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Robotic knee prosthesis: Advanced control algorithm could expand commercial leg's benefits

Researchers developed a new control algorithm that enables powered knee prostheses to mimic natural human motion, reducing tripping risks and strain on users' bodies. The study showed significant improvements in activities of daily living, such as sitting, standing, walking, and climbing stairs.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The importance of a leader–follower relationship for performing tasks

A study by Osaka Metropolitan University found that pairs outperformed individuals in a robotic arm-transporting task when roles naturally emerged. Role specialization was key to superior performance, rather than paired interaction. The research has implications for human-robot collaboration and rehabilitation settings.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalThe International Journal of Robotics Research·TypeExperimental study

Accounting for uncertainty to help engineers design complex systems

MIT researchers developed a new framework that helps engineers design complex systems explicitly accounting for uncertainty. The framework allows them to model the performance tradeoffs of a device with many interconnected parts, each of which could behave in unpredictable ways. This approach can help engineers develop complex systems ...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology

Move over, ants: This tiny amphibious soft robot is the new master of cargo

A groundbreaking soft robot has been engineered to perceive and respond to multiple environmental cues simultaneously. Weighing just 8 milligrams, it can carry a payload 2.5 times its own body weight over complex terrain, showcasing impressive agility and strength.

SourceJournal Center of Harbin Institute of Technology·JournalSmartBot·TypeExperimental study
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.

Robots map chemical reaction “hyperspaces” to unlock complex networks

Researchers at CARS create detailed maps of chemical reactivity, discovering regions of unexpected outcomes and reconstructing intricate reaction networks. This new understanding enables control over the formation of different major products from a set of starting materials.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study
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.

Frasky, a new robot for vineyard applications

Frasky, developed by IIT, combines robotics and AI to address environmental sustainability and labor shortages in agriculture. The robot can navigate autonomously, map its surroundings, and apply selective treatments to grape clusters with precision.

SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·TypeExperimental study

How many ways can an octopus flex its supple arms? Now we know

Researchers cataloged octopus arm movements in six different locations, revealing diverse behaviors such as foraging and locomotion. The study provides insights into the complex motions of octopus arms, which are guided by sensory organs and can perform a variety of tasks, including manipulating objects.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study
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.

Google.org backs the Wits MIND Institute with US$1M boost

The Wits MIND Institute has received a $1 million boost from Google.org, enabling it to drive next-generation breakthroughs in natural and artificial intelligence. The partnership aims to advance the scientific understanding of both natural and artificial intelligence, foster breakthrough research and technological innovation.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand

Novel kiri-origami structures enable high-performance stretchable electronics

Researchers developed a hybrid kiri-origami structure to overcome the trade-off between flexibility and function in stretchable electronics. The design features a mutual orthogonal cutting line pattern, allowing simultaneous mounting of rigid components and stretching.

SourceWaseda University·Journalnpj Flexible Electronics·TypeExperimental study
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.

Physical AI uses both sight and touch to manipulate objects like a human

Researchers created a new approach that integrates visual and tactile information to manipulate robotic arms, outperforming conventional vision-based methods. This breakthrough represents a significant advancement in multimodal physical AI.

SourceTohoku University·JournalIEEE Robotics and Automation Letters

AI-equipped aerial robots help to track and model wildfire smoke

Researchers at the University of Minnesota developed AI-guided aerial robots to detect, track and analyze wildfire smoke plumes. The technology provides high-resolution data collection across large areas at a lower cost than satellite-based tools, enabling more accurate computer models for air quality predictions.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalScience of The Total Environment

SEOULTECH researchers develop revolutionary 3D-printed smart materials create high-performance pressure sensors for wearables

The Seoul National University of Science and Technology has developed a novel 3D AMM-based tactile sensing platform that offers high-performance pressure sensing. The technology leverages auxetic metamaterials to enhance sensitivity, stability, and scalability.

SourceSeoul National University of Science & Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental 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.

Pusan National University scientists develop self-deploying material for next-gen robotics

Researchers at Pusan National University have developed a novel, multi-resin dispensing process for fiber-reinforced polymer fabrication, enabling precise patterning of mechanical properties within a monolithic structure. The breakthrough composite material combines flexibility and strength for advanced robotic applications.

