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Understanding the human brain

The Human Brain Project seeks to integrate fragmented knowledge of the human brain through supercomputer-based models. Researchers will test conceptual models using simulated and real systems, aiming to refine models and develop new technologies.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·DateJan 28, 2013

NASA's robotic refueling demo set to jumpstart expanded capabilities in space

NASA's Robotic Refueling Mission aims to demonstrate robotic refueling in space, which could add years of functional life to satellites and expand options for operators. The mission will employ the Canadian-built Dextre robot and NASA's RRM module to simulate robotic refueling, with a focus on improving satellite servicing capabilities.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 10, 2013

Young gamers offer insight to teaching new physicians robotic surgery

A new UTMB study reveals that high school and college students who play video games regularly outperform medical residents in surgical simulations. The study suggests that these skills may be transferable to real-world robotic surgeries, requiring a reevaluation of surgical training methods.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·DateNov 15, 2012
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.

Virtual reality 'beaming' technology transforms human-animal interaction

Using cutting-edge virtual reality technology, researchers have successfully beamed a person into a rat facility, allowing the rat and human to interact on the same scale. The technology enables real-time interaction between humans and animals, providing new insights into animal behavior.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 31, 2012

Who (and what) can you trust?

Researchers used a robot named Nexi to test how people assess trustworthiness in others. They found that sets of non-verbal cues, not just one cue, determine a person's trustworthiness. Participants exposed to untrustworthy cues with Nexi adjusted their financial decisions accordingly.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 11, 2012

Autonomous robotic plane flies indoors

MIT's Robust Robotics Group has developed an algorithm that enables autonomous-control algorithms for indoor flight of GPS-denied airplanes, allowing for obstacle dodging and cargo capacity. The plane uses a laser rangefinder and inertial sensors to determine its state in real-time, and combines two different types of state-estimation ...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateAug 10, 2012
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.

Robotic surgery outcomes data presented at head and neck cancer annual meeting

Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine presented data on transoral robotic surgery outcomes for patients with head and neck cancer. The study found significant benefits in progression-free and overall survival rates for both smokers and nonsmokers, suggesting a promising treatment modality.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·DateJul 26, 2012

Robot sub research lands £720,000 contract

Two projects investigating the use of robot submarines to map and monitor the UK seas have received £720,000 in funding. The projects aim to inform future government policy on protecting the marine environment by generating data that will guide the use of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and sea gliders.

SourceNational Oceanography Centre, UK·DateJul 13, 2012
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Most accurate robotic legs mimic human walking gait

Researchers have developed a robotic set of legs that models human walking in a biologically accurate manner, allowing for insights into the processes underlying walking in humans. The robot's neural architecture and sensory feedback pathways mimic those found in humans, enabling it to walk without balance.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateJul 5, 2012
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.

Musical robot companion enhances listener experience

Shimi, a musical robot companion developed by Georgia Tech's Center for Music Technology, uses listener feedback to recommend songs and dances in sync with the beat. The smartphone-enabled robot has various interactive capabilities, including face detection and rhythm analysis.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateJun 26, 2012

Bielefeld University still twice excellent

Bielefeld University has secured further five-year funding for its Cluster of Excellence on Cognitive Interaction Technology (CITEC) and Graduate School in History and Sociology. The grants total $40.3 million, supporting research on intelligent systems and social sciences.

SourceBielefeld University·DateJun 15, 2012

Robotic-assisted prostate cancer surgery drives up costs, UPMC study finds

A recent study published in the journal Urology found that robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP) is significantly more costly than traditional open surgery. The study, conducted at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), analyzed data from 473 consecutive patients treated between 2009 and 2010. Research...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalUrology·DateMay 23, 2012
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Robot reveals the inner workings of brain cells

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed an automated technique to record electrical activity from neurons in the living brain, offering insights into brain cell activities. The robotic system detects cells with 90% accuracy and can determine a cell's shape and genetic profile.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Methods·DateMay 6, 2012

Robosquirrels vs. rattlesnakes

Researchers used robot squirrels to mimic tail flagging and heating behaviors, showing snakes respond to infrared signals. The findings help biologists better understand rattlesnake behavior and interactions with California ground squirrels.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateApr 3, 2012

Fewer deaths, complications with robotic bladder cancer surgery, but cost is higher

A new study found that robotic-assisted surgery for bladder cancer results in fewer deaths, in-patient complications, and reduced need for intravenous nutrition compared to traditional open surgeries. However, the procedure is more costly due to longer operation times and greater use of disposable instruments.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalEuropean Urology·DateApr 2, 2012
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.

