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Using sound waves to create a smart T-shirt

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·DateMay 19, 2025

Light-driven cockroach cyborgs navigate without wires or surgery

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

This soft robot “thinks” with its legs

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

Gender characteristics of service robots can influence customer decisions

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

Physical cloaking works like a disappearing act for structural defects

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

Researchers develop a novel vote-based model for more accurate hand-held object pose estimation

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

AI in a mini-lab or putting precision to the test

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