Add BrightSurf on Google Email

To excel at engineering design, generative AI must learn to innovate, study finds

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalComputer-Aided Design·DateOct 19, 2023

Robotic prosthetic ankles improve ‘natural’ movement, stability

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.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2023
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.

Instant evolution: AI designs new robot from scratch in seconds

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 3, 2023

Is AI in the eye of the beholder?

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateOct 2, 2023

‘Brainless’ robot can navigate complex obstacles

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.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2023

Tiny, shape-shifting robot can squish itself into tight spaces

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.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalAdvanced Intelligent Systems·DateAug 30, 2023
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.

AI helps robots manipulate objects with their whole bodies

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Robotics·DateAug 24, 2023

3D display could soon bring touch to the digital world

Researchers have created a one-of-a-kind shape-shifting display that can generate scrolling text and fast enough to shake a chemistry beaker. The device uses soft robotic muscles that sense outside pressure, pop up to create patterns, and could potentially deliver the sense of touch in a digital age.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 28, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Rice U.’s Kaiyu Hang wins NSF CAREER Award

Hang aims to develop general-purpose robots that can handle complex physical interactions without requiring perfect input from sensors or extensive instructions. His project seeks to improve robotic manipulation tasks by reducing assumptions about how the robot acts in real-world conditions.

SourceRice University·DateJul 25, 2023

Robot team on lunar exploration tour

A team of Swiss robots, including legged ANYmal and wheeled robots, is sent to explore a challenging terrain, showcasing the benefits of redundancy and specialization. The robots work together to detect minerals and identify rocks, with semi-autonomous capabilities for direct task assignment.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2023

Pump powers soft robots, makes cocktails

A team of researchers at Harvard University has developed a compact, soft pump that can power soft robots in various applications. The pump uses dielectric elastomer actuators and can control pressure, flow rate, and flow direction, making it suitable for biomedical settings.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalScience Robotics·DateJul 11, 2023
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.

AI nursing ethics: viability of robots and artificial intelligence in nursing practice

Researchers examine whether robots and AI can replicate the ethical concepts attributed to human nurses, including advocacy, accountability, cooperation, and caring. While AI can inform patients about medical errors and present treatment options, it questions its ability to truly understand and empathize with patients' values.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalNursing Ethics·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 10, 2023

Displays controlled by flexible fins and liquid droplets more versatile, efficient than LED screens

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new type of flexible display that uses capillary-controlled robotic flapping fins and liquid droplets to create switchable optical and infrared light multipixel displays. The displays are 1,000 times more energy efficient than traditional LED screens.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 30, 2023

Advanced universal control system may revolutionize lower limb exoskeleton control and optimize user experience

Researchers developed a new method for controlling lower limb exoskeletons using deep reinforcement learning, enabling more robust and natural walking control. The system has the potential to benefit users with spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and other neurological conditions.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalJournal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 15, 2023
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.

Ankle exosuit for community walking aims to give post-stroke wearers more independence

A new ankle exosuit designed for community use could help stroke survivors improve their walking propulsion, boost confidence, and ability, according to a proof-of-concept study. The device simplifies mechanical components and allows wearers to control it easily, with sensors tracking progress over time.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalAnnals of the New York Academy of Sciences·DateMay 30, 2023

Robot centipedes go for a walk

Researchers from Osaka University developed a biomimetic robot that uses dynamic instability to navigate uneven terrain. The robot can switch between straight and curved walking motions, making it suitable for search and rescue operations or planetary exploration.

SourceOsaka University·JournalSoft Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 29, 2023

Effective as a collective: Researchers investigate the swarming behavior of microrobots

A team of researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz studied the collective behavior of small robots and found that they can solve tasks that a single machine cannot. The study uses statistical physics to analyze how the robots interact and move, revealing potential applications in medical and pharmaceutical applications.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 26, 2023
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.

Research shows how organizations evaluate whether to imitate or differentiate when a competitor adopts new technology

A new study published in Strategic Management Journal found that organizations serving more difficult customer needs tend to defer investment, while those addressing easier problems accelerate adoption of the same technology. The researchers emphasized the importance of letting customers drive strategy around adopting a technology, reg...

SourceStrategic Management Society·JournalStrategic Management Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 19, 2023

It’s all in the wrist: Energy-efficient robot hand learns how not to drop the ball

Researchers at the University of Cambridge designed a soft robotic hand that can grasp a range of objects using passive movement and tactile sensors. The hand successfully grasped 11 of 14 objects in tests, including a peach, computer mouse, and roll of bubble wrap, demonstrating its ability to predict when it might drop an object.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalAdvanced Intelligent Systems·DateApr 11, 2023

Origami-inspired robots can sense, analyze and act in challenging environments

A UCLA-led team developed foldable robots using conductive materials, overcoming chip weight and rigidity issues. The OrigaMechs can sense, analyze and act with precision in extreme environments, making them suitable for disaster response and space exploration.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Thread-like pumps can be woven into clothes

Researchers at EPFL have developed a novel solution for wearable assistive technologies by creating fiber-like pumps that can generate high pressure and flow rate. These pumps can be integrated directly into clothing, allowing for silent, vibration-free operation and requiring only a palm-sized power supply.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2023

