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Click beetle-inspired robots jump using elastic energy

Researchers have developed insect-sized jumping robots capable of navigating tight spaces, with a new study demonstrating two configurations that can successfully jump without manual intervention. The robots use a dynamic buckling cascade process to store and release elastic energy, allowing them to propel themselves upward.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 23, 2023

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

Microrobot assembly line

A team of researchers developed a new method for 3D-printing microrobots with multiple component modules inside the same microfluidic chip. The 'assembly line' approach allowed for the combination of various modules, such as joints and grippers, into a single device. This innovation may help realize the vision of microsurgery performed...

SourceOsaka University·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2022

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

UCLA engineers design AI material that learns behaviors and adapts to changing conditions

Researchers develop mechanical neural networks (MNNs) with tunable beams that can learn behaviors and adapt to external forces. The MNNs, composed of a triangular lattice pattern, exhibit smart properties through machine learning algorithms. Early prototypes overcame lag issues and achieved accurate performance in various applications.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2022

Digging deep

The EMBUR robot uses a novel leg design to self-burrow vertically, emulating the Pacific mole crab's underground movements. This breakthrough has significant applications in agriculture, geotechnical engineering, marine data collection, and construction, while also advancing scientific understanding of burrowing animals.

SourceUniversity of California Berkeley College of Engineering·JournalFrontiers in Robotics and AI·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 10, 2022

Can eyes on self-driving cars reduce accidents?

A new study at the University of Tokyo suggests that robotic eyes on autonomous vehicles can help pedestrians anticipate a vehicle's intentions, leading to safer crossings. The experiment found that participants made more cautious decisions when faced with moving eyes, with some males even reporting feeling safer.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2022

Robo-bug: a rechargeable, remote-controllable cyborg cockroach

Researchers created a rechargeable, remote-controlled cyborg cockroach with an ultrathin organic solar cell module powered by a lithium polymer battery. The device allows for wireless control of leg segments, enabling long-term operation without recharging.

SourceRIKEN·Journalnpj Flexible Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 5, 2022

Expressiveness face-off

A new evaluation method at Osaka University accurately compares android and human facial expressions. The study found that androids have significantly less expressiveness than humans, but the new index may aid in developing more lifelike robots.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAdvanced Robotics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 16, 2022

Experimental verification on steering flight of honeybee by electrical stimulation

Scientists at Beijing Institute of Technology successfully controlled honeybee steering behavior using unilateral optic lobe electrical stimulation, with an average successful rate of 87% in immobilized status. The study also explored the influence of pulse electrical signal parameters on steering response behaviors.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalCyborg and Bionic Systems·DateAug 13, 2022

Feasibility study of novel core-strengthening intervention shows promise for maximizing trunk and balance rehabilitation outcomes after stroke

Researchers tested a core-strengthening program using the AllCore360º to improve trunk function, balance, and mobility after stroke. The study showed promising effects on functional outcomes, including improved lateral control of posture and standardized treatment dosage.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalBrain Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 12, 2022

A "nano-robot" built entirely from DNA to explore cell processes

Scientists have developed a DNA nano-robot that can apply forces with unprecedented accuracy, enabling closer study of mechanical forces at microscopic levels. The robot is designed to target specific mechanoreceptors, allowing researchers to activate them and study key signaling pathways involved in biological processes.

Are drones the optimal way to distribute COVID-19 tests?

A new study from Texas A&M University uses drone delivery to quickly distribute at-home diagnostic tests, minimizing exposure to others and reducing transmission rates. The approach can reduce transmission by a factor of 7.5 and has potential applications in other infectious diseases like influenza.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of Intelligent & Robotic Systems·TypeNews article·DateJul 25, 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

Tiny limbs and long bodies: Coordinating lizard locomotion

A multidisciplinary approach reveals a continuum of locomotion dynamics in lizards, with short-limbed species exhibiting snakelike waves and long-bodied species bending like lizards. The findings deepen understanding of evolution's implications for locomotion and have applications for advanced robotics designs.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2022

Who’s really in control?

A Japanese research team investigated the psychological impact of remotely operating semi-autonomous robots on humans. They found that when a person controls only a part of the robot's body, their attitude aligns with that expressed by the semi-autonomous robot, influencing subsequent decisions.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 27, 2022

Baby’s kick in the womb may be key to treating disease and training robots

A new model from researchers at the University of Southern California and Lund University suggests that spontaneous movements made by a fetus in the womb are key to getting the body's nervous system 'wired up.' This discovery has implications for treating neuromuscular disorders and designing better robots.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of Neurophysiology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 22, 2022