SourcePusan National University·JournalComposites Part B Engineering·TypeExperimental study

Woven metamaterials inspired by baskets for stiff, resilient robots

Researchers at the University of Michigan created woven metamaterials that return to their original shape after repeated compressions, while continuous sheets permanently deform. The structures demonstrated high stiffness and resilience, making them suitable for applications like soft robotics, car parts and architectural components.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPhysical Review

Robot regret: New research helps robots make safer decisions around humans

Researchers developed algorithms that enable robots to create the best possible outcomes from their actions while minimizing uncertainty and risk. The new strategies allow robots to anticipate human actions, adapt to different scenarios, and prioritize human safety.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder
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.

Smarter robot planning for the real world

Vasile's research aims to map and model an agent's capabilities, particularly in motion, manipulation, and perception, to reliably predict their behavior. The goal is to use this understanding to plan effectively for large teams of agents.

SourceLehigh University

Meet Rainbow: the multi-robot lab racing to discover the next quantum dots

Researchers at North Carolina State University unveiled Rainbow, a self-driving laboratory that autonomously discovers high-performance quantum dots. The system combines advanced robotics and AI to conduct up to 1,000 experiments per day, accelerating materials discovery.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study

Soft skin, sharp senses: New robotic ‘touch’ sees danger before it hits

Researchers developed ProTac, a novel vision-based soft sensing skin for robots, enabling real-time environmental perception and dual-mode sensing. The system can detect approaching objects from multiple angles and recognize multiple touch points with high accuracy.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Robotics
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.

A wearable robot that learns

A wearable robot has been upgraded to provide personalized assistance to ALS and stroke patients. The device uses machine learning and a physics-based model to adapt to an individual user's movements, offering more nuanced help with daily tasks.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study

With human feedback, AI-driven robots learn tasks better and faster

Researchers at UC Berkeley developed an AI-powered training method called Human-in-the-Loop Sample Efficient Robotic Reinforcement Learning (HiL-SERL) that enables robots to perform complicated tasks with precision and speed. With human feedback, robots learn from demonstrations and real-world attempts, achieving a 100% success rate in...

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study

‘Cyborg jellyfish’ could aid in deep-sea research, inspire next-gen underwater vehicles

A team of researchers has developed a way to harness the swimming abilities of moon jellyfish, enabling them to steer the animals toward remote ocean areas. The cyborg jellies have the potential to aid in deep-sea research and provide inspiration for next-gen underwater vehicles with improved energy efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalPhysical Review Fluids

Researchers make better magnets – at a lower cost

A new magnet manufacturing process has been developed that produces strong permanent magnets quickly and uses less energy and is less expensive. The technique, called friction stir consolidation, eliminates porosity in the magnetic material and reduces oxidation.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·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.

Novel 3D printing technique creates hydrogels that mimic natural tissues

Researchers developed a novel 3D printing technique called IPS 3DP to create personalized implants with specific mechanobiological properties. The method enables the creation of structurally complex hydrogels with hierarchical microstructures and strain-stiffening behavior, paving the way for advanced biomedical applications.

SourceResearch·JournalResearch·TypeNews article

Tiny robots use sound to self-organize into intelligent groups

A team of scientists has developed microrobots that use sound waves to coordinate into large swarms exhibiting intelligent-like behavior. The swarms can navigate tight spaces and re-form themselves, making them suitable for tasks like cleaning up pollution and delivering drugs directly to a problem area.

SourcePenn State·JournalPhysical Review X·TypeComputational simulation/modeling

World's first MPI-trackable alginate-based microrobot: breakthrough platform enables targeted stimulation, position tracking, and cell delivery without cameras or radiation

Researchers developed an alginate-based microrobot that can be tracked using Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) and performs real-time localization, selective thermal therapy, and cell delivery. The robot is powered by a single magnetic actuation system independent of conventional medical imaging devices.

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

Catalyst-free ionogel turns bamboo to 11-MPa “super-skin” for IoT sensors

Researchers have developed a catalyst-free ionogel made from cellulose and an ionic liquid that exhibits exceptional strength and conductivity, outperforming synthetic analogues. The gel is also eco-friendly and low-cost, making it suitable for fully compostable high-performance electronics.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study

A patch for the heart

Researchers at ETH Zurich create a novel three-dimensional heart patch for intraventricular implantation, integrating into existing heart tissue. The RCPatch combines a fine mesh, 3D-printed scaffold, and hydrogel with living cells to promote complete repair and regeneration of damaged heart tissue.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Materials

Muscle-inspired sheet-like robot navigates the tightest spaces

Developed by a research team at POSTECH, the robot uses human muscle proteins as inspiration to generate strong force while navigating through tight spaces. The technology has potential applications in various fields, including medical settings, industrial environments, home cleaning, and caregiving robots.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Communications
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.

