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AI-powered exoskeleton enhances human locomotion, helps restores mobility

Researchers developed an AI-powered method to train robotic exoskeletons, enabling users to save energy while walking, running, and climbing stairs. The new approach allows for rapid development of exoskeleton controllers without lengthy human-involved experiments, offering promise for aiding individuals with mobility challenges.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

Revolutionizing robotics: Integrating actuation and sensing for smarter soft robots

The article discusses the integration of actuation and sensing technologies in soft robotics, allowing for more adaptable and safe robots that can perform complex tasks autonomously. Key findings include advancements in actuation methods, sensing techniques, and integration methodologies, as well as challenges and future directions for...

Revolutionizing robotics: A breakthrough in soft actuator technology

Researchers at Zhejiang University have developed a wrist-inspired soft actuator capable of bidirectional torsion, surpassing existing models with up to 239.5 degrees of rotation. The innovative design combines magneto-pneumatic hybrid systems and Kresling origami structures for efficient and compact functionality.

Designing environments that are robot-inclusive

Researchers developed a novel methodology utilizing digital twins to establish the usefulness of built environment design guidelines for robots. Digital twins allow for real-time monitoring, hazard identification, and training a robot's algorithm before deployment.

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.

AI poised to usher in new level of concierge services to the public

Researchers from Ohio State University propose the integration of AI technology in customer service to enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. The benefits include increased accessibility, consistency, and personalized experiences, while addressing evolving hospitality trends.

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.

3D printing robot uses AI machine learning for US Army research

A US Army research collaboration with Boston University's KABlab used an AI machine learning robot to create a record-breaking energy-absorbing shape, breaking the known record of 71% efficiency. The shape has four points, like thin flower petals, and is taller and narrower than early designs.

Robots' sense of touch could be as fast as humans

Researchers at Uppsala University have developed an artificial tactile system that can detect pressure by touch in a similar way to the human nervous system. The technology has the potential to restore lost functionality to patients after a stroke, as well as enhance interactions between humans and robots.

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.

Caterbot? Robatapillar? It crawls with ease through loops and bends

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.

Scientists harness the wind as a tool to move objects

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.

Robots can’t outrun animals. A new study explores why

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.

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.

Why can’t robots outrun animals?

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.

New A.I. project will allow industrial robots to be more freethinking

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.

Developing best practices for human-AI collaboration in engineering design

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.

New privacy-preserving robotic cameras obscure images beyond human recognition

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.

Intelligent liquid

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.

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.

Revolutionizing drone navigation: AI algorithms take flight

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.

An endless domino effect

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.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Metamaterials and AI converge, igniting innovative breakthroughs

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.

Robotic interface masters a soft touch

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.

Advanced noise suppression technology for improved search and rescue drones

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.

Do AI-driven chemistry labs actually work? New metrics promise answers

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.

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.

Researchers develop rapid test for detecting fentanyl

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.

Robot trained to read braille at twice the speed of humans

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.

Shuffling robot uses biological muscle to move and spin

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.

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.

Intuitive and self-learning robots

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.

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.

Scientists develop ‘flying dragon’ robot to fight fires from a distance

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.

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.

MIT engineers design a robotic replica of the heart’s right chamber

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.

Can AI push the boundaries of privacy and reach the subconscious mind?

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.

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.

Autonomous excavator constructs a 6-meter-high dry-stone wall

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.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

‘Cutting the cord’ to advance ocean data collection

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...

Are consumers ready for robots to show up at their doorstep?

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.

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.

450-million-year-old organism finds new life in Softbotics

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.

AI should be better understood and managed – new research warns

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.