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Biophysicists take small step in quest for 'robot scientist'

Researchers have created an algorithm that can efficiently search for the laws underlying complex dynamical systems, including biological processes. The algorithm, dubbed 'Sir Issac', was tested on artificial and real-world systems, demonstrating its ability to infer universal gravitational force and model chemical transformations.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 25, 2015

Smooth robot movements reduce energy consumption by up to 40 percent

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology developed an optimization algorithm to minimize robot acceleration, reducing energy consumption by up to 40%. The algorithm coordinates multiple robots to optimize their movements and sequence, resulting in improved efficiency without compromising production time.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·DateAug 24, 2015

Robot technology to measure UK's marine wildlife

The National Oceanography Centre has launched a robot technology to measure UK's marine wildlife in the Celtic Sea, working with WWF. The two vehicles will investigate why certain areas are attractive to marine predators like dolphins and seabirds., The mission aims to increase understanding of marine animals' habitats and behaviors.

SourceNational Oceanography Centre, UK·DateAug 20, 2015
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.

Disabled people pilot a robot remotely with their thoughts

A team of researchers has successfully developed a brain-machine interface that allows paralyzed individuals to remotely control robots with their thoughts. The technology has shown excellent results, enabling users to interact with the robot's surroundings and avoid obstacles without requiring any physical movement.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the IEEE·DateJun 23, 2015

Severely impaired stroke survivors regain arm function after intensive physical therapy

A University of Florida Health study found that extensive physical therapy helped severely impaired stroke survivors recover motor function, even a year or more after their stroke. The research, which included five hours of rehabilitation per day for 12 weeks, showed significant improvement in arm movements and complex tasks.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation·DateJun 12, 2015

Job-sharing with nursing robot

Researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology developed Terapio, a next-generation nursing robot that assists healthcare staff in delivering resources and recording patient information. The robot's friendly communication abilities and autonomous navigation capabilities enable efficient data management and care delivery.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·DateMay 27, 2015

Implants read intentions of tetraplegic patient from brain activity

Researchers implanted microelectrodes in a tetraplegic patient's brain to read neuronal activity related to intended movements. The study successfully predicted limb and eye movements, enabling control of a robotic arm with unprecedented accuracy.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 21, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Clinical trial shows intuitive control of robotic arm using thought

A clinical trial has successfully implanted a neural prosthetic device in a region of the brain that controls intentions, allowing a paralyzed person to control a robotic arm with their thoughts. This new approach produces more natural and fluid motions compared to current neuroprosthetics.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalScience·DateMay 21, 2015

Researchers determine how the brain controls robotic grasping tools

Researchers at the University of Missouri discovered that the cerebellum plays a critical role in controlling robotic grasping tools. By monitoring brain activity with fMRI, they found that participants' brains adapted quickly to associate new movements with grasping actions.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Cognitive Neuroscience·DateFeb 2, 2015
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.

Pitt team publishes new findings from mind-controlled robot arm project

A woman with quadriplegia used her thoughts to control a prosthetic arm and hand, achieving 10-degree brain control and grasping various objects. The study's findings indicate that highly coordinated movement can be restored to people with paralyzed arms and hands.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateDec 16, 2014

Ghost illusion created in the lab

Researchers at EPFL successfully recreated the ghost illusion in the laboratory by altering sensorimotor brain signals. This phenomenon is common to many cultures and can be observed in people with neurological or psychiatric disorders, such as epilepsy.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 6, 2014
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.

This robot makes you feel like a 'ghost' is in the room

Researchers develop robot that induces feeling of 'ghost' presence in healthy participants by sending mixed-up sensorimotor signals. The phenomenon is linked to damage in frontoparietal cortex and may shed light on schizophrenic hallucinations.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 6, 2014

Robotic surgery: More complications, higher expense for some conditions

A study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that robotic-assisted surgery for benign ovarian surgery has more complications and is significantly more expensive than conventional laparoscopic surgery. The median total cost of robot-assisted oophorectomy was $7,426, compared to $4,922 for conventional laparoscopic oophorectomy.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateOct 8, 2014
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.

Monster galaxies gain weight by eating smaller neighbors

Research by Australian scientists reveals massive galaxies are eating smaller ones to gain weight, but their star-formation process is inefficient. Dr. Aaron Robotham explains that gravity allows larger galaxies to pull in smaller neighbors, and the Milky Way will follow suit, eventually merging with Andromeda.

