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Optimizing robotic joints

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

Kennesaw State researcher looking to give robots a human touch

A Kennesaw State University researcher is working on a new type of robotic hand that can move more naturally, enabling robots to handle objects with greater precision. The research uses advanced artificial intelligence to replicate human-like behavior, allowing robots to interact with their environment in a more intuitive way.

SourceKennesaw State University
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.

Five researchers at Italian Institute of Technology win new ERC funding

Five IIT researchers receive Proof-of-Concept grants to develop innovative health technologies, including a smart microscope and edible pills. These projects aim to tackle cancer, dyslexia, and diagnostics with cutting-edge technologies like quantum computing and near-infrared photonic chips.

SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT

AI learns better when it talks to itself

Researchers at OIST found that combining inner speech with working memory enhances AI learning, enabling easier adaptation to new situations. This discovery holds promise for developing more human-like AI systems capable of handling complex, dynamic environments.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNeural Computation·TypeComputational simulation/modeling

Misleading text in the physical world can hijack AI-enabled robots

Researchers have identified a new vulnerability in AI-powered robots, where malicious text on signs or objects can hijack their decision-making. The study, led by UC Santa Cruz professors Alvaro Cardenas and Cihang Xie, presents the first academic exploration of environmental indirect prompt injection attacks against embodied AI systems.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz
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.

Leading Danish universities join forces to boost innovation capacity

A partnership between University of Copenhagen and Danish Technical University aims to improve Europe's resilience and competitiveness by boosting innovation. The initiative seeks to develop the innovation ecosystem, drive urban development, and attract talent, companies, and investors.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen

How can robots learn from humans?

Researchers developed a new approach to teach robots to learn human grasping skills, enabling adaptive and universal grasping to diverse objects. The framework captures multimodal tactile data and encodes it into high-level semantic grasping states, allowing robots to recognize general states of interaction.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study

Hydrogel cilia set new standard in microrobotics

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

A robot learns to lip sync

Researchers at Columbia University develop a robot that can learn facial lip motions through observational learning, enabling it to articulate words in various languages and sing songs. The robot's ability to move its lips in sync is expected to improve with time and practice, paving the way for more holistic robot communication.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalScience Robotics

Bringing human dexterity to robots by combining human motion and tactile sensation

A team of researchers from Keio University has developed a novel system that uses Gaussian process regression to model and reproduce complex human motions. This enables robots to adapt to touch and interact with objects in dynamic environments, improving their dexterity and versatility.

SourceKeio University Global Research Institute·JournalIEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics·TypeExperimental study
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.

Achieving ultra-low-power explosive jumps via locust bio-hybrid muscle actuators

Researchers developed a new type of bio-hybrid actuator using locust hind legs, achieving remarkable leaping capabilities and ultra-low power consumption. The actuators enable high maneuverability and autonomous self-righting capabilities, making them suitable for confined space exploration and precision medical delivery.

SourceResearch·JournalResearch·TypeNews article
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

A researcher’s long quest leads to a smart composite breakthrough

Researchers have developed a strong, defect-free composite material that can phase-shift under stress to dissipate energy. The material, created using additive friction stir deposition, has potential applications in defense, infrastructure, aerospace, and sporting equipment.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalMaterials Science and Engineering R Reports

A multi-material microrobot that can grasp, carry and release a cell

A team of researchers developed a multi-material, multi-module microrobot that can grab, carry and release microscopic objects. The microrobot features two parts: one reacts to pH changes to grip an object, while the other responds to magnetic fields for movement.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing

AI learns to build simple equations for complex systems

A new AI framework uncovers simple, understandable rules governing complex dynamics in nature and technology. The AI generates equations that accurately describe complex systems, revealing hidden variables that govern their behavior. This approach offers scientists a new way to leverage AI for understanding complex systems.

SourceDuke University·Journalnpj Complexity
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How brain-inspired algorithms could drive down AI energy costs

Researchers propose integrating processing capability within memory units to reduce energy consumption and latency in AI applications. Inspired by the brain's efficient processing mechanisms, spiking neural networks (SNNs) can respond to irregular events and store information in the same place.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Science

Tapping into whale talk

A Harvard-designed bio-logger captures high-fidelity audio of sperm whale codas, which are later analyzed by machine learning models to uncover structured communication. Recent results show that sperm whales have their own alphabet and use vowels and diphthongs in their language.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalPLOS One·TypeExperimental study
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.

Penn and UMich create world’s smallest programmable, autonomous robots

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

World's smallest programmable robot perform tasks

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

Vine-inspired robotic gripper gently lifts heavy and fragile objects

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

New bioelectronics device based on hydrogel- elastomer conductive nanomembranes

Researchers developed a novel bioelectronic material that transforms from a rigid film to a soft, tissue-like interface upon hydration, enabling seamless integration with living tissues. The device, called THIN, has been shown to record biological signals with high fidelity and stability in animal experiments.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study
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.

