The new Human-Centered Computing Labs at TU Graz offer a unique research infrastructure for interdisciplinary collaboration. The labs are equipped with cutting-edge technology, including virtual reality and motion capturing capabilities, to facilitate research on human-computer interaction, visual computing, and autonomous driving.
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 at Princeton University and North Carolina State University have combined ancient paperfolding and modern materials science to create a soft robot that can bend and twist through mazes with ease. The new design allows the flexible robot to crawl forward and reverse, pick up cargo and assemble into longer formations.
Researchers at Aalto University have created a method to manipulate objects with wind, allowing for controlled movement in different directions. The technique uses an airflow field to move objects along desired trajectories, with potential applications in robotics and complex processing tasks.
A recent study published in Science Robotics found that robots struggle to outperform biological organisms in foot races. The researchers analyzed data from dozens of studies and concluded that the failure of robots to outrun animals is not due to shortfalls in individual components, but rather inefficiencies in system design.
An interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers compared various aspects of running robots with their equivalents in animals, finding that biological components performed poorly compared to fabricated parts. However, animals excel in integrating and controlling these components.
A new international research project, RoboSapiens, aims to make industrial robots more adaptable and reliable by utilizing artificial intelligence. The project, led by Aarhus University, will focus on four use-cases: autonomous ships, human-robot interactions, warehouse robots, and laptop refurbishment.
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
Lehigh University researcher A. Emrah Bayrak explores best practices for human-AI collaboration in complex design tasks, aiming to maximize productivity and job satisfaction. His project uses models that predict human decision-making and combines it with AI's training data analysis to determine strategies for division of labor.
Researchers created a system called Holodeck to generate interactive 3D environments, leveraging language models like ChatGPT to control it. The system outperformed earlier tools in evaluating realism and accuracy, with human evaluators preferring its outputs across various indoor environments.
Researchers developed a spring-like device that maximizes muscle contractions to power biohybrid robots. The new flexure design enables predictable and reliable movement, allowing engineers to build muscle-powered robots with increased precision and versatility.
Researchers at the University of Sydney and Queensland University of Technology have developed a new approach to designing cameras that process and scramble visual information. The approach, known as 'sighted systems,' creates distorted images that can still be used by robots to complete tasks but do not compromise privacy.
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 new metafluid can transition between Newtonian and non-Newtonian states, allowing for programmable viscosity and compressibility. The researchers demonstrated the fluid's capabilities in a hydraulic robotic gripper, picking up objects of varying weights without crushing them.
Researchers at University of Missouri are developing software that allows drones to fly independently, perceiving and interacting with their environment while achieving specific goals. This technology has the potential to assist in mapping and monitoring applications, such as 3D or 4D advanced imagery for disaster response.
Scientists from Project CETI have developed suction cups inspired by clingfish to attach to sperm whales without causing harm. The new design has shown promise in withstanding the forces of a swimming whale and will be tested on sperm whales in Dominica.
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.
Topological solitons are created in a robotic metamaterial and move through the chain without needing 'reset' thanks to non-reciprocal interactions. This breakthrough could lead to advancements in robotics, sensing, and communication.
Researchers have created molecular crystal motors that move in response to light, using photoisomerization to drive coordinated movements. The motors show remarkable durability and resistance to corrosion, making them suitable for biomedical applications.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs by harnessing AI in metamaterials research, leading to faster device development and more precise data analysis. This convergence of AI and metaphotonics has the potential to transform various domains, including diagnosis, environmental monitoring, and security.
A team of researchers developed a time-optimal control method for autonomous ships, optimizing maneuvering performance in dynamic sea conditions. The new control system accounts for various forces affecting ship movement and can improve efficiency and safety, reducing shipping costs and carbon emissions.
EPFL researchers have developed a haptic device called SORI that can accurately recreate the softness of various materials, from marshmallows to beating hearts. This technology has potential applications in medicine, such as training medical students to detect cancerous tumors and providing sensory feedback to surgeons using robots.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A novel AI-based noise suppression system has been developed to improve the effectiveness of search and rescue drones during natural disasters. The system uses Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) to accurately learn UAV propeller sound data and eliminate noise, allowing operators to clearly hear and recognize human sounds.
Researchers at North Carolina State University are developing a suite of performance metrics to standardize the evaluation of self-driving labs in chemistry and materials science. These metrics aim to compare different lab technologies and identify areas for improvement, ultimately advancing the field and accelerating discovery.
