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An expressive robot has more to lose when it makes mistakes

A study by Drexel University found that people form a stronger bond with an expressive humanoid robot, but this trust can quickly dissipate when the robot makes errors. The researchers measured brain activity, hormones, and self-reported attitudes to understand how humans build and lose trust through collaboration with robots.

SourceDrexel University·JournalScience Robotics·TypeObservational study·DateAug 3, 2026

Seoul National University of Science and Technology researchers develop energy-saving TPMS feet for quadruped robots

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

Pusan National University study highlights federated and reinforcement learning for natural language processing

The review explores how integrating Federated Learning (FL), Reinforcement Learning (RL), and Natural Language Processing (NLP) can overcome modern NLP system limitations, such as protecting user privacy and adapting to changing environments. The study presents a unified framework that combines FL, RL, and NLP as three co-equal pillars.

SourcePusan National University·JournalComputer Science Review·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 28, 2026

Wang to receive NSF CAREER Award

George Mason University Assistant Professor Xuan Wang will receive funding for his project on knowledge transfer in robot learning. He aims to develop efficient approaches that enable robots to reuse prior knowledge, supporting safer and more affordable robotic technologies in various industries.

Pusan National University researchers develop a new smart, adaptive vibration isolator

Researchers have developed a novel hybrid control strategy for quasi-zero stiffness isolators, addressing payload variations and residual resonant peaks. The 'smart cushion' can adapt to changing loads in seconds, making it crucial for precision applications like chip manufacturing and robot handling of fragile goods.

SourcePusan National University·JournalMechanical Systems and Signal Processing·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 27, 2026

Chonnam National University researchers develop new AI system for highly accurate mapping and modeling of orchards

A novel cross-modal fusion framework integrates low-altitude drone RSI with ground robot LiDAR-inertial measurement unit (IMU) odometry to create accurate digital models of orchards. The system achieved localization accuracy on the order of a few centimeters, demonstrating robustness to seasonal variations and long-term drift.

SourceChonnam National University, The Research Information Management Team, Office of Research Promotion·JournalArtificial Intelligence in Agriculture·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2026

New spinning drone hides in plain sight

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.

KAIST develops robot that judges its surroundings and walks, runs, and jumps like an animal

KAIST develops robot that can autonomously choose gait strategy for its surroundings, switching between walking, running, jumping, and other locomotion skills. The team generated 15.5 hours of training data using computer simulations alone, enabling the robot to move quickly and stably in real outdoor environments.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 15, 2026

Microrobots move closer to precision medicine after two decades of progress

Microrobots are designed for highly localized biomedical tasks, including targeted drug delivery, minimally invasive diagnosis, and cell- or tissue-level therapeutic intervention. Magnetic actuation is identified as a promising approach due to its ability to penetrate biological tissues and integrate with medical imaging technologies.

The use of robots increases productivity in SMEs, but does not boost exports

Researchers from Universitat Oberta de Catalunya found that robot adoption increases productivity in Spanish SMEs, especially smaller firms with fewer workers and less innovation. However, introducing robots does not directly translate into increased international business activity, as regional specialization plays a key role.

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalJournal of the Knowledge Economy·DateJul 8, 2026

EleTac: An elephant-inspired soft robotic gripper with a sophisticated sense of touch

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

Restoring lost senses: one technology for both artificial vision and touch

Researchers have discovered that advanced brain interfacing technology used for both touch and vision prostheses is almost identical, despite being developed separately. This breakthrough could lead to faster restoration of lost senses, including sight and motor function, with a unified technology that benefits both patient groups.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Reviews Bioengineering·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 30, 2026

Robotic bird helps uncover the mysteries of flight turbulence

A bio-inspired robotic bird is helping researchers unravel the mysteries behind kestrels' exceptional hovering capabilities. By mimicking key movements, the team discovered unique techniques that could improve manoeuvrability of small aircraft and enhance their ability to cope with turbulence.

SourceRMIT University·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeObservational study·DateJun 28, 2026

Self-driving chemistry lab discovers catalysts that can switch products on demand

A self-driving chemistry lab called Flex-Cat has been developed to autonomously search for faster and more selective ways to make important industrial chemicals. The platform combines robotics, high-pressure reactors, and artificial intelligence to identify high-performing catalysts and those that can be programmed to produce different...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2026

KAIST team wins IEEE RA-L Best Paper Award for second year in a row

A KAIST research team led by Professor Jee-Hwan Ryu has received the IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters (RA-L) Best Paper Award for the second consecutive year. The award-winning paper presents a novel assistive dressing technology that enables garments to autonomously unfold and move along the user's body using soft robotic principles.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalIEEE Robotics and Automation Letters·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 21, 2026

Elephant trunks and robot skin

Researchers studied elephant trunks to understand properties and derive lessons for next-gen soft robotics. The study found functional zoned architecture allowing amplification of tactile signals while protecting fragile sensors.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJun 16, 2026

Microrobots repair spinal cord

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed biohybrid microrobots that combine living neural progenitor cells with magnetoelectric nanoparticles to guide stem cells to injury sites and stimulate repair. The microrobots demonstrate promising results in animal experiments, including improved nerve cell regeneration and recovery of motor function.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 2, 2026