Fiercer competition for quicker innovations

A study by KIT's Institute for Technology Assessment and Systems Analysis reveals that fiercer technical competition in Japan drives innovative mobile services. European operators are recommended to adopt similar measures, such as unlicensed radio spectrum usage and new licensing schemes, to regain competitiveness.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalTelecommunications Policy·DateMar 7, 2012

Mayo Clinic: Robotic surgery proves successful, less invasive way to treat HPV-related oral cancer

A recent study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that robotic surgery offers a less invasive alternative to traditional treatments for oropharyngeal cancer, resulting in high survival rates and improved patient quality of life. The treatment preserved patients' ability to swallow and maintained excellent speech performance.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateMar 1, 2012

Harvard's Wyss Institute develops DNA nanorobot to trigger targeted therapeutic responses

Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute have developed a DNA nanorobot that can seek out specific cell targets and deliver molecular instructions to cause cancer cells to self-destruct. The technology uses modular components to mimic the body's immune system and has the potential to treat various diseases.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScience·DateFeb 16, 2012

To perform with less effort, practice beyond perfection

A University of Colorado Boulder study found that continued practice after mastering a task can decrease overall energy costs by up to 20%, making movements more efficient. The research, led by Assistant Professor Alaa Ahmed, used robotic arm exercises to measure metabolic cost and muscle activity in test subjects.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateFeb 9, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Send in the supplies: RoboCopters in Marines' future

The Autonomous Aerial Cargo Utility System (AACUS) is a five-year, $98 million program to develop sensors and control technologies for robotic vertical take-off and landing aircraft. AACUS will enable Marines to request autonomous cargo helicopters for rapid resupply of combat essentials with little to no input from an operator.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateJan 10, 2012

Leaping lizards and dinosaurs inspire robot design

Scientists found that a lizard's tail is crucial in preventing forward pitch during leaping. By adding a tail to a robotic car called Tailbot, researchers discovered that it can stabilize its body and remain upright even after stumbling.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature·DateJan 4, 2012

US Tox21 to begin screening 10,000 chemicals

The US Tox21 program begins testing 10,000 compounds for potential toxicity using a high-speed robotic screening system. The testing will provide results useful for evaluating the potential health effects of these chemicals and revolutionize the assessment of new environmental chemicals and drug development.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·DateDec 7, 2011
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.

Students will use futuristic technology to dive into the past

Students from three schools will use robotic submarines to map and monitor shipwrecks scuttled by Lord Cornwallis during the Battle of Yorktown. The project aims to conserve these historical sites and introduce students to advanced robotics and marine science.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·DateNov 7, 2011

Scientists reach the heights with gecko-inspired tank robot

Researchers developed a tank-like robot that can scale smooth walls using gecko-inspired adhesives, enabling applications in pipe inspection, search and rescue operations, and more. The robot's unique design and sensors allow it to adapt to its surroundings.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalSmart Materials and Structures·DateOct 31, 2011

Robot biologist solves complex problem from scratch

A team of scientists has successfully demonstrated a computer's ability to analyze raw experimental data from a biological system and derive the basic mathematical equations that describe its operation. This achievement marks one of the most complex scientific modeling problems solved completely from scratch by a computer.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalPhysical Biology·DateOct 13, 2011

Breakthrough: A robot brain implanted in a rodent

A Tel Aviv University researcher successfully implanted a robotic cerebellum into a rodent's skull, restoring its movement capacity. The 'robo-cerebellum' enables communication between the brain and body by receiving and transmitting sensory information from the brain stem.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·DateOct 3, 2011

AIAA to present awards at SPACE 2011 Conference in Long Beach

The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) will present awards recognizing key achievements in space science and technology, program management, and sustained service. The AIAA Sustained Service Awards will be presented to Guy Jette and Peter Kurzhals for their contributions.

SourceAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics·DateAug 25, 2011
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.

Auto-pilots need a birds-eye view

Scientists from Harvard University trained pigeons to fly through an artificial forest, gaining insights into their navigation methods that could inform auto-pilot technology design. The birds' ability to assess obstacles and choose straight routes could lead to more efficient and energy-saving navigation systems.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology·DateJul 1, 2011
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.

New robot system to test 10,000 chemicals for toxicity

A new high-speed robot screening system has been unveiled to test 10,000 chemicals for potential toxicity, marking a significant advancement in the Tox21 collaboration. The system will provide information useful for evaluating the safety of industrial and consumer products, food additives, and drugs.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·DateMar 10, 2011

New model shows importance of feet, toes in body balance

A new computational model of the human foot reveals the importance of toe strength in determining body balance. The model's findings support previous studies on real people and could lead to improved robotic body parts and prosthetics.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Biomechanics·DateMar 10, 2011
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.

