Researchers at Seoul National University have developed a novel approach using porous triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) feet and deep reinforcement learning controller, which significantly reduces battery power consumption in quadruped robots. The solution reduces energy consumption by up to 6.2% while maintaining stable locomotion.
SourceSeoul National University of Science & Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Precision Engineering and Manufacturing-Green Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 31, 2026
Northwestern University engineers created a drone called Phantom Twist that harnesses motion blur to blend into its surroundings. The drone spins up to 25 times per second, making it difficult for humans to see clearly, and can potentially monitor wildlife or inspect infrastructure with less disruption.
A mechanical soft force sensor eliminates electronic components, allowing soft robots to sense and respond without power or signal processing. The sensor detects multi-axis forces and converts them directly into fluidic actuation.
SourceNational University of Singapore College of Design and Engineering·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 9, 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 new robot designed by MIT engineers can swim underwater and fly through the air, mimicking the abilities of diving birds. The robot's wing flapping frequency and tail angle were adjusted to enable a smooth transition from swimming to flying.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateJul 9, 2026
Researchers developed EleTac, a soft robotic gripper with high-resolution tactile sensing, to handle delicate objects. The gripper's innovative design enables it to adapt to various shapes and provide gentle forces, making it suitable for applications such as handling fruit, lab samples, and medical supplies.
SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 2026
A new robot mimics the movement of an inchworm using a soft muscle-like material, allowing it to navigate challenging environments. The robot can be used to inspect sewer pipes or explore the planet Mars without multiple actuators.
SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 24, 2026
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.
Researchers developed a robotic system inspired by social insects to optimize mining operations. The honeybee-inspired approach outperformed others in tests, reducing travel distance by up to 80% and completing ore delivery tasks 60% faster.
SourceAdelaide University·JournalNatural Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 24, 2026
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
A new soft gripper designed by WVU researcher Anand Mishra can accurately gauge the size, curvature, color, and ripeness of fruits like strawberries and avocados. The gripper's quick inspections and harvesting capabilities can reduce spoilage and lower supply chain costs.
SourceWest Virginia University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 11, 2026
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.
Researchers have developed a compact magnetoelectric antenna system, BlueME, to improve underwater robot communication. The technology enables robots to share information over long distances with minimal power consumption, overcoming challenges in oceanic environments.
SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalIEEE Journal of Oceanic Engineering·DateMay 29, 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.
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
Researchers at NC State University developed a morpho-interlocking protective module (MIPM) that responds to external threats and curls into a protective ball. The structure, inspired by armadillos' natural defense mechanisms, consists of multiple layers and can be tuned to respond to various levels of strain.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2026
A robotic hand developed at USC can hear a melody once and play it back after just two minutes of self-taught practice on a keyboard. The system, called the Musician Hand, mimics the way the brain and body coordinate fine motor skills through trial and error, offering a new model for machines — and medicine — to approach complex moveme...
SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 27, 2026
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.
The NTU Singapore team developed a tiny seed-sized robot that can perform five surgical functions wirelessly, including cutting and releasing drugs. The robot is controlled by weak magnetic fields and takes under a second to switch between functions. It has the potential to make surgeries more precise and safer.
SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 25, 2026
Researchers at Princeton University developed a system to mimic natural structures' microstructural patterns and mechanical properties. By combining origami and tensegrity, they found that the same equation describes both engineering structures, enabling designers to create irregular shapes with less computational complexity.
SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 2026
Researchers emphasize the need for more thorough frameworks to ensure AI-enabled robots embody human values. The field should focus on three complementary lines of defense: rules that shape robot decisions, checks that monitor behavior, and safety reasoning.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalScience Robotics·DateApr 29, 2026
Researchers develop Kinematic Intelligence framework to transfer skills between robots with different mechanical structures, enabling safe and predictable behavior. The approach reduces time and expertise needed to deploy robots in real-world settings.
SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience Robotics·DateApr 15, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers have developed RoboChem Flex, a versatile and modular autonomous synthesis robot that reduces costs to $5000. The system offers human-in-the-loop analytics, Bayesian optimization, and integration with various analytical instruments, making it accessible to laboratories of all sizes.
SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalNature Synthesis·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 13, 2026
Soft robots could work as medical implants, deliver drugs inside the body, and explore dangerous environments. The researchers designed a reconfigurable robot that can move repeatedly without degradation, using targeted heating to control motion and embedded temperature sensors for closed-loop control.
SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 9, 2026
Researchers developed a flexible optical fiber that can be steered into the larynx to destroy hard-to-reach tumors, expanding outpatient laser treatment options. The device successfully reached 81% of targets in tests with a 3D-printed replica of a human larynx.
SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·JournalJournal of Medical Devices·DateApr 8, 2026
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.
A new system can map soil moisture tree by tree, allowing growers to water specific trees if they're dry. Maintaining the right moisture level is crucial for plant health, as too little water can stress trees, while too much water can deprive roots of oxygen.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalComputers and Electronics in Agriculture·DateApr 2, 2026
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
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.
SourceUniversity of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture·DateMar 19, 2026
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.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalBio-Design and Manufacturing·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2026
Researchers at Oxford University developed an ultra-low-cost technique for manufacturing soft robots, using common lab equipment. The new method enables rapid and affordable production of soft robotic actuators, with a material cost of less than $0.10 per unit, and demonstrated strong mechanical performance and durability.
SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalAdvanced Science·DateMar 8, 2026
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed AI-designed robots called 'legged metamachines' that can combine and recombine in the wild, recover from injury and transform into new shapes. The robots can adapt to the environment, survive catastrophic damage and even recover from being chopped in half or cut into pieces.
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2026
Researchers at King's College London develop SimTac platform to simulate biologically inspired robotics, creating artificial sensors with a human-like sense of touch. This approach reduces the design and training time of tactile robots from 18 months to just two weeks.
SourceKing's College London·JournalCyborg and Bionic Systems·DateMar 3, 2026
Researchers created a robotic wing that senses and adapts to water flow, achieving double the stability of a barn owl's glide. The wing consumes five times less energy than traditional AUVs, paving the way for more agile and efficient underwater robots.
SourceUniversity of Southampton·Journalnpj Robotics·DateFeb 27, 2026
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
Researchers at Harvard's John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have developed a new fabrication method for printing robotic devices with long filaments featuring precisely placed hollow channels. This allows the device to bend and deform in predetermined ways, enabling the creation of soft robots with predictable s...
SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2026
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 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
A new tool has arrived: a highly customizable, open-source robot design called The Robot of Theseus (TROT), developed at the University of Michigan. TROT can model most mammals and enable direct comparisons of variations on the same structure, helping researchers discover the advantages related to limb length and segmentation.
SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalBioinspiration & Biomimetics·DateFeb 11, 2026
Researchers at Duke University have created a programmable Lego-like material that can change its stiffness and damping in response to temperature changes. The material, made from gallium and iron, can be programmed to mimic various commercially available soft materials.
SourceDuke University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2026
Researchers at Harvard University have developed a new design method for optimizing rolling contact joints in robots, which can lead to better grippers, assistive devices, and more efficient robotic movement. The optimized joints performed spectacularly, correcting misalignment by 99% in knee-assist devices.
SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2026
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.
SourceMax Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems·JournalNature·DateJan 28, 2026
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.
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
A low-cost, simple robotic apple picker arm developed by Washington State University researchers can pick an apple in about 25 seconds. The inflatable arm is made of a soft fabric filled with air and weighs less than 50 pounds, making it safe to use in orchards.
SourceWashington State University·JournalSmart Agricultural Technology·DateJan 7, 2026
A team of Princeton engineers studied grasshopper gliding to develop a model for multimodal locomotion in tiny robots. They successfully created a glider that can fold its wings and change strategies depending on the situation, achieving performance comparable to actual grasshoppers.
SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateJan 7, 2026
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.
SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience Robotics·DateDec 15, 2025
Researchers at Penn and UMich created microscopic swimming machines that can independently sense and respond to their surroundings, operate for months, and cost just a penny each. The robots are powered by light and can be programmed to move in complex patterns, sense local temperatures, and adjust their paths accordingly.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2025
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.
A new robotic design uses vine-like structures to lift and grasp a variety of objects, including humans, with a gentler approach. The robot can snake around obstacles, squeeze through tight spaces, and even secure itself in a closed loop to create a sling.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 10, 2025
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
Researchers developed a soft robotic skin that allows vine robots to navigate convoluted paths and fragile environments. The robot is steered by controlling the pressure inside its body and temperature of the actuators.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 15, 2025
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 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
Grade school children learn robotics through performance-based learning, exploring science, tech, engineering, arts, and math. The expanded curriculum will introduce ethical considerations, such as fairness, privacy, and bias in technology.
Researchers discovered that humans treat a robotic hand as part of their body schema when working together on tasks, particularly when the robot's gestures are synchronized with those of humans. The study paves the way for better-designed robots that can interact more intuitively with humans.
SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 11, 2025
The robotic exoskeleton TWIN has been awarded the Compasso d’Oro International Award for its innovative design and ability to adapt to different user needs. Developed by Rehab Technologies IIT – INAIL and ddpstudio, TWIN provides energy assistance to individuals with limited mobility, enabling them to stand, walk, and sit down.
SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·DateSep 10, 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.
A team of researchers has developed a mathematical model that integrates sensory feedback to enable eel-like robots to swim and crawl on land. The study shows how multisensory feedback enables eels to adapt their movement patterns after spinal cord injury, providing insights into the evolutionary transition of vertebrates from water to...
SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 5, 2025
A Washington State University-led team has designed a robotic harvester that can detect and classify hidden strawberries 80% of the time. The harvester uses a combination of artificial-intelligence vision system, soft silicone grippers, and a fan to gently move leaves out of the way, improving picking efficiency.
SourceWashington State University·JournalComputers and Electronics in Agriculture·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 4, 2025
Researchers at NTU Singapore have developed an AI-powered robotic system to assemble cyborg insects for search and rescue efforts, significantly reducing preparation time and human error. The automated system can attach electronic backpacks to Madagascar hissing cockroaches in under 8 minutes, about 30 times quicker than manual methods.
SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2025
Researchers have developed soft artificial muscles that provide the performance and mechanical properties required for building robotic musculoskeletal systems. The new muscles can be battery-powered, enabling robots to move more naturally and safely in unstructured environments.
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 27, 2025
Scientists create programmable lattice structure with infinite geometric variations, enabling the fabrication of lightweight, adaptable robots inspired by biological tissues. The technology offers scalable solutions for designing unprecedentedly flexible and rigid robots.
SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 16, 2025
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.
A new study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology found that interacting with robots through social games makes them seem more human-like. The researchers used a box-shaped robot called Cozmo and found that participants who played games with it considered it more human-like, whereas those who interacted mechanically did not.
SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 3, 2025
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 Harvard developed link-bots, centimeter-scale robots composed of V-shaped chains with notched links, capable of coordinated movements and emergent collective behavior. The team demonstrated link-bots' ability to move forward, stop, change direction, squeeze through gaps, and cooperate on tasks.
SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2025
Antonio Bicchi has been selected for the 2025 Pioneer in Robotics and Automation Award for his groundbreaking contributions to robotics and prosthetics. He is recognized for developing innovative robotic limbs that match human hand capabilities, as well as natural prosthetic limbs.
SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·DateMay 23, 2025
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
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.
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 cutting-edge robotic dog, inspired by mammals' swimming style, achieves remarkable efficiency in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. The robot's unique paddling mechanism and bioinspired trajectory planning enable it to reach speeds of up to 0.576 km/h in water and 1.26 km/h on land.
SourceIOP Publishing·JournalBioinspiration & Biomimetics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2025