University of Utah engineers give a bionic hand a mind of its own

University of Utah engineers developed an autonomous approach using proximity and pressure sensors, training an artificial neural network on grasping postures. Study participants demonstrated improved grip security, precision, and less mental effort when using the AI-enhanced prosthesis.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study

ERC Consolidator Grant for soft robotics researcher

Rothemund aims to harness phase transitions to improve controllability of soft robots, enabling tasks like grasping and crawling through tight spaces. The project seeks to develop new materials and a model robot arm for three-dimensional motion control.

SourceUniversitaet Stuttgart
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

RoboCrop: Teaching robots how to pick tomatoes

A new model developed by Osaka Metropolitan University Assistant Professor Takuya Fujinaga enables robots to accurately pick tomatoes, with an 81% success rate. The system evaluates the ease of harvesting for each tomato, taking into account factors such as fruit clustering and stem geometry.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalSmart Agricultural Technology·TypeExperimental study

Can AI read humans’ minds? A new model shows it’s shockingly good at it

A breakthrough AI system called OmniPredict can predict human pedestrian behaviors with unprecedented accuracy, revolutionizing self-driving cars and urban mobility. The model combines visual cues with contextual information to anticipate pedestrians' next moves, reducing the risk of accidents and improving traffic safety.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalComputers & Electrical Engineering

AI advances robot navigation on the International Space Station

Researchers at Stanford University have successfully used machine-learning-based control to operate a robot on the International Space Station, allowing for faster and more efficient navigation while maintaining safety. The system, which includes a warm start feature, enables robots like Astrobee to move through complex environments wi...

SourceStanford University

MIT engineers design an aerial microrobot that can fly as fast as a bumblebee

The MIT team developed a new AI-based controller that enables the robot to follow gymnastic flight paths, such as executing continuous body flips. The robot's speed and acceleration increased by 450% and 250%, respectively, compared to previous demonstrations, making it comparable to insects in terms of agility.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances

Reactive whole-body locomotion-integrated manipulation based on combined learning and optimization

Collaborative robots require adaptive solutions to handle dynamic environments. A new approach integrates reactive planning and control, enabling seamless interaction with humans and surroundings. The method uses combined learning and optimization to generate feasible motion for mobile manipulators, improving efficiency and performance.

SourceBeijing Zhongke Journal Publising Co. Ltd.·JournalMachine Intelligence Research
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.

Artificial tendons give muscle-powered robots a boost

MIT engineers developed artificial tendons made from hydrogel to connect lab-grown muscles with robotic skeletons. The tendons improved the robot's motion and force output by three times, enabling faster and more efficient biohybrid robots.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Science

Magnetic fields power smarter soft robots with built-in intelligence

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

UBC ‘body-swap’ robot helps reveal how the brain keeps us upright

The UBC robotic platform helps scientists understand how the brain keeps us standing by mimicking delays in sensory feedback. By tweaking forces and adding short delays, the robot reveals that our sense of space and time work from the same playbook.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study

Do children imitate communication manners of machines? Experiment on children's response to polite vs. commanding robot

In a study by SWPS University, researchers found that children interact with polite robots almost always respond politely. Younger children and girls are more likely to anthropomorphise the robot, suggesting social cues in interactions between children and robots are crucial for positive learning outcomes.

SourceSWPS University·JournalComputers & Education·TypeObservational study
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.

Robots learn to 'see' and control themselves with simple 2D cameras, paving the way for greater autonomy

Researchers developed a new robot self-modeling approach using part-based Neural Radiance Fields, eliminating the need for depth sensors and human annotation. The system enables robots to build dynamic 3D models of themselves, accelerating the deployment of autonomous machines in unpredictable environments.

SourceJournal Center of Harbin Institute of Technology·JournalSmartBot·TypeLiterature review

How to create intelligent robots as those in science fiction?

A new survey provides a three-module framework for Embodied AI, addressing perception, decision-making and execution. The goal is to develop general-purpose intelligent agents that can perform complex tasks like cleaning the room.

SourceJournal Center of Harbin Institute of Technology·JournalSmartBot·TypeLiterature review

Linearizing tactile sensing: A soft 3D lattice sensor for accurate human-machine interactions

Researchers developed a 3D lattice iontronic sensor that accurately detects sophisticated tactile interactions by linearizing both electrical responses and mechanical behaviors. The sensor, comprising a hydrogel lattice encapsulated in an origami-inspired framework, enables precise detection under extreme dynamic loading.

