Researchers developed a light-driven, toroidal micro-robot that can navigate complex environments like medicine and environmental monitoring. The innovation uses liquid crystalline elastomer to overcome viscous forces and enables autonomous movement in low Reynolds number regimes.
SourceTampere University·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 8, 2024
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.
Automated systems with machine learning capabilities improve diagnostic accuracy and workflow efficiency in laboratory medicine. However, ensuring data security, preventing biases in ML models, and maintaining transparency are key concerns.
SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Pathology·DateAug 21, 2024
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
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
UCF researchers George Atia and Yue Wang received a $1.2 million DARPA grant to develop AI-based technologies that can help autonomous systems adapt to unknown variables and overcome simulation-to-real gap issues.
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.
A new surgical procedure reconnects muscles in the residual limb, allowing patients to receive proprioceptive feedback about their prosthetic limb's position. Seven patients who underwent this surgery were able to walk faster, avoid obstacles, and climb stairs more naturally than those with traditional amputations.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Medicine·DateJul 1, 2024
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 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.
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
The WVU Research Experience for Undergraduates program aims to solve real-world problems in Appalachia using mobile robotics. Students will conduct independent research in areas like drone navigation and swarming behaviors, focusing on enabling change with robotics tools.
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.
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
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.
Researchers have developed a method to decode mouse neural activity, enabling accurate determination of location and direction within an open environment. This breakthrough could inform the design of intelligent machines that navigate autonomously without GPS or satellite guidance.
SourceCell Press·JournalBiophysical Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2024
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.
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
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 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.
A NSF-funded project, MABLE, is developing a digital app using crowdsensing, AI, and robotics to empower individuals with responsive maps and turn-by-turn instructions. The app aims to improve accessibility and navigation for persons with visual or mobility impairments, such as those with low vision and wheelchair users.
The new system enables infrared non-line-of-sight imaging, improving safety and efficiency for unmanned vehicles and robotic vision applications. Spatial resolution of less than 2 cm achieved at both 1560 and 1997 nm wavelengths.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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
Scientists at KTH Royal Institute of Technology created the smallest glass structure by 3D printing with sub-micrometer resolution. The new method eliminates thermal treatment requirements, enabling customized applications in medical machinery, robotics, and telecommunications.
SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 20, 2023
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
The HKU team's PULSAR boasts full onboard perception, mapping, and control capabilities in indoor and outdoor environments without external instruments. It can detect static and dynamic obstacles, track complex trajectories, and navigate autonomously even in complete darkness.
SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 29, 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.
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
HBP researchers develop a robotic platform capable of learning as humans do while navigating around a space. The simulated hippocampus alters its own synaptic connections to remember paths, a marked improvement over current methods relying on deep learning.
SourceHuman Brain Project·JournalNeural Networks·DateApr 17, 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
Researchers developed a hybrid micro-robot that can navigate in physiological environments and capture targeted damaged cells. The micro-robot uses electric and magnetic mechanisms to identify and transport single cells for further study.
SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalAdvanced Science·DateMar 26, 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.
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
Researchers have created twin-bioengine yeast micro/nanorobots that can autonomously navigate to inflamed sites in the gut, providing precise delivery of therapeutics via enzyme-macrophage switching. The robots effectively penetrate intestinal mucus barriers and increase drug accumulation at diseased sites.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 22, 2023
The NERVE Center has developed test methods and metrics for various robots, identifying limitations to improve systems. The center's success grew its research capabilities through partnerships with NIST and the U.S. Army.
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.
Researchers developed a new non-mechanical 3D lidar system that combines scanning and flash illumination using a chip-based light source, enabling safe navigation in dynamic environments. The system can measure the distance of poorly reflective objects and track their motion, making autonomous driving safer.
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
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
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.
Researchers have developed a new miniature robot called Joey that can explore real pipe networks completely on its own, weighing just 70g. The robots are small enough to fit in the palm of your hand and are equipped with energy-efficient sensors to navigate through narrow sections and obstacles.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Robotics and AI·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2022
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
Researchers develop a modular structure design method for a deployable space robot called Cubot to facilitate on-orbit missions. The system can perform tasks such as space debris removal and maintenance with reduced risk and increased efficiency.
SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalSpace: Science & Technology·DateNov 3, 2022
Researchers at WVU are developing software for robots to learn and adapt in real-time, inspired by the neural networks of electric fish. The goal is to enable robots to navigate different terrains autonomously without human supervision.
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.
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
The platform enhances neurosurgical procedures by delivering precise treatment and diagnosis in deep brain tissue. Researchers successfully implanted the catheter in live sheep without damage or infection, paving the way for potential human trials within four years.
SourceImperial College London·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 21, 2022
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
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
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
Researchers at UC San Diego developed a new technology using WiFi sensors to help robots navigate indoors, even in poor lighting. The system accuracy rivals commercial camera and LiDAR sensors.
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
A new nanofiber-based biodegradable millirobot called Fibot can move in the intestines and release different drugs at anchored positions. Fibot's degradation capability is pH-responsive, allowing for controlled drug release.
SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 3, 2022
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
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
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