How to leave your body

Researchers can manipulate the brain's perception of its own body, allowing for new prosthetic limbs and virtual reality experiences. This technology has significant implications for fields like medicine, psychology, and robotics.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·DateFeb 20, 2011

Robot therapy can improve arm, shoulder mobility after stroke

Research shows that robotic therapy combined with standard rehabilitation can significantly improve upper extremity function in patients after stroke. The study involved 60 stroke survivors who received either robotic therapy or a standard self-training program for six weeks, resulting in improved scores on measures of voluntary arm mo...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 10, 2011

Future surgeons may use robotic nurse, 'gesture recognition'

Researchers have developed a system that recognizes hand gestures as commands to control a robotic scrub nurse or display medical images during operations. The technology aims to reduce surgery lengths and infection risks, while also having potential applications in emergency response activities.

SourcePurdue University·JournalCommunications of the ACM·DateFeb 3, 2011
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.

Robotic surgery of 'tremendous benefit' to patients, say JGH researchers

Researchers at the Jewish General Hospital's Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research in Montreal found that robotic surgery dramatically improves outcomes in patients with uterine, endometrial, and cervical cancer. The procedure also reduces post-operative complications and hospital stays, resulting in cost savings.

SourceJewish General Hospital·DateJan 12, 2011

Neuroscience of instinct: How animals overcome fear to obtain food

In a study, rats weigh their odds of safely retrieving food pellets near a predator to make instinctive safety decisions. Rats with impaired amygdala activity were more cautious and risk-averse when faced with danger, while those with overactive amygdala showed greater fear and avoidance behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 29, 2010

Robotic arm's big flaw: Patients say it's 'too easy'

A pilot study revealed that patients prefer a robotic arm with manual mode, which requires more thought and interaction, despite performing tasks less well in this mode. The researchers aim to develop a hybrid model with an adaptive interface for individualized use.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·DateSep 23, 2010
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Robotic catheter could improve treatment of heart condition

Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a robotic catheter to treat atrial fibrillation, reducing operating times and radiation exposure. The catheter uses smart materials for improved maneuverability, allowing for more effective and efficient treatment.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateSep 15, 2010

Secrets of the gecko foot help robot climb

A Stanford mechanical engineer created a robot that can climb smooth surfaces like glass using the sticky property of a gecko's foot. The robot uses a material with tiny hairs to create directional adhesion, allowing it to stick and unstick from surfaces easily.

SourceStanford University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateAug 26, 2010
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 case series section in European Urology

A new case series in European Urology introduces a purely intrafascial approach for robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy, aiming to avoid damage to critical structures. The study reports promising results with no perioperative major complications, but highlights the need for well-designed studies to evaluate its advantages.

SourceEuropean Association of Urology·JournalEuropean Urology·DateAug 12, 2010

Teaching robot helps children to use wheelchair

A new robotic wheelchair system, ROLY, is being developed to assist young children with disabilities in learning to drive. The system uses a joystick with force feedback assistance to help children develop driving skills at their own pace.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation·DateAug 12, 2010

Introducing Robofish: Leading the crowd in studying group dynamics

Researchers have created a convincing robotic fish that shoals will accept as one of their own, allowing them to study complex situations such as aggressive and cooperative behaviour. The study found that relative distance between individuals is more important than absolute distance in influencing group dynamics.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateJun 28, 2010
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.

Lab that probes genetic clues to disease is poised for major expansion

The Rutgers University Cell and DNA Repository is experiencing unprecedented demand for its services, doubling every two to three years, due to the growing need for genetic clues to autism, schizophrenia, and other diseases. The new expansion will turn the repository into a robotics-driven laboratory, allowing for deeper and finer geno...

SourceRutgers University·DateApr 14, 2010

Robot teaches stroke survivors

Researchers developed a 'Braccio di Ferro' robot to assist patients in learning arm movements again. The interactive robot helps patients perform correct movements, promoting motor system learning and improving movement ability.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation·DateMar 15, 2010

A high-tech handrest

University of Utah engineers created a computer-controlled hand and arm support to aid precision tasks with less fatigue. The Active Handrest allows users to maintain control while sensing tool position or force, increasing precision in tasks like surgery, painting, and electronics repair.

SourceUniversity of Utah·DateMar 7, 2010
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.

Prostate cancer surgeons 'feel' with their eyes

A new study shows that robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) does not compromise surgical outcomes for patients with prostate cancer. Surgeons can use visual cues to improve clinical outcomes, including the color of tissue, vein locations, and signs of inflammation.

SourceNewYork-Presbyterian·JournalBJU International·DateMar 1, 2010

UF urologists use robot to shave time off vasectomy reversal

University of Florida urologists have developed a robot-assisted vasectomy reversal procedure that cuts average surgery time by 20 minutes, comparable to traditional microscope methods. The robotic procedure also shows quicker return of sperm count and improved efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Endourology·DateJan 7, 2010