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·DateMay 13, 2025
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.
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·DateMay 13, 2025
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·DateMay 8, 2025
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·DateMay 8, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
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·DateMay 8, 2025
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.
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·DateMay 8, 2025
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
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·DateMay 7, 2025
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·DateMay 6, 2025
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·DateMay 6, 2025
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
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·DateMay 5, 2025
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·DateMay 5, 2025
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·DateMay 2, 2025
Researchers developed a novel vote-based model for accurate hand-held object pose estimation, addressing issues with existing approaches. The new framework achieves significant improvements in accuracy and robustness, enabling robots to handle complex objects and advancing AR technologies.
SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalAlexandria Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 2025
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.
Kavraki's interdisciplinary research in robotics and biomedicine has been recognized for its impact on manufacturing, space exploration, and medicine. Her work bridges theory and application, with contributions to novel robot motion planning, personalized cancer treatments, and drug discovery.
A soft robot can carry loads through the air along established tracks, navigating angles of up to 80 degrees and carrying loads up to 12 times its weight. The robot uses infrared light to move along the track, repeating a rolling motion that pulls it forward.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2025
A new robotic system uses cues in a scene to determine a human's objective and quickly identify relevant objects, enabling intuitive assistance in household, workplace, and warehouse settings. The approach achieved 90% accuracy in predicting human objectives and 96% accuracy in identifying relevant objects.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateApr 24, 2025
Researchers at Princeton University developed a 'metabot' material that can expand, assume new shapes, move, and respond to electromagnetic commands. The metamaterial's complex behavior is enabled by chirality, allowing it to defy typical physical object rules.
SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 23, 2025
Researchers developed a method to fabricate functional flat-to-shape objects using a computer-controlled sewing machine. The technique allows for the creation of large, portable, and adaptable objects with varying levels of customization, including seating, wearables, and lamps.
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.
The Harvard RoboBee has been equipped with crane fly-inspired legs and an updated controller, allowing it to land safely on various surfaces. The robot's delicate actuators were protected by the improved design, which enabled controlled landing tests on a leaf and rigid surfaces.
SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 16, 2025
Researchers from Waseda University used machine learning to enhance the performance of photomechanical crystals, achieving up to 3.7 times greater force output compared to previously reported values. This breakthrough has significant implications for remote-controlled actuators, medical devices, and energy-efficient systems.
SourceWaseda University·JournalDigital Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 15, 2025
Researchers created a hopping robot that can traverse challenging terrains, carry heavy payloads, and uses less energy than aerial robots. The robot's springy leg and flapping-wing modules enable it to jump over obstacles and adjust its orientation mid-air.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 9, 2025
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.
The new robotic gripper, called GRIP-tape, uses a combination of softness and stiffness to grasp fragile fruits and vegetables with precision. With its ability to navigate obstacles and deposit objects into containers, the gripper has shown promising results in lifting large fruits like lemons.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 9, 2025
The FLUID robot, developed by Hokkaido University researchers, automates the co-precipitation of cobalt and nickel to create binary materials with precision. The open-source system uses a 3D printer and off-the-shelf electronics, making it customizable and cost-effective for researchers worldwide.
SourceHokkaido University·JournalACS Applied Engineering Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2025
The robot can switch between physical space and cyberspace modes using bioelectrical signals and gaze information, managing arm hand systems and IoT devices with high success rate. This technology aims to reduce nursing care costs and medical expenses by enhancing independence.
SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalFrontiers in Robotics and AI·DateApr 4, 2025
Text2Robot leverages generative AI to convert user text descriptions into functional robots. The system generates manufacturable robot designs that resemble the specific request within minutes, making it accessible to anyone with a computer and 3D printer.
SourceDuke University·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2025
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.
A team of researchers discovered that a robotic hand can learn to grasp and rotate objects even with incomplete or absent tactile sensation. The study highlights the importance of the sequence of learning experiences, also known as the curriculum, in facilitating learning.
SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 3, 2025
Juan Gamella's mini-labs provide a flexible test environment for new AI algorithms, allowing researchers to test their performance beyond simulated data. The mini-labs help identify issues early on, enabling targeted improvements to underlying mathematical assumptions and algorithms.
SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateMar 28, 2025
A new brain-like computer uses analog computing to process and store information in the same location as biological neurons, reducing power consumption by 0.25%. The device, called a memristor network, is more efficient than conventional transistor-based computers and has implications for autonomous vehicles and drones.
SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 26, 2025
Researchers developed electronics-free robots that can walk without electronics, using compressed gas as a power source. The robots were printed in one go from standard 3D printing material and demonstrated three-day operation with air pressure control.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAdvanced Intelligent Systems·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2025
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.
A new coffee-making robot, developed by the University of Edinburgh, demonstrates cutting-edge AI and motor skills that enable it to adapt to challenging kitchen environments. The robot can interact with objects and people seamlessly, solving complex problems like accessing drawers and measuring ingredients.
SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateMar 18, 2025
The collaboration aims to accelerate the development and commercialization of inait's innovative AI technology, using its unique digital brain AI platform. It will focus on joint product development, go-to-market strategies, and co-selling initiatives, initially targeting the finance and robotics sectors.
A new platform allows users to rapidly prototype large, sturdy interactive structures without requiring mechanical or electrical engineering expertise. The system utilizes reconfigurable building blocks with integrated electronics that can be assembled into complex devices.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateMar 18, 2025
Researchers developed magnetic micro swimmers covered in a thin coating of magnetic nanoparticles, unaffected by the coating. The algae maintained their swimming speed after magnetization and navigated 3D-printed channels using magnetic guidance.
SourceMax Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2025
MIT engineers have developed a way to grow artificial muscles that twitch and flex in multiple coordinated directions. This breakthrough allows for the creation of soft, wiggly robots with enhanced flexibility and range of motion.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalBiomaterials Science·DateMar 17, 2025
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.
State-of-the-art AI models struggle to interpret clock-hand positions and answer questions about dates on calendars, requiring spatial awareness, context, and basic maths. Researchers tested various clock designs with different fonts and styles and found that AI systems got clock-hand positions right less than a quarter of the time.
Insilico Medicine has secured a $110 million Series E financing to accelerate the advancement of its AI-driven drug discovery pipeline and platform developments. The funds will focus on refining AI models and algorithms, as well as advancing clinical validation of its flagship candidate for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis treatment.
Researchers at Saarland University develop film-based vacuum pumps and valves that are lightweight, compact, and energy-efficient. These devices can create a vacuum of up to 300 millibars without the need for compressed air, motors, or lubricants.
A new framework allows users to correct a robot's actions in real-time using intuitive interactions, such as pointing or nudging the arm. The method achieves a success rate of 21% higher than an alternative approach, enabling more efficient and accurate task completion.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateMar 10, 2025
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.
The University of Texas at Arlington hosted the 74th Fort Worth Regional Science and Engineering Fair, attracting more students than ever. The fair featured original research projects on various topics, including using earthworms to remove toxic lead from soil and creating a robotic glove for people with Parkinson's disease.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute have created a biorobotic arm with artificial muscles that can mimic and suppress real tremors. The technology has the potential to revolutionize assistive exoskeletons and wearable devices for individuals with tremors, providing a more discreet and effective solution.
SourceMax Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems·JournalDevice·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2025
The Global Physics Summit will feature nearly 1,200 sessions and 14,000 presentations on various topics, including astrophysics, climate science, medicine, and quantum information. Registered journalists and public information officers will receive daily emails with meeting information.
The Harvard robot uses latch-mediated spring actuation to jump high and cover long distances relative to its size. It combines walking and jumping modes for effective navigation in natural environments.
SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 26, 2025
Ebru Demir aims to study how groups of AI-driven microswimmers move in biological fluids for potential applications in drug delivery, fertility treatments, and other medical fields. Her research combines artificial microswimmers with machine learning to uncover the underlying physics governing their movement.