University of Texas at Dallas researchers have developed a first-of-its-kind, handheld electrochemical sensor that can accurately detect fentanyl in urine within seconds. The device detects even trace amounts of fentanyl with 98% accuracy and could be used to test for the drug in saliva, helping first responders make treatment decisions.
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.
Researchers developed a compact facial recognition system that uses metasurfaces to create high-resolution images. The new technology recognized Michelangelo's David with similar accuracy as existing smartphone systems, using significantly less power and space.
Researchers have developed a wearable patch that can detect and respond to human muscle signals, allowing people to control robotic exoskeletons more efficiently. The patch, called SNAP, uses microneedles to pick up tiny signals from muscles and sends them to outside equipment for processing.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge have developed a robotic sensor that reads Braille at twice the speed of humans, achieving 87% accuracy. The breakthrough uses machine learning algorithms to 'deblur' images and recognize letters, paving the way for potential applications in robotics and prosthetics.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have created a two-legged biohybrid robot capable of walking and pivoting underwater. The robot uses lab-grown skeletal muscle tissue to move its legs, achieving efficient and silent movements. Future iterations aim to develop thicker muscles with nutrient supplies to enable robots to walk on land.
The hip-assist robot EX1 improves walking ability, dynamic balance, and one-leg standing endurance in older adults. The four-week exercise program using EX1 significantly reduces the risk of falls and enhances overall health.
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.
Researchers aim to create robots that can change tasks autonomously and explore settings to optimize performance. The project will focus on battery recycling and energy efficiency, with the goal of reducing industrial waste.
Researchers have developed twisted ringbots that can roll forward, spin like a record, and follow an orbital path around a central point. These devices can navigate and map unknown environments without human or computer control.
A soft, wearable robot was used to help a person living with Parkinson’s disease walk without freezing, eliminating the debilitating symptom and allowing them to regain their independence. The device provided instantaneous effects and consistently improved walking in a range of conditions.
A Japanese research team developed a four-meter-long, remotely controllable flying firehose robot called the Dragon Firefighter. It can safely and efficiently extinguish fires by directly approaching flames. The robot will be deployed in real-world firefighting scenarios after approximately 10 more years of development.
The Coscientist AI system has been successfully designed, planned, and executed a chemistry experiment, demonstrating its potential to revolutionize scientific research. By leveraging large language models and cloud lab technology, Coscientist can automate the experimental process, enabling scientists to design and run experiments much...
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.
A NSF-funded project, MABLE, is developing a digital app using crowdsensing, AI, and robotics to empower individuals with responsive maps and turn-by-turn instructions. The app aims to improve accessibility and navigation for persons with visual or mobility impairments, such as those with low vision and wheelchair users.
The new robotic replica, called RRV, can mimic healthy and diseased states, allowing scientists to test cardiac devices and therapies. The model can also be used to study the effects of mechanical ventilation on the right ventricle and develop strategies to prevent right heart failure.
The contribution grows the open-access resource that scientists use to invent new materials for future technologies. Researchers can now focus on promising materials with improved fuel economy in cars, more efficient solar cells, or faster transistors.
Researchers at Princeton University and Google have developed a new technique to teach robots to ask for help when they're unsure. The method uses large language models to gauge uncertainty in complex environments, allowing robots to reduce the amount of help required while maintaining high accuracy.
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.
A new composite material, engineered using computer algorithms and 3D printing, can change its behavior in response to temperature changes. The material is designed to perform specific tasks depending on the environment, enabling future generations of autonomous robotics.
A self-healing elastomer forms the flexible membrane of the gripper, which can heal from scratches and punctures in approximately nine minutes. The gripper's design enables recyclability, allowing for a sustainable option for universal grippers and soft robotics.
The European Union's AI act could enable AI to access our subconscious minds, potentially leading to manipulation. According to Ignasi Beltran de Heredia, only 5% of brain activity is conscious, and the remaining 95% operates subconsciously, making it difficult for us to control or even be aware of.
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.
Researchers at ETH Zurich developed an autonomous excavator called HEAP to construct a 6-meter-high and 65-meter-long dry-stone wall. The excavator uses sensors, machine vision, and algorithms to place stones in the desired location, achieving a high level of precision and speed.
The team developed a set of 11 actions allowing the robotic arm to pick up a wide variety of foods, including soups and pre-cut pizza. The system uses user-input images to identify foods and applies unique trajectories for scooping motions or wiggling inside food items.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge have discovered that conical shells made from soft materials are vulnerable to buckling at much smaller loads than previously predicted. This finding has implications for designing soft robots and mechanisms, as free unclamped edges can weaken thin structures in a surprising manner.
