A new study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology found that interacting with robots through social games makes them seem more human-like. The researchers used a box-shaped robot called Cozmo and found that participants who played games with it considered it more human-like, whereas those who interacted mechanically did not.
SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial
Researchers from Empa's Soft Kinetic group studied the rare scaly-tailed squirrels' unique bodily structure, discovering that their thorn-covered scales help them maintain position and grip onto tree bark. The study aims to inform robotics by adopting morphological structures and behaviors honed through millions of years of evolution.
SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa)·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·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.
A team of undergrads at CU Boulder has created a digital twin for their robot, Armstrong, which is being used to train human operators on how to navigate the moon's surface. The study found that training in a digital environment resulted in faster task completion and reduced stress.
SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalAdvances in Space Research
Researchers created a machine vision sensor that adapts to extreme changes in light faster than the human eye, using quantum dots to mimic key behaviors. The device can respond dynamically to bright and dim lighting, outperforming existing systems by reducing redundant data and computational burden.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters
A new imaging technique developed by MIT researchers leverages reflections from wireless signals like Wi-Fi to create accurate 3D reconstructions of objects blocked from view. This approach achieved 96 percent reconstruction accuracy on everyday objects with complex shapes.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology
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.
Researchers have successfully controlled a dexterous robotic hand using noninvasive EEG-based Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) for individual finger movements. The study demonstrates real-time brain decoding and motor imagery control, paving the way for potential applications beyond basic communication to intricate motor control.
SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalNature Communications
The AI for Good Global Summit 2025 will showcase AI innovations delivering better healthcare and education, reducing disaster risks, ensuring water and food security, and bolstering economic resilience. The event, organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), features talks from AI leaders and 100+ demos.
SourceInternational Telecommunication Union
A team of researchers at Princeton University and Harvard found that fish schools do not form diamond shapes as previously believed. Instead, they adopt a dynamic ladder pattern, allowing them to stagger in multiple planes and reduce energy expenditure.
SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study
Scientists from Institute of Science Tokyo create photo-switchable binding of DNA nanostructures that generate two distinct directional motions. The research paves the way for innovative fluid-based diagnostic chips and molecular computers.
SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
The study analyzed 50 countries' national AI strategies, finding that only 13 gave high priority to training the current workforce and improving AI education. Common themes included establishing AI-focused programs in universities and on-the-job training, with a focus on human soft skills such as creativity and collaboration.
SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalHuman Resource Development Review
The Digits framework uses compressed air to produce shape changes, vibrations, and haptic feedback, offering a versatile platform for virtual reality and physical therapy. The device's modular design and pneumatic actuation enable adaptable and scalable control methods.
SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalAdvanced Intelligent Systems·TypeExperimental study
International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing (IJEM) achieves a new Impact Factor of 21.3, surpassing 20 for the first time and maintaining its position as top journal in the field. IJEM has attracted submissions from 853 institutions in 81 countries.
SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing
A research team developed AI technology that analyzes individual personality traits and values to generate personalized analogies, allowing people to understand others' feelings through familiar experiences. This approach significantly improved emotional understanding and empathy in participants compared to traditional methods.
SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)
Researchers at IIT have successfully demonstrated the first flight of a humanoid robot, iRonCub3, which can lift off the floor and maintain stability. The robot's AI-powered control system enables it to handle high-speed turbulent airflows, extreme temperatures, and complex dynamics.
SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·JournalCommunications Engineering·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.
Scientists created a low-cost, durable, highly-sensitive robotic 'skin' that can detect various types of touch and pressure. The technology senses multiple physical inputs simultaneously, allowing robots to interact with their environment in a more human-like way.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience Robotics
Researchers at MIT developed a machine learning-based adaptive control algorithm that enables autonomous drones to adapt to unknown disturbances like gusting winds. The system achieves 50% less trajectory tracking error than baseline methods in simulations.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin discovered a novel way to accelerate brain-computer interface (BCI) learning: gentle electrical nudge to the spine. This stimulation helps focus the brain on the task, significantly speeding up the learning curve.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
A Chinese research team developed a magnetic microrobot capable of manipulating small droplets in the presence of magnetic fields. The robot achieved speeds 20 times faster than previous models and could interact with highly corrosive compounds without damage.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalNanotechnology and Precision Engineering
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.
Rice University students have developed a cutting-edge wearable haptic wristband that can deliver two distinct forms of tactile feedback. The device aims to make virtual reality more immersive and accessible, and is entirely self-contained with a modular design that makes it easy to repair and integrate into different environments.
The research team developed a novel auditory technology that allows sound-based interaction between humans and robots, even in noisy environments. The technology facilitates sound-based recognition of human positions using only a single microphone.
SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalRobotics and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing·TypeExperimental study
The Rice University team created a soft robotic arm capable of performing complex tasks using smart materials, machine learning, and an optical control system. The arm is guided and powered remotely by laser beams without any onboard electronics or wiring.
SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Intelligent Systems·TypeExperimental study
Researchers at KAIST developed a quadrupedal navigation system that enables the robot to reach its target destination quickly and safely in complex terrain. Inspired by cat's paw placement, they significantly reduced computational complexity.
SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalScience Robotics·TypeMeta-analysis
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.
Professor Shalom Lappin argues that tech companies' dominance in AI development poses a threat to public benefit and environment. He calls for comprehensive international regulation, intellectual property reform, and preparation for workforce disruption to address these challenges.
SourceTaylor & Francis Group
Researchers developed an algorithm that lets a robot think ahead and consider thousands of potential motion plans simultaneously, solving multistep manipulation problems in a matter of seconds. The new method enables robots to rapidly determine how to manipulate and pack items without damaging them, even in narrow spaces.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology
Researchers at Stanford University developed a new technique called the milli-spinner thrombectomy that significantly improves success rates in treating strokes and other clot-related diseases. The milli-spinner can reduce clots to as little as 5% of their original volume, making it a promising tool for improving patient outcomes.
SourceStanford University·JournalNature
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.
Researchers created dynamic metashells that leap into the air on a predetermined schedule without intervention, jumping up to nine times their height. The structures were engineered to store energy and release it at a controlled timing, with scheduled jumps possible from three seconds to 58 hours in advance.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study
Researchers created a soft robotics technology that can identify damage, pinpoint its location, and autonomously initiate self-repair. The system uses a multi-layer architecture featuring liquid metal microdroplets, thermoplastic elastomer, and electromigration to melt and seal damaged areas, effectively self-healing the wound.
SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·TypeExperimental study
Researchers developed VR Co-Lab to ease confusion while training employees digitally for disassembling recyclables without damaging materials. The program provides feedback on task completion time and mistake rates.
SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalMachines
A multidisciplinary team will utilize cutting-edge imaging technology and underwater robotics to discover and describe exotic marine species in the deep ocean. The project aims to transform how scientists understand the ocean's vast midwater region.
SourceBigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences
Aerial robots are limited to manipulating rigid objects, but Lehigh University researcher David Saldaña aims to expand their capabilities with an adaptive controller and reinforcement learning. His research has potential applications in construction, disaster response, and industrial automation.
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.
Scientists have created the first soft robots that can walk out of the machines that make them using a new 3D printing system. The flexible devices were developed to overcome challenges in manufacturing and design, making them suitable for various industries like nuclear decommissioning and space exploration.
SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalDevice
The F3T sensor accurately decouples temperature, normal force, and all-directional tangent force. It outperforms traditional sensors in static and dynamic tests, enabling robots to adaptively respond to external disturbances.
SourceHigher Education Press·JournalEngineering
Antonio Bicchi has been selected for the 2025 Pioneer in Robotics and Automation Award for his groundbreaking contributions to robotics and prosthetics. He is recognized for developing innovative robotic limbs that match human hand capabilities, as well as natural prosthetic limbs.
SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT
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.
The Stuttgart Cluster of Excellence IntCDC will continue to develop innovative construction methods that reduce resource consumption and CO2 emissions through computational design and engineering methods. The cluster aims to evolve its Co-Design approach into a Co-Agency approach, focusing on bio-based building materials, AI technologi...
SourceUniversitaet Stuttgart
Triboelectric and piezoelectric nanogenerators convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, enhancing robotic autonomy and efficiency. The technology has the potential to reshape future robotic capabilities, particularly in industrial automation, healthcare, and smart home applications.
SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing
Researchers found that artificial intelligence tools can accurately predict disease for patients with typical symptoms but struggle with those exhibiting atypical symptoms. Human oversight is necessary for high-quality patient-centered care when using AI as an assistive tool.
SourceWest Virginia University·JournalScientific Reports
A new simulation method enables researchers to test social robots without human participants, making research faster and more scalable. The study introduces a dynamic scanpath prediction model that helps humanoid robots predict where people would look in a social setting, mimicking human-like eye movements.
SourceUniversity of Surrey
GoPro HERO13 Black
GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.
The ETH Zurich researchers have developed SonoTextiles, a novel technology that uses acoustic waves to measure touch, pressure, and movement in fabrics. This allows for accurate health monitoring, such as tracking breathing patterns, with minimal power consumption and high precision.
SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Electronics
Researchers developed a spherical prototype with adjustable surface dimples to cut through pressure drag and generate lift, reducing drag by 50% compared to smooth counterparts. The adaptive skin setup can adjust dimple depth to maintain drag reductions and generate controlled movement.
SourceUniversity of Michigan
The University of Texas at Arlington's (UTA) Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center (TMAC) has developed a real-time sensor data system to track environmental impact. The program helps Texas manufacturers reduce pollution, lower emissions, and save costs by identifying energy waste, water consumption, and air leaks.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington
Researchers developed novel haptic devices to enable precise robot control with tactile feedback, reducing collisions and improving user proficiency. The devices integrate digital twin technology and augmented reality for enhanced immersion.
SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Industrial Informatics
Researchers at Duke University have developed a new framework called HUMAC that enables robots to collaborate like humans by teaching them Theory of Mind. After just 40 minutes of guidance, robot teams exhibited strong collaborative behaviors and achieved high success rates in simulations and physical tests.
SourceDuke University·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.
The Purdue team developed Purdubik’s Cube, a high-speed robotic system that solves a Rubik’s Cube in record-breaking 0.103 seconds. The team leveraged machine vision, custom solving algorithms, and industrial-grade motion control hardware to achieve this feat.
UCF students created an AI system, AIMS, to track surgical staples during robotic surgeries, reducing waste and improving sustainability. The technology was developed as part of the college's Senior Design capstone course and has been successfully tested in operating rooms at Orlando Health.
SourceUniversity of Central Florida
Developers of educational tools focus on technical challenges, while educators are concerned with broader impacts, such as inhibiting critical thinking skills and exacerbating systemic inequality. Researchers recommend designer-centered approach to facilitate development of educator-centered edtech.
Generative AI agents powered by large language models meet three conditions of free will: goal-directed agency, genuine choices, and control over actions. Experts warn that as AI gains more power and freedom, moral responsibility may shift from developers to the AI agents themselves.
SourceAalto University·JournalAI and Ethics
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
Researchers created a new type of insect cyborg that can navigate autonomously using UV light to guide movement, preserving sensory organs and maintaining consistent control. The system outperformed traditional methods in tests, with 94% of cyborg insects escaping a maze-like environment compared to just 24% of normal cockroaches.
SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalAdvanced Intelligent Systems·TypeObservational study
SWORD accelerates robotics development by reducing manual coding required for complex applications, integrating CAD with open-source ROS tools to streamline automation. The software models, plans, and executes automation in a user-friendly environment.
SourceSouthwest Research Institute
A new robot designed to physically support the elderly and prevent falls as they move around their homes. The Elderly Bodily Assistance Robot (E-BAR) has a set of robotic handlebars that can be used for support, with airbags that inflate instantly to catch users if they fall.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology
A team of Brown University researchers has developed an artificial intelligence model called MotionGlot that can generate movement in robots and animated figures. The model enables users to type an action and generates accurate representations of that motion, translating across different robot and figure types.
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.
Researchers at MIT created a table tennis bot that can return shots with high-speed precision, achieving a hit rate of 88% in tests. The technology could be adapted to improve the speed and responsiveness of humanoid robots for search-and-rescue operations.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology
Researchers developed a technique that enables robots to learn about an object's weight, softness, or contents by picking it up and gently shaking it. This method uses internal sensors and simulation processes to rapidly identify characteristics of the object, making it suitable for applications where cameras might be less effective.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology
A research team from AMOLF created a soft robot that moves with surprising coordination and autonomy, thanks to the principle of physical synchronization. The robot's soft tubes oscillate to create rhythmic locomotion gaits, adapting to obstacles and environments without central control.
SourceAMOLF·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study
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 study by Aalto University researchers found that people's perception of AI creativity increases with the amount of process and producer information revealed. This discovery has implications for designing creative AI systems, as well as understanding human biases towards creativity in others.
SourceAalto University·JournalACM Transactions on Human-Robot Interaction
Researchers developed an intelligent autonomous robot capable of automating hospital disinfection processes through dual disinfection system, increasing efficiency and precision. The robot's performance was validated through real-world testing, reducing the risk of infection in hospitals.
SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalIEEE Robotics & Automation Magazine
Researchers found that service robots with male characteristics can be more persuasive when interacting with women who have a low sense of power. Conversely, cute features in robot design can reduce the effect of portrayed gender on persuasiveness, making them effective for both male and female customers.
SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Hospitality and Tourism Management·TypeSurvey
The observation pyramid uses different robot platforms to survey ocean areas, enabling flexible task management. Autonomous robotic organizations will reduce costs, improve mission efficiency and increase system robustness.
SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study
Engineers at Princeton University and Georgia Institute of Technology have created a method to reinforce structures without creating new weaknesses. The approach uses microstructures designed to protect against multiple loads, allowing designers to counter various stresses simultaneously.
SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·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.
A new method to measure touch reception has been developed, allowing robots to accurately sense object curves and edges. By addressing the insulation layer issue in robotic skins, the researchers provided a clear step-by-step guide for trouble-shooting.
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAdvanced Electronic Materials
A Sutter Health study found that an ambient AI platform reduced clinical documentation time and improved clinician satisfaction. The technology also enhanced patient care experiences, with clinicians spending more time listening to patients during appointments.
SourceSutter Health·JournalJAMA Network Open