Robot caterpillar demonstrates new approach to locomotion for soft robotics

The caterpillar-bot uses a novel pattern of silver nanowires to control its movement, with the ability to steer in both directions and navigate through tight spaces. The robot's movement is driven by heating and cooling cycles that allow it to 'relax' before contracting again.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2023

Hansel and Gretel's breadcrumb trick inspires robotic exploration of caves on Mars and beyond

University of Arizona engineers create a communication network allowing robots to explore subsurface environments independently, deploying miniaturized sensors as they traverse caves. The 'breadcrumb-style' system enables swarms of individual robots to navigate convoluted environments without losing contact.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalAdvances in Space Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 17, 2023

Resilient bug-sized robots keep flying even after wing damage

Researchers at MIT have created a way for tiny robots to recover from severe damage to their wings, enabling them to sustain flight performance. The development uses laser repair methods and optimized artificial muscles that can isolate defects and overcome minor damage, allowing the robot to continue flying effectively.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Robotics·DateMar 15, 2023
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Engineering breakthrough in softbotics

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have created a soft material with metal-like conductivity and self-healing properties that can support digital electronics and motors. The material has been demonstrated in various applications, including powering motors and enabling reconfigurable circuits.

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalNature Electronics·DateMar 9, 2023

Grasshopping robots made possible with new, improved latch control

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a latch control system that enables grasshopping robots to perform efficiently on soft substrates. The team discovered that the latch can not only regulate energy output but also mediate energy transfer between the robot and its environment, leading to improved jump performance.

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateMar 2, 2023
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.

New UCF project seeks to advance human understanding of AI reasoning

Researchers seek to develop algorithms providing meaningful explanations for AI decision-making, enabling higher human trust and adoption in fields like science. The project focuses on symbolic reasoning and estimating explanation accuracy, addressing the need for transparent AI systems.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·DateMar 1, 2023

Custom, 3D-printed heart replicas look and pump just like the real thing

Researchers have developed a procedure to create custom, 3D-printed heart replicas that accurately mimic a patient's specific heart form and function. These replicas can be controlled to mimic the pumping action of the real heart, allowing clinicians to test various treatment options for individual patients.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Robotics·DateFeb 22, 2023
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.

Click beetle-inspired robots jump using elastic energy

Researchers have developed insect-sized jumping robots capable of navigating tight spaces, with a new study demonstrating two configurations that can successfully jump without manual intervention. The robots use a dynamic buckling cascade process to store and release elastic energy, allowing them to propel themselves upward.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 23, 2023
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Microelectronics give researchers a remote control for biological robots

Scientists successfully used lab-produced tissue samples to remotely control muscle-driven miniature robots with this innovative technology. The device allows researchers a new level of interaction and exploration in the field of biological robots.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2023

Need a hand? This robotic hand can help you pick your food items and plate your dish

Researchers from Singapore University of Technology and Design developed a new reconfigurable workspace soft robotic gripper that can pick and place a wide range of consumer items. The RWS gripper's adaptive capabilities make it particularly useful in logistics and food industries where robotic automation is crucial.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalSoft Robotics·DateJan 10, 2023
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.

New “semi-sub” shows spy potential of sailing at waterline

Researchers developed a semi-submersible vehicle that can travel quickly with low drag and a low profile, making it ideal for military, commercial, and research purposes. The vessel's design allows it to collect and transmit data while minimizing energy expenditure.

SourceWashington State University·JournalUnmanned Systems·DateJan 4, 2023

The physical intelligence of ant and robot collectives

A team of simple robots, nicknamed RAnts, use photormones to escape a corral and perform complex tasks. The research reveals how collective cooperation can arise from simple rules, applicable to solving problems like construction, search and rescue, and defense.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournaleLife·DateDec 21, 2022

Fossil-sorting robots will help researchers study oceans, climate

Researchers have developed a robot capable of sorting, manipulating, and identifying microscopic marine fossils. Forabot uses robotics and artificial intelligence to automate the tedious process of evaluating foram shells and fossils.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalGeochemistry Geophysics Geosystems·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2022
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.

Making “transport” robots smarter

University of Missouri engineers are working on a collaborative human-robot order picking system to speed up the online delivery process. The proposed model aims to optimize key decisions in warehouse operations, allowing robots to navigate efficiently and collaborate with humans to increase efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalInternational Journal of Production Economics·DateNov 29, 2022
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.

A far-sighted approach to machine learning

Researchers developed a new machine-learning framework that enables cooperative or competitive AI agents to consider the future behaviors of all agents, not just their teammates or competitors. This framework, FURTHER, uses two modules: an inference module and a reinforcement learning module, to enable agents to adapt their behaviors a...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateNov 23, 2022
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.

Intelligent drones to make wind turbines far more efficient

A new research project at Aarhus University aims to develop intelligent drones that can detect ice on turbine blades, optimizing energy production and expanding market opportunities. The project has the potential to reduce energy losses by up to 80% and enable wind farms to operate in colder climates.

SourceAarhus University·DateNov 21, 2022