SourceInternational Centre for Radio Astronomy Research·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateSep 19, 2014
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Bioengineer receives $2.9 million grant to improve brain implants

Xinyan Cui is leading a team to develop a biological coating for microelectrode arrays in brain implants, aiming to strengthen the connection between brain and machine. The coating could potentially extend the viability of neural recording by six months and improve the functionality of brain-computer interface technology.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateJun 18, 2014
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

New challenges in internet of physical world addressed

The book explores the major challenges of wireless sensor and robot networks, including controlled mobility, energy efficiency, and coordination. These challenges affect various applications, such as fleet operations, sensor networks, and fully cooperative systems.

SourceWorld Scientific·DateApr 22, 2014

Robotic prosthesis turns drummer into a 3-armed cyborg

A robotic prosthesis has been developed for an amputee drummer, allowing him to play with unprecedented control and creativity. The device features two drumsticks, one controlled by the musician's arms and the other using electromyography sensors that respond to muscle signals.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateMar 6, 2014

UCLA study finds robotic-assisted prostate surgery offers better cancer control

A UCLA study published in European Urology found that robotic-assisted prostate surgery resulted in 5% fewer positive margins and a one-third reduction in the likelihood of needing additional cancer therapies. This suggests that robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy may offer better cancer control with potentially lower downstream costs.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalEuropean Urology·DateFeb 28, 2014
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.

Study: 'Icy' technique improves robotic kidney transplants

Researchers successfully transplanted kidneys into 50 recipients using a robot-assisted procedure that cools the organ with sterile ice during operation. This innovative method reduces post-operative pain and complications compared to traditional open surgery.

SourceHenry Ford Health·JournalEuropean Urology·DateJan 21, 2014

New sea anemone species discovered in Antarctica

Researchers from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln discovered a new species of small sea anemones, Edwardsiella andrillae, burrowed into Antarctica's Ross Ice Shelf. The anemones have adapted to live upside down in ice, creating a previously unknown ecosystem.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 17, 2014

Increased mobility thanks to robotic rehab

A new study by ETH Zurich researchers shows that robotic therapy outperforms conventional physiotherapy in improving sensory-motor function and arm mobility. Robot-assisted therapy enables patients to carry out exercises independently and motivates them via computer game elements, leading to better results in terms of mobility.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateJan 16, 2014

Silver nanowire sensors hold promise for prosthetics, robotics

Researchers at NC State University have developed wearable, stretchable sensors using silver nanowires that can measure strain, pressure, human touch, and bioelectronic signals. These sensors hold promise for creating responsive prosthetics and robots that can interact with their environment.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNanoscale·DateJan 16, 2014
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Study: Ureteral injury during robot-assisted prostate surgery

Researchers at Henry Ford's Vattikuti Urology Institute found instances of ureteral injury in 6,442 patients who underwent robotic prostatectomy. Patient characteristics such as infection history, abdominal surgery, and enlarged prostate glands may forewarn such damage.

SourceHenry Ford Health·JournalJournal of Endourology·DateNov 19, 2013

CWRU team building an MRI-guided robotic heart catheter

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University are working on an MRI-guided robotic heart catheter to accurately navigate and target tissues in the heart. The technology aims to reduce complications associated with current treatments for arterial fibrillation, allowing doctors to more precisely ablate the affected tissue and restore no...

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateNov 11, 2013
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Gravity and the robot satellite attitude problem

Researchers propose a new method for robots to capture malfunctioning satellites in space. By mimicking the way animals track and capture prey, the team developed a bio-inspired solution that reduces damage and minimizes disruption to the spacecraft. This technology aims to revolutionize space maintenance and rescue operations.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Mechanisms and Robotic Systems·DateNov 4, 2013

Gimball: A crash-happy flying robot

Gimball's spherical shape and gyroscopic stabilization system enable it to absorb shocks and maintain its course despite numerous collisions. The robot's technology simplicity allows it to operate in challenging terrain, such as forest areas, without the need for complex obstacle avoidance systems.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·DateOct 30, 2013
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.