How tiny fossils are leading to smarter robots

Researchers create a technique to model organic objects, creating photorealistic 3D images of complex shapes for autonomous sorting. This method improves robotic systems that sort microscopic marine fossils used in climate research.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalMarine Micropaleontology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling

Kavraki elected to European Academy of Sciences

Lydia Kavraki, a pioneering researcher in robotics and AI, has been elected to the European Academy of Sciences. Her work on physical AI, transforming robotics and biomedicine, and leadership at Rice University's Ken Kennedy Institute have earned her this prestigious honor.

SourceRice University
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

‘Bone-ified muscles’ could be robots’ next flex

Researchers have developed soft artificial muscles that provide the performance and mechanical properties required for building robotic musculoskeletal systems. The new muscles can be battery-powered, enabling robots to move more naturally and safely in unstructured environments.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAdvanced Materials

Robotic space rovers keep getting stuck. UW engineers have figured out why

Researchers found that Earth's gravity pulls down on sand more strongly than previously thought, making it more rigid and reducing the likelihood of getting stuck. This discovery highlights the importance of physics-based simulation in analyzing rover mobility on granular soil.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalJournal of Field Robotics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling

AI-assisted sorting, other new technologies could improve plastic recycling

Researchers highlight the potential of solvent-based recycling and AI-assisted sorting to recycle complex plastics. However, the study emphasizes that replacing fossil-based plastics with biobased alternatives poses significant challenges, requiring comprehensive approaches and life cycle assessments.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalIndustrial & Engineering Chemistry Research·TypeLiterature review
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.

New tool gives anyone the ability to train a robot

MIT engineers developed a versatile demonstration interface that allows users to teach robots new skills in three intuitive ways: remote control, physical manipulation, or demonstration. This innovation expands the type of users and 'teachers' who interact with robots, enabling robots to learn a wider set of skills.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology

Robots that grow by consuming other robots

Scientists at Columbia University have developed a process called 'Robot Metabolism' that enables machines to absorb and reuse parts from other robots or their surroundings. This new paradigm allows robots to physically sustain themselves, grow, adapt, and repair using materials from their environment or from other robots.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalScience Advances

Researchers hit ‘fast forward’ on materials discovery with self-driving labs

Researchers developed a self-driving lab that collects at least 10 times more data than previous techniques, dramatically expediting materials discovery research while slashing costs and environmental impact. The system uses dynamic flow experiments to continuously characterize samples, capturing data every half second.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Chemical Engineering·TypeExperimental study
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.

Research center developing digital twins for manufacturing

Researchers are creating generalized digital twins for machines, aiming to improve coordination up and down the production line. The center also plans to develop digital twins for human-robot collaboration and use software for simulation and analysis.

SourceUniversity of Michigan

Animal-inspired AI robot learns to navigate unfamiliar terrain

Researchers developed an AI system that enables a four-legged robot to adapt its gait to different terrain, just like animals. The robot learned to switch gaits on the fly and navigate uneven surfaces without any alterations to the system itself, overcoming previous limitations around adaptability.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·TypeComputational simulation/modeling
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.

The robot will see you now

New humanoid surgical robots offer a solution to the growing healthcare labor shortage, allowing for more efficient surgeries and reduced burnout among doctors. By taking on routine tasks, these robots can free up surgeons to focus on more complex procedures.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Robotics·TypeSurvey

Medical needles in the hands of AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing medical needle procedures by providing unprecedented levels of accuracy and precision. AI-powered robots can assist physicians in complex tasks, enabling safer and more effective procedures. The four components of AI guidance are formalized, categorizing current systems into Eyes-on/Hands...

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalScience Robotics

Scientists develop method to build tiny custom microrobots

Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have created a new way to build and control tiny particles that can move and work like microscopic robots. The team's method combines high-precision 3D printing and microstenciling, allowing for precise surface patches on active particles of arbitrary shape.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature
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.

New surgical microscope offers precise 3D imaging using 48 tiny cameras

The FiLM-Scope surgical microscope offers precise 3D imaging using 48 tiny cameras, creating a detailed 3D map of the scene in real time. This technology can expand possibilities in manual and robotic microsurgery.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus

Robotic probe quickly measures key properties of new materials

A fully autonomous robotic system developed by MIT researchers can measure important material properties like photoconductivity, increasing the speed and precision of research. The system uses machine learning and robotics to analyze new semiconductors and optimize the development of more powerful solar panels.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances