through fog, smoke, and other difficult conditions. The drone achieved a success rate of 72% to 100% in navigating challenging courses during 180 tests.

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·JournalScience Robotics·DateMar 25, 2026

Why do seals whisk their whiskers?

Seal whiskers are highly sensitive, but the benefit of active whisking was unclear until new research revealed that it improves sensing. Seals keep their whiskers pulled back and actively move them to detect subtle water vibrations.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·Journalnpj Flexible Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2026

Magnetic microrobot swarms enable contactless manipulation of objects through fluidic torque

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.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2026
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

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

Robots that can see around corners using radio signals and AI

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.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2026

Iain Couzin receives the Hector Science Award

Couzin's research focuses on quantitative behavioural biology, using advanced technology to study collective motion and decision-making. He has challenged conventional views of collective motion and influenced fields like robotics and the social sciences with his widely cited publications.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·DateFeb 3, 2026
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Hydrogel cilia set new standard in microrobotics

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.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2026

Magnetic fields power smarter soft robots with built-in intelligence

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.

SourceNational University of Singapore College of Design and Engineering·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 26, 2025

Programming robots with rubber bands

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.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 15, 2025

Frasky, a new robot for vineyard applications

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.

SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 18, 2025
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Robotic space rovers keep getting stuck. UW engineers have figured out why

Researchers found that Earth's gravity pulls down on sand more strongly than previously thought, making it more rigid and reducing the likelihood of getting stuck. This discovery highlights the importance of physics-based simulation in analyzing rover mobility on granular soil.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalJournal of Field Robotics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 25, 2025

The robot will see you now

New humanoid surgical robots offer a solution to the growing healthcare labor shortage, allowing for more efficient surgeries and reduced burnout among doctors. By taking on routine tasks, these robots can free up surgeons to focus on more complex procedures.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Robotics·TypeSurvey·DateJul 9, 2025
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Seeing through a new LENS allows brain-like navigation in robots

Researchers developed a new robot navigation system called LENS, which uses brain-inspired computing to set a low-energy benchmark for robotic place recognition. The system combines a spiking neural network with a special camera and low-power chip to enable fast and energy-efficient location tracking.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 18, 2025

Researchers at IIT have demonstrated that a humanoid robot can fly

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.

SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·JournalCommunications Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 18, 2025
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Empowering robots with human-like perception to navigate unwieldy terrain

Researchers at Duke University developed a novel framework called WildFusion that fuses vision, vibration and touch to enable robots to sense complex outdoor environments like humans do. The system was tested in real-world settings and showed remarkable ability to accurately predict traversability and improve robot decision-making.

SourceDuke University·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2025

Caltech's CARL-bot catches an underwater wave

Researchers create CARL-Bot to ride vortex rings and navigate turbulent ocean currents without fighting them, inspired by nature's ability to conserve energy. The system uses a single accelerometer and simple control laws to achieve energy-efficient propulsion, opening doors for future applications in ocean exploration and monitoring.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateMay 12, 2025

Don’t resent your robot vacuum cleaner for its idle hours – work it harder!

Computer scientists at the University of Bath reprogrammed a Roomba to perform four new tasks, showcasing the untapped potential of domestic robots. The researchers identified over 100 ways to tap into the latent potential of robotic devices, proposing functions such as playing with pets, watering plants, and delivering breakfast in bed.

SourceUniversity of Bath·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2025

High-wire act: Soft robot can carry cargo up and down steep aerial wires

A soft robot can carry loads through the air along established tracks, navigating angles of up to 80 degrees and carrying loads up to 12 times its weight. The robot uses infrared light to move along the track, repeating a rolling motion that pulls it forward.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2025
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Robot see, robot do: System learns after watching how-to videos

A new robotic framework allows robots to learn tasks by watching a single how-to video, significantly reducing the time and energy needed for training. The RHyME system enables robots to adapt to real-world environments and perform multiple-step sequences with improved success rates.

