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Beetle that pushes dung with the help of 100 billion stars unlocks the key to better navigation systems in drones and satellites

Researchers at the University of South Australia have developed an AI sensor that can accurately measure the orientation of the Milky Way in low light, using a technique inspired by the dung beetle. This system could improve navigation for drones and satellites in difficult lighting conditions.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalBiomimetics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 21, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Trajectory planning could boost safety in medical robotics

Researchers have developed a complex algorithm to choreograph the movement of two robotic arms, ensuring a clear space between them and maintaining a consistent magnetic field. This innovative system uses two robotic arms to steer magnetic medical devices, such as vine robots, with precise control and accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalThe International Journal of Robotics Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 24, 2024

Ant insights lead to robot navigation breakthrough

Researchers at TU Delft developed an insect-inspired navigation strategy for tiny, lightweight robots, allowing them to return home after long trajectories while requiring minimal computation and memory. The strategy combines visual breadcrumbs and step counting to enable autonomous navigation in cluttered environments.

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2024
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

UMD researchers develop new and improved camera inspired by the human eye

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.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalScience Robotics·DateJul 1, 2024

Researchers use large language models to help robots navigate

Researchers from MIT and the MIT-IBM Watson AI Lab devised a navigation method that converts visual representations into pieces of language, which are then fed into one large language model. The approach utilizes purely language-based representations, generating synthetic training data to overcome challenges in visual data availability.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJun 14, 2024
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.

New technique improves AI ability to map 3D space with 2D cameras

Researchers developed a technique called Multi-View Attentive Contextualization (MvACon) to improve AI's ability to map 3D spaces using 2D images from multiple cameras. MvACon significantly improved the performance of vision transformers in locating objects and detecting speed and orientation.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 13, 2024

Designing environments that are robot-inclusive

Researchers developed a novel methodology utilizing digital twins to establish the usefulness of built environment design guidelines for robots. Digital twins allow for real-time monitoring, hazard identification, and training a robot's algorithm before deployment.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalBuildings·DateMay 31, 2024

Children’s visual experience may hold key to better computer vision training

A novel approach to training AI systems uses information about spatial position to identify objects and navigate surroundings, inspired by children's visual development. The method improves contrastive learning models' effectiveness by incorporating simulated spatial context information, outperforming base models in various tasks.

SourcePenn State·JournalPatterns·DateMay 31, 2024
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.

Caterbot? Robatapillar? It crawls with ease through loops and bends

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.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 6, 2024

Why can’t robots outrun animals?

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.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalScience Robotics·DateApr 24, 2024

'Smart swarms' of tiny robots inspired by natural herd mentality

By replicating nature's swarm behavior, researchers have created 'smart swarms' of microscopic robots that can adapt to changing environments, leading to improved task performance. This breakthrough enables potential applications in autonomous drone fleets, efficient drug delivery, and cleaning contaminated water.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 3, 2024
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.

Precise localization of miniature robots and surgical instruments inside the body

A team at the German Cancer Research Center has developed a new method for precise localization of miniature robots and surgical instruments, enabling real-time tracking and control. This breakthrough could advance many medical procedures, including nanorobots for drug transport, tissue measurements, and surgical procedures.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·Journalnpj Robotics·DateApr 2, 2024

Revolutionizing drone navigation: AI algorithms take flight

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.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateMar 26, 2024

Darting around with a tiny brain

Researchers discovered how insects navigate using limited brain power by simplifying complex problems through their behavior, a strategy that can be applied to robots and computers. A model of insect neuronal activity showed the robot successfully navigated in various environments, leading to potential improvements in energy efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 12, 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.

Robotic-assisted surgery and navigation don't affect infection risk after hip arthroplasty

A recent study published in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery suggests that robotic-assisted surgery and surgical navigation techniques do not significantly increase the risk of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after total hip arthroplasty (THA). The researchers analyzed data from nearly 13,000 patients undergoing THA between 201...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateFeb 9, 2024

New soft robots roll like tires, spin like tops and orbit like moons

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.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 8, 2024

Korea Maritime & Ocean University researchers develop a new method for path-following performance of autonomous ships

Korea Maritime & Ocean University researchers have developed a new method for assessing the path-following performance of autonomous ships in adverse weather conditions. The computational fluid dynamics model can provide more accurate predictions of path-following performance and enhance safety in autonomous marine navigation.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalOcean Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 3, 2024
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

The new robot is taking its first intuitive steps

A team of engineers at the University of Pittsburgh has created a new robot that can navigate complex environments using bio-inspired neural networks. The robots will be able to avoid obstacles and learn from their experiences, enabling autonomous navigation for various applications such as commercial transport and disaster response.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateOct 16, 2023

Scientists successfully maneuver robot through living lung tissue

Researchers have successfully developed a robot that can autonomously navigate through living lung tissue, avoiding vital structures such as airways and blood vessels. This innovation enables surgeons to reach previously inaccessible small tumors, improving treatment outcomes for patients with lung cancer.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalScience Robotics·DateSep 21, 2023
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.

Combustion powers bug-sized robots to leap, lift and race

Researchers at Cornell University have created an insect-scale quadrupedal robot powered by combustion that can outrace, outlift, and outflex its electric-driven counterparts. The robot's actuators produce 9.5 newtons of force and operate at frequencies greater than 100 hertz.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateSep 19, 2023

‘Brainless’ robot can navigate complex obstacles

Researchers at North Carolina State University have created a soft robot that can navigate simple mazes without human or computer guidance. The new robot has an asymmetrical design, allowing it to turn and move in arcs, enabling it to navigate complex and dynamic environments.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2023

Rice U.’s Kaiyu Hang wins NSF CAREER Award

Hang aims to develop general-purpose robots that can handle complex physical interactions without requiring perfect input from sensors or extensive instructions. His project seeks to improve robotic manipulation tasks by reducing assumptions about how the robot acts in real-world conditions.