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.
A team of researchers has created a robotic material-like collective that can change shape and stiffness in response to internal signals. The robots, composed of disk-shaped autonomous units, use light sensors, magnets, and force fluctuations to achieve this behavior, reducing power consumption compared to traditional robotic systems.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScience·DateFeb 21, 2025
Researchers at the University of Utah have developed a robotic surgery device that aims to give surgeons
SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 2025
Thatchaphol Saranurak and Andrew Owens have been awarded Sloan Research Fellowships for their innovative work on graph networks and machine perception systems. Their research aims to create more efficient algorithms for computing dynamic systems, such as social networks and traffic patterns.
Researchers developed mini biohybrid rays using cardiomyocytes and rubber, demonstrating improved swimming efficiencies approximately two times greater than previous biomimetic designs. The application of machine-learning directed optimization enabled an efficient search for high-performance design configurations.
SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalScience Robotics·DateFeb 13, 2025
Researchers created cyborg insects with sensors and electronic circuits to aid in disaster relief and navigation. The insects demonstrated ability to overcome obstacles in complex environments, achieving objectives with less effort than purely mechanical robots.
SourceOsaka University·JournalSoft Robotics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 13, 2025
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.
Discounted hotel rates available at select hotels near the Anaheim Convention Center. The Global Physics Summit will feature nearly 14,000 individual presentations on new research in various fields.
A team of researchers found that mammalian tails can form complex curves and enable body rotations in mid-air, challenging the conventional design of robotic tails. The study suggests that tail structure optimized for inertial maneuvering could be applied to robots, improving their performance and efficiency.
SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateFeb 10, 2025
A team of MIT engineers has developed a training method for multiagent systems that can guarantee their safe operation in crowded environments. The method enables agents to continually map their safety margins, allowing them to scale up to any number of agents while maintaining system safety.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Robotics·DateFeb 3, 2025
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.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a novel high-performance organic electrochemical neuron that responds within the frequency range of human neurons. The device was integrated with artificial touch receptors and synapses to create a complete perception system, enabling real-time tactile signal sensing and processing.
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 29, 2025
Researchers found that training AI agents in a less noisy environment can lead to better performance than traditional methods. The indoor training effect suggests that constructing simulated environments with specific noise levels can improve AI learning.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJan 29, 2025
George Mason University researchers aim to build a framework for coordinated long-horizon tactical behaviors in multi-robot convoys through uncertain terrain. The project received $1,670,000 from the Army Research Laboratory and focuses on adapting, coordinating, and responding to unforeseen changes.
Researchers developed a robot that mimics the bunting motion of a cat rubbing its head against a person, which has been shown to have a healing effect on humans. The robot's variable stiffness mechanism was found to be most effective in reducing tension among participants.
SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalACM Transactions on Human-Robot Interaction·DateJan 16, 2025
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 University of Virginia's AI-powered vision system, mimicking praying mantis eyes, has been selected as the best paper of 2024 by Science Robotics. The innovative system enables machines to track objects in 3D space, addressing limitations in current visual data processing.
SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateJan 14, 2025
The American Physical Society's joint March Meeting and April Meeting will convene more than 14,000 physicists from around the world to present new research in various fields. The conference will be held in person in Anaheim, California and online everywhere March 16-21.
Cutaneous electrohydraulic (CUTE) wearable devices can produce a range of tactile sensations, including pressing and vibrations, with unprecedented control. Users perceive most cues as pleasant, highlighting the technology's potential for assistive technologies and augmented reality.
SourceMax Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 8, 2025
Researchers at Osaka University developed a dynamic facial expression synthesis technology using waveform movements, allowing androids to exhibit mood changes and convey emotions. This innovation enhances emotional communication between humans and robots, potentially leading to more natural interactions.
SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Robotics and Mechatronics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 23, 2024
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.