A UCLA study found that hospitals with high patient diversity are less likely to offer core cancer services, including hospice care, chemotherapy, and robotic surgery. The lack of these resources can impact treatment quality and outcomes for patients diagnosed with cancer.
A team led by Lehigh University's Yahong Rosa Zheng is developing an Autonomous Observatory Node that can collect and transmit data from underwater sensors wirelessly, without the need for expensive subsea cables. The prototype aims to operate at depths of up to 1000 meters, enabling researchers to study extreme environments and detect...
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.
Researchers have developed a system that enables accurate force measurement in soft material-based actuators, allowing for arbitrarily long periods of constant force. The new material combinations reduce energy consumption by up to thousandfold, enabling the creation of low-cost and high-performance solutions for assistive devices and ...
A Northwestern University study found that consumers are more willing to accept automated vehicle delivery than drones or robots as a substitute for human drivers. However, tech-savvy consumers and those who prioritize speed and efficiency are more accepting of these technologies.
Researchers have successfully engineered a soft robotic replica of a 450-million-year-old marine organism, pleurocystitid, to better understand its biomechanical factors and locomotion. The study introduces the field of Paleobionics, which uses Softbotics to explore evolution and animal design.
A Lancaster University academic argues that AI and algorithms contribute to polarization, radicalism, and political violence, posing a threat to national security. The paper examines how AI has been securitized throughout its history, highlighting the need for better understanding and management of its risks.
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Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
A new project aims to help robots assess risks and make autonomous decisions. The research focuses on quantifying ambiguity in robot perception to improve safety and efficiency.
Researchers at Beijing Institute of Technology propose a human-like variable admittance control method to increase the safety, robustness, and adaptability of robot space assembly. The team successfully verified the effectiveness of their method through space satellite assembly simulation verification.
Researchers created a hydrogel mat with magnetic microparticles that mimic the forces of exercise. The team found that regularly exercising muscle cells resulted in longer, aligned fibers, and improved contraction capabilities.
Researchers at MIT found that similarity-focused generative AI models falter when tasked with designing new products, highlighting the need to prioritize innovation in engineering tasks. By adjusting training objectives and metrics, AI can be an effective 'co-pilot' for engineers, enabling faster creation of innovative products.
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CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.
Researchers developed robotic prosthetic ankles controlled by nerve impulses, allowing amputees to move more naturally and improving stability. The study found that users were significantly more stable when using the robotic prototype, changing their postural control strategy and mimicking the body's behavior.
The center will establish a national presence in cutting-edge research areas like Human-AI Collaboration and Responsible AI. Researchers aim to develop natural language interfaces for robots like Boston Dynamics' Spot, increasing its useful tasks and navigating environments on its own.
A team of researchers at Northwestern University developed an AI capable of intelligently designing robots from scratch, compressing evolution into lightning speed. The AI designed a successfully walking robot in mere seconds, with a novel structure and three legs, fins along its back, and a flat face.
Researchers discovered that users' prior beliefs about an AI chatbot's motives significantly impact their interactions with the agent. Priming users to believe certain things about the AI's empathy, neutrality, or manipulation influences their perception of its trustworthiness and effectiveness.
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.
Researchers have created MilliMobile, a tiny, self-driving robot powered only by surrounding light or radio waves. Equipped with sensors and tiny computing chips, it can move indefinitely on harvested power, enabling new abilities for swarms of robots in areas where other sensors struggle to generate nuanced data.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have created a soft robot that can navigate simple mazes without human or computer guidance. The new robot has an asymmetrical design, allowing it to turn and move in arcs, enabling it to navigate complex and dynamic environments.
Researchers have developed a tiny, squishable robot called CLARI that can change its shape to pass through narrow gaps. The robot's modular design allows it to be customized and expanded with additional legs, enabling potential applications in search and rescue operations after major disasters.
A new wearable device using haptic cues can aid individuals who are visually or audibly overwhelmed, such as amputees and specialists, in navigating their environment. The device was tested in a real-world scenario and demonstrated an average accuracy of 87% in guiding users.
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.
Researchers at MIT developed a method to simplify the process of whole-body manipulation for robots, enabling them to reason efficiently about moving objects. The technique uses AI and smoothing to reduce the number of decisions required, making it possible for robots to adapt quickly in complex environments.