SourceCornell University·DateApr 22, 2025

Farm robot autonomously navigates, harvests among raised beds

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University developed an autonomous driving algorithm for robots to navigate raised cultivation beds, utilizing lidar point cloud data. The system enables precise movement and accuracy in both virtual and actual environments, promising to expand tasks beyond harvesting to monitoring and pruning.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalComputers and Electronics in Agriculture·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 16, 2025

Explainable AI for ship navigation raises trust, decreases human error

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.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalApplied Ocean Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 15, 2025

Polymerlike worms wriggle their way through mazes

Researchers at the University of Amsterdam found that worms behave like 'active polymers' when navigating complex environments. In disordered obstacles, they spread faster as obstacle density increases, contradicting common sense. The study's findings suggest a crucial role for environmental geometry in dictating movement strategies.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalPhysical Review·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 27, 2025
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Mini rolling robot takes virtual biopsies

Researchers developed a tiny magnetic robot that can take 3D scans from deep within the body, enabling 'virtual biopsies' for non-invasive cancer diagnosis and treatment. The device uses high-frequency imaging to create detailed 3D reconstructions, allowing clinicians to diagnose and treat colorectal cancer in a single procedure.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 26, 2025

Next-gen indoor navigation: VLP/INS integration delivers robust localization in dynamic environments

A cutting-edge solution integrates Visible Light Positioning and Inertial Navigation Systems to tackle dynamic inclination changes and signal blockages. The tightly coupled system achieves impressive positioning accuracy of up to 10 cm and inclination precision within 1 degree.

SourceAerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalSatellite Navigation·DateMar 10, 2025

A springtail-like jumping robot

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.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 26, 2025

A miniature swimming robot inspired by marine flatworms

Researchers developed a compact swimming robot that can maneuver through tight spaces and transport heavier payloads. The robot uses silently undulating fins to propel itself and achieves impressive speeds of 12 centimeters per second.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2025
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Bio-hybrid drone uses silkworm moth antennae to navigate using smell

Researchers developed a novel bio-hybrid drone by integrating robotic technology with biological odor sensors from insects, overcoming visual sensor limitations. The drone's enhanced performance enables accurate odor detection and tracking, broadening applications in gas sensing, disaster response, and rescue operations.

SourceShinshu University·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2025

Engineers enable a drone to determine its position in the dark and indoors

MIT researchers have introduced a new system called MiFly that enables drones to self-localize in indoor, dark, and low-visibility environments. The system uses radio frequency waves reflected by a single tag placed in the environment, allowing the drone to estimate its trajectory with high accuracy.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateFeb 13, 2025

Navigating a safer path for autonomous vehicles

Researchers are developing a software framework for crowd-sourced 3D map generation and visual localization from camera data to improve real-time updates and low-cost visual localization. This technology aims to advance self-driving vehicles and enable fully automated transportation

SourceTexas A&M University·DateJan 17, 2025

Rats anticipate location of food-guarding robots when foraging

Researchers studied rats navigating an L-shape track with a food-guarding robot. The rats created neurological maps of places to avoid after experiencing negative events and thought about these locations even after leaving the area. This finding provides insight into the neuroscience of common psychological conditions like anxiety.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2025
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.

Singapore and Japan scientists develop technology to control cyborg insect swarms

Researchers from Singapore, Japan and US developed an advanced swarm navigation algorithm for cyborg insects that prevents them from getting stuck in challenging terrain. The new algorithm represents a significant advance in swarm robotics and could pave the way for applications in disaster relief and search-and-rescue missions.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2025

Manta rays inspire the fastest swimming soft robot yet

Researchers developed a soft robot with fins shaped like manta rays, capable of swimming up and down throughout the water column. The robot uses spontaneous snapping-induced jet flows to achieve high speeds and maneuverability.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 4, 2024
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Training AI through human interactions instead of datasets

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.

SourceDuke University·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 3, 2024

NeuroMechFly v2: Simulating how fruit flies see, smell, and navigate

NeuroMechFly v2 simulates how a fruit fly navigates through its environment while reacting to sights, smells, and obstacles. The model can track moving objects visually or navigate towards an odor source, while avoiding obstacles in its path, enabling researchers to study brain-body coordination and animal intelligence.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Methods·DateNov 12, 2024
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

3D robot navigation could enable multi-site medical procedures

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.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2024

For these little robots, two heads are better than one

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.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 30, 2024

NTU Singapore scientists develop grain-sized soft robots controlled by magnetic fields for targeted drug delivery

Researchers developed grain-sized soft robots that can transport up to four different drugs, release them in reprogrammable orders and doses, and navigate complex environments inside the human body. The robots' precision functions have the potential to significantly improve therapeutic outcomes while minimizing side effects.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2024
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology researchers develop cat's eye-inspired vision system for autonomous robotics

Researchers at GIST developed a cat's eye-inspired vision system that filters out unnecessary light and improves visibility in low-light conditions. The system promises to elevate the precision of drones, security robots, and self-driving vehicles, enabling them to navigate intricate environments with unparalleled accuracy.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 15, 2024