SourceJournal Center of Harbin Institute of Technology·JournalSmartBot·TypeLiterature review
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.

Microrobots finding their way

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed microrobots that can navigate blood vessels with precision, delivering drugs directly to the target location. The robots use magnetic nanoparticles and advanced navigation systems to avoid obstacles and reach their destination.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience

Hanyang University researchers develop of novel high-resolution mechanoluminescent platform technology

The researchers developed a chromatic filtration strategy to narrow the emission spectrum of mechanoluminescent materials, resulting in high spectral resolution and reduced noise. The new technology has significant potential for applications such as wearable sensors and healthcare motion monitoring.

SourceHanyang University Research Strategy Planning Team·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study
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.

Printing with fields: Reprogramming matter at the smallest scales

Researchers explore Field-assisted Additive Manufacturing for micro/nano device fabrication, enabling targeted motion, cell growth, and flexible electronics. The technology holds promise for industries such as biomedical engineering and microrobotics.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing

Beyond the finish line at Cybathlon 2024: Omnia’s pilot performance and the role of teamwork

The Omnia bionic leg, developed by the Italian Institute of Technology, won the Cybathlon 2024 leg prosthesis race with its semipowered knee and ankle system. Andrea Modica, a transfemoral amputee and pilot of the device, successfully completed 9 out of 10 tasks in just 2 minutes and 57 seconds.

SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study

Novel artificial muscles move with sound

Researchers have developed a new class of artificial muscles that respond to ultrasound, enabling precise movements and wireless control. The technology has vast potential for future medical and technical applications, including drug delivery, cardiac patches, and minimally invasive procedures.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature
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.

Tiny 3D printer reconstructs tissues during vocal cord surgery

A team of biomechanical engineers and surgeons has developed a 3D-printing soft robot that can accurately deliver hydrogels to the vocal cord surgical site. The device, which is only 2.7 mm in size, can reconstruct tissues removed during surgery and potentially prevent fibrosis and stiffening of the vocal cords.

SourceCell Press·JournalDevice·TypeExperimental study

Molecules in motion: pioneering the era of supramolecular robotics

Scientists develop molecular strategies for creating soft materials that can sense, move, and evolve in response to their environment. Three key principles of supramolecular robotics enable programmed motility, phase transitions, and prototissue formation.

SourceKeio University Global Research Institute·JournalAccounts of Materials Research·TypeLiterature review

Roboticists reverse engineer zebrafish navigation

Scientists have replicated the neural circuitry that allows zebrafish to react to visual stimuli and maintain their position in flowing water. The research, published in Science Robotics, used simulations and robots to study embodiment, or how the body affects perception, in larval zebrafish.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study

Spider-inspired robot crawls the gut to deliver precision therapy

A team of researchers has developed a tiny, spider-inspired robot that can navigate the digestive system with ease, delivering therapy precisely where it's needed. The soft robot overcomes challenges faced by traditional endoscopes, showcasing its adaptability in traversing complex environments.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing
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.

Microscopic DNA ‘flowers’ could deliver medicine exactly where it’s needed

Researchers created microscopic DNA 'flowers' that can change shape and behavior in response to their surroundings. These tiny robots, made from special crystals formed by combining DNA and inorganic materials, can perform tasks on their own, from delivering medicine to cleaning up pollution.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalNature Nanotechnology

A lightweight and rapid bidirectional search algorithm

The LiteRBS algorithm outperforms classical algorithms like A* and Bidirectional A*, scaling well even in large or dense maps. It achieves fast and memory-efficient pathfinding through an aggressive bidirectional forward search with a reserve-queue fallback strategy.

SourceELSP·JournalRobot Learning·TypeComputational simulation/modeling

From stiff to soft in a snap

Researchers developed a method to trigger magnetic jamming in materials using wireless magnetic fields, enabling reversible and programmable clumping. This technique allows for the creation of structures that can assemble, stiffen, relax, or break apart under magnetic control.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Programming robots with rubber bands

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

Hanyang University ERICA researcher reveals psychological pathways shaping behavior of customer witnessing robot mistreatment

A recent study reveals that the response to witnessing robot mistreatment depends on factors such as the robot's humanlike design and the observer's moral identity. Anthropomorphism influences empathy, encouraging customers to treat robots with dignity, while moral identity plays a crucial role in shaping behavioral contagion.

SourceHanyang University Research Strategy Planning Team·JournalJournal of Retailing and Consumer Services·TypeExperimental study

‘Metabots’ shapeshift from flat sheets into hundreds of structures

Researchers at North Carolina State University created a class of robots called metabots that can change shape and adapt to different environments. The devices can execute various actions despite having no motor or being made of a single flat material.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study