SourceRice University·DateJul 25, 2023
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.

Navigating underwater inspired by migratory animals

A team of scientists has developed a novel underwater geolocation technique inspired by migratory animals' navigation methods. They trained a deep neural network to predict geolocation from underwater angle of polarization images collected with an omnidirectional lens, achieving superior accuracy in low-visibility waters and at night.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournaleLight·DateJul 11, 2023

Emulating how krill swim to build a robotic platform for ocean navigation

Researchers at Brown University have developed a krill-inspired robot called Pleobot, which emulates the swimming method of krill to navigate complex marine environments. The platform has the potential to enable scientists to understand how to engineer better robots for ocean navigation and exploration.

SourceBrown University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2023

Robotic vehicles fight dengue-carrying mosquitos in Taiwan sewers

A new study deployed unmanned ground vehicle systems to monitor and eradicate Aedes mosquitos in Taiwanese sewers. The system detected 20.7% of inspected sewers with mosquito traces, leading to a significant reduction in adult mosquito density after intervention.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 8, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Multifunctional interface enables manipulation of light waves in free space

Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a multifunctional interface between photonic integrated circuits and free space, allowing for simultaneous manipulation of multiple light beams. The device operates with high accuracy and reliability, enabling applications in quantum computing, sensing, imaging, energy, and more.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateMay 24, 2023

Highlights from the journal CHEST®, April 2023

The CHEST journal April issue features cutting-edge research on asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and sarcoidosis. Key findings include the potential of efzofitimod as a treatment for managing sarcoidosis. The journal also showcases innovative approaches to clinical practice and education in chest medicine.

SourceAmerican College of Chest Physicians·Journalthe journal CHEST·DateApr 13, 2023
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.

Wheeled robot measures leaf angles to help breed better corn plants

Researchers have developed a robotic system called AngleNet that measures leaf angles on corn plants, providing plant breeders with accurate data more quickly. The technology uses stereo vision and deep convolutional neural networks to capture images of leaves at different heights, enabling 3D modeling and precise measurements.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Field Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Interactive cyber-physical human: generating contact-rich whole-body motions

The iCPH platform combines physical and cyber elements to capture human motions, using musculoskeletal analysis and machine learning. It generates contact motion networks for humanoid robots and simulates human behaviors, enabling smooth interactions with humans.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalFrontiers in Robotics and AI·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 6, 2023

Bolstering the safety of self-driving cars with a deep learning-based object detection system

Researchers at Incheon National University have developed an IoT-enabled, real-time object detection system for autonomous vehicles. The YOLOv3-based model achieved high accuracy (>96%) in detecting 2D and 3D objects, outperforming other state-of-the-art detection models.

SourceIncheon National University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 12, 2022

Making “transport” robots smarter

University of Missouri engineers are working on a collaborative human-robot order picking system to speed up the online delivery process. The proposed model aims to optimize key decisions in warehouse operations, allowing robots to navigate efficiently and collaborate with humans to increase efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalInternational Journal of Production Economics·DateNov 29, 2022
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.

Autonomous crawling soft ‘ringbots’ can navigate narrow gaps

Researchers at NC State University have developed a ring-shaped soft robot capable of crawling across surfaces when exposed to elevated temperatures or infrared light. The 'ringbots' are made of liquid crystal elastomers in the shape of looped ribbon, resembling a bracelet, and can pull a small payload across various environments.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2022

Balancing risk and reward in planetary exploration

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a new approach for conducting automated science in space by balancing risk and scientific value. The approach uses a model that estimates science value and risk, allowing rovers to chart their own course while protecting against high-risk missions.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateOct 24, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

When making a detour is faster

Researchers develop autonomous navigation strategies for microswimmers, allowing them to navigate optimally in complex environments. These strategies utilize external stimuli, such as light, to guide the microswimmers and improve their performance.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateOct 7, 2022

New algorithms help four-legged robots run in the wild

A team from the University of California San Diego has developed a new system of algorithms that enables four-legged robots to walk and run on challenging terrain while avoiding obstacles. The system combines vision with proprioception, allowing the robot to move efficiently and smoothly in various environments.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateOct 4, 2022

Bees’ ‘waggle dance’ may revolutionize how robots talk to each other in disaster zones

A new study takes inspiration from the 'waggle dance' of honeybees to devise a way for robots to communicate effectively in situations with unreliable network communications. Researchers designed a visual communication system using on-board cameras, allowing robots to interpret gestures and convey complex information.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Robotics and AI·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Microrobot collectives display versatile movement patterns

Researchers have developed microrobot collectives that can move in various formations, reconfiguring their behavior quickly and robustly. The systems use a combination of magnetic forces, fluid dynamics, and computation to achieve coordinated patterns of motion.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 26, 2022

Engineers develop a ‘magnetic tentacle robot’ to pass into the narrow tubes of the lung

A team of engineers and scientists has developed a proof-of-concept for a magnetic tentacle robot that can navigate the narrow tubes of the lung, enabling doctors to take tissue samples or deliver cancer therapy. The device measures just 2 millimeters in diameter and uses an autonomous magnetic guidance system to guide it into place.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalSoft Robotics·TypeCase study·DateMar 21, 2022

Bendy robotic arm twisted into shape with help of augmented reality

Researchers at Imperial College London developed a bendy robotic arm that can twist and turn in all directions, allowing for customizable shapes. The team created an augmented reality system to enhance user-friendliness, enabling users to easily configure the robot using motion tracking cameras and smartglasses.

SourceImperial College London·JournalIEEE Robotics & Automation Magazine·DateMar 4, 2022