Total hospital cost of robotic or conventional open-chest mitral valve repair surgery is similar

A Mayo Clinic study of 370 patients found that robotic mitral valve repair surgery had similar total hospital costs to conventional open-chest methods, but patients who underwent robotic repair recovered more rapidly and returned home earlier. The study also showed that systems innovations led to a significant decrease in costs over time.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateOct 1, 2013

Putting a face on a robot

A new study from Georgia Institute of Technology found that people's preferences for a robot's appearance change depending on its intended use. Older adults tend to prefer human-like robots for social interactions, while younger participants prefer robotic faces for decision-making tasks. The research suggests that the design of an ass...

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateOct 1, 2013

'Terminator' polymer that regenerates itself

Researchers in Spain have created a 'Terminator' polymer that spontaneously regenerates itself, displaying impressive 97% healing efficiency. The material could enhance the security and lifetime of plastic components in various industries.

SourceRoyal Society of Chemistry·JournalMaterials Horizons·DateSep 13, 2013
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.

Pigeons fly home with a map in their heads

Researchers fitted homing pigeons with GPS loggers to study their navigation. The results showed that satiated pigeons flew directly to their home loft, while hungry pigeons flew to a nearby food loft, indicating they have a type of cognitive navigational map in their heads

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJul 25, 2013

BPA + chlorine = bad news

Researchers found that chlorinated BPA and modified forms of the chemical produced similar but distinct effects on hormone signaling pathways. The modified BPA worked through membrane estrogen receptors to deactivate key signaling enzymes, potentially leading to cell signaling disruptions.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalEndocrine Disruptors·DateJul 17, 2013

Robotic frogs help turn a boring mating call into a serenade

Biologists discovered that female túngara frogs can be tricked into perceiving an unattractive call as attractive when a robotic frog adds a delayed visual cue. This study demonstrates how evolution may create complex traits by combining simpler ones, similar to how adding white noise improves human perception of sounds.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalScience·DateJul 15, 2013
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.

New tasks become as simple as waving a hand with brain-computer interfaces

Researchers have demonstrated that brain-computer interfaces can learn as users practice simple motor skills like waving a hand. After just 10 minutes of practice, the brain's activity transitions from learning to automatic actions, indicating successful learning.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2013

University of Minnesota researchers control flying robot with only the mind

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have created a noninvasive brain-computer interface that allows people to control a flying robot using only their thoughts. The technology has the potential to help people with disabilities, such as paralysis or neurodegenerative diseases, regain mobility and independence.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateJun 5, 2013
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.

Robotic transplant an option for obese kidney patients

Obese patients who received robotic kidney transplants had significantly fewer wound complications than those receiving traditional open surgery. This minimally invasive procedure provides a better quality of life for high-risk patients often bypassed for transplantation.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateMay 15, 2013

Texas physician breaks ground in robotic cervical surgery

A Texas physician has successfully performed a groundbreaking robotic laparoscopic procedure to tighten a pregnant patient's incompetent cervix. The innovative technique, which utilizes the da Vinci Si robotic surgical system, allowed for precise stitching with minimal scars.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalJournal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology·DateMar 29, 2013

Highly effective communities of bacteria in the world's deepest oceanic trench

A recent study reveals that the deepest oceanic trench holds a surprisingly high concentration of bacteria in its sediment, up to 10 times more than surrounding abyssal plains. This discovery highlights the critical role microorganisms play in regulating the global carbon cycle and climate regulation.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMar 17, 2013
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.

Playing computer games for fun and research

A new project called Wordovators will study how people create, learn and use new words through mathematical modeling and large-scale computer games. Players from around the world will be recruited to perform tasks and challenges in invented languages.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateMar 13, 2013
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.

Wonderwalls

Researchers from TUM designed a smart wall panel to assist elderly people in their homes. The panel provides access to vital information, entertainment, and assistance with daily tasks. It also detects critical health issues and contacts healthcare professionals for support.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·DateFeb 14, 2013

Pitt/UPMC team describes findings from BCI study in spinal cord-injured man in PLoS One

Researchers at Pitt/UPMC successfully used brain-computer interface (BCI) technology to enable a paralyzed man to control a computer cursor and robot arm with his thoughts. The study, published in PLoS ONE, demonstrates the potential for BCI technology to help individuals regain independence after spinal cord injuries.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 8, 2013