A robotic hand developed at USC can hear a melody once and play it back after just two minutes of self-taught practice on a keyboard. The system, called the Musician Hand, mimics the way the brain and body coordinate fine motor skills through trial and error, offering a new model for machines — and medicine — to approach complex moveme...
SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeComputational simulation/modeling
A new open-source trajectory-planning system, MIGHTY, has been developed by researchers at MIT and the University of Pennsylvania. The system enables robots to generate smooth flight paths while reacting to obstacles in real-time, making it suitable for applications such as search-and-rescue, last-mile delivery, and industrial inspection.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Robotics and Automation Letters
Researchers emphasize the need for more thorough frameworks to ensure AI-enabled robots embody human values. The field should focus on three complementary lines of defense: rules that shape robot decisions, checks that monitor behavior, and safety reasoning.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalScience Robotics
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 Binghamton University have created a talking robot guide dog system that determines ideal routes and guides visually impaired users safely to their destinations. The system offers real-time verbal feedback and provides situational awareness, significantly enhancing the user experience.
SourceBinghamton University·TypeExperimental study
Researchers propose a foundational framework to help multi-agent, connected systems decide what information they can trust before acting. The 'cy-trust' concept assigns a numerical trust value between 0 and 1 to data from other agents based on sensing, context, network behavior, and past experience.
SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the IEEE·TypeSystematic review
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute developed a palm-sized aerial robot that uses ultrasound sensors and AI to navigate through fog, smoke, and other difficult conditions. The drone achieved a success rate of 72% to 100% in navigating challenging courses during 180 tests.
SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·JournalScience Robotics
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers at UC3M develop a new methodology for autonomous arm movement using observational learning and intercommunication between limbs. The ADAM robot can perform daily tasks such as setting and clearing the table, ironing, or tidying up the kitchen with fluid efficiency and natural movement.
SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed HoloRadar, a system that enables robots to reconstruct hidden 3D spaces beyond their line of sight using radio waves processed by AI. This capability can improve safety and performance in driverless cars and cluttered indoor settings.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·TypeExperimental study
Researchers developed a new AI control system that allows soft robots to learn a broad set of motions once and adapt instantly to changing conditions without retraining. The system combines structural learning with real-time adaptiveness, making it suitable for diverse tasks and environments.
SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalScience Advances
In a study by SWPS University, researchers found that children interact with polite robots almost always respond politely. Younger children and girls are more likely to anthropomorphise the robot, suggesting social cues in interactions between children and robots are crucial for positive learning outcomes.
SourceSWPS University·JournalComputers & Education·TypeObservational study
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.
A survey of 4,890 participants found that people are open to using home-care robots as long as they view them beneficially. Collaboration between users and developers is crucial for adoption, with emphasis on ethical considerations. Robots may play a significant role in addressing Japan's aging population and social healthcare challenges.
SourceChiba University·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·TypeSurvey
The Omnia bionic leg, developed by the Italian Institute of Technology, won the Cybathlon 2024 leg prosthesis race with its semipowered knee and ankle system. Andrea Modica, a transfemoral amputee and pilot of the device, successfully completed 9 out of 10 tasks in just 2 minutes and 57 seconds.
SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study
A team of engineers at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences designed a proof-of-concept walking robot using only four moving parts connected by rubber bands and powered by one motor. The robot can find its way through mazes, avoid obstacles, and sort objects by mass without electronic control systems.
SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study
Frasky, developed by IIT, combines robotics and AI to address environmental sustainability and labor shortages in agriculture. The robot can navigate autonomously, map its surroundings, and apply selective treatments to grape clusters with precision.
SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·TypeExperimental study
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.
Researchers discovered that humans treat a robotic hand as part of their body schema when working together on tasks, particularly when the robot's gestures are synchronized with those of humans. The study paves the way for better-designed robots that can interact more intuitively with humans.
SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study
A new study from the University of Chicago found that children experience less anxiety when reading aloud to a robot than to a human adult. The robot's calming influence helped children feel more comfortable making mistakes, creating a more encouraging environment for building their reading skills. While there were no substantial diffe...
SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalScience Robotics
A study found that social robots like Luka can become deeply embedded in families over time, taking on emotional and symbolic roles. Children often reinterpret their relationship with the robot as they grow older, repurposing it as a companion or keepsake.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Robotics and AI·TypeObservational study
A new study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology found that interacting with robots through social games makes them seem more human-like. The researchers used a box-shaped robot called Cozmo and found that participants who played games with it considered it more human-like, whereas those who interacted mechanically did not.
SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial
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.
Aerial robots are limited to manipulating rigid objects, but Lehigh University researcher David Saldaña aims to expand their capabilities with an adaptive controller and reinforcement learning. His research has potential applications in construction, disaster response, and industrial automation.
A new simulation method enables researchers to test social robots without human participants, making research faster and more scalable. The study introduces a dynamic scanpath prediction model that helps humanoid robots predict where people would look in a social setting, mimicking human-like eye movements.
SourceUniversity of Surrey
A new robot designed to physically support the elderly and prevent falls as they move around their homes. The Elderly Bodily Assistance Robot (E-BAR) has a set of robotic handlebars that can be used for support, with airbags that inflate instantly to catch users if they fall.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology
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
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
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.
Computer scientists at the University of Bath reprogrammed a Roomba to perform four new tasks, showcasing the untapped potential of domestic robots. The researchers identified over 100 ways to tap into the latent potential of robotic devices, proposing functions such as playing with pets, watering plants, and delivering breakfast in bed.
SourceUniversity of Bath·TypeExperimental study
Researchers found that realistic AI avatars are rated more positively than cartoon-style ones for perceived competence, integrity, and benevolence. However, individual factors such as prior AI knowledge and trust in science moderate perceptions of trustworthiness.
SourceSissa Medialab·JournalJournal of Science Communication·TypeExperimental study
Researchers found that people demonstrate a significant level of obedience towards humanoid robots, but it is slightly lower than towards humans. The study also showed that work efficiency under robot supervision is lower, with participants completing tasks more slowly and less effectively.
SourceSWPS University·JournalCognition Technology & Work·TypeExperimental study
Researchers at Yokohama National University have developed a tiny, low-weight robot that can act independently and with ultra-high precision in extreme environments. The Holonomic Beetle 3 (HB-3) integrates piezoelectric actuators with autonomous technology for precise manipulation tasks, addressing industries such as laboratory automa...
SourceYokohama National University·JournalAdvanced Intelligent Systems
Researchers develop a novel adaptive nonlinear PID controller integrated with radial basis function neural network for enhanced ballbot functionality. The proposed NPID-RBFNN controller demonstrates superior stability and robustness, outperforming traditional PID and NPID controllers.
SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling
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 at Worcester Polytechnic Institute are developing a lightweight, flexible robotic arm that enables wheelchair users to safely grasp and carry objects out of reach. The project builds on origami-inspired designs and novel fabrication methods for modules made of lightweight plastics, 3D printed components, and sensors.
SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute
The workshop explored how to responsibly integrate AI into society, discussing key stakeholders, transparency, accountability, and human-AI collaboration. EU researchers emphasized the importance of addressing ethical considerations in AI design and governance.
A recent study from the University of Notre Dame found that robot use in nursing homes is associated with increased employment, improved productivity, and a higher quality of care. The research also suggests that robots may reduce physical strain on workers, allowing them to focus on tasks better suited for human beings.
SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalLabour Economics·TypeSurvey
The Cambridge Handbook of the Law, Policy, and Regulation for Human-Robot Interaction addresses emerging issues in AI and robots, including privacy, safety, and regulation. The book offers valuable insights into ethical dilemmas and proposes solutions to balance enforceability and flexibility.
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.
A study published in Science Robotics found that diverse and inclusive teams in robotics research achieve higher motivation, commitment, and productivity. The team identified seven main benefits of workforce diversity and inclusive leadership, including increased innovation and reduced bias.
SourceMax Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems·JournalScience Robotics·TypeLiterature review
Researchers created a measurement scale to assess robot human likeness, revealing four key qualities: appearance, emotional capacity, social intelligence, and self-understanding. To seem lifelike, robots must exhibit these traits, with self-understanding being the most challenging aspect to simulate.
SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Service Research·TypeSurvey
IIT's Omnia prosthetic won the 'Leg Prosthesis' category at Cybathlon 2024, showcasing a novel lower limb prosthetic prototype designed for individuals with transfemoral amputations. The system features a knee and ankle that exchange information to adjust parameters for optimal performance.
SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT
The Human AugmentatioN via Dexterity (HAND) center aims to develop robots capable of enhancing human labor through engineered systems of dexterous robotic hands, AI-powered fine motor skills, and human interface. The center's goal is to make robotic assistance accessible and applicable to a wide range of physical actions.
SourceTexas A&M University
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 warn that bio-hybrid robots, which combine living tissue and synthetic components, present novel ethical dilemmas. The technology raises questions about sentience, moral value, and environmental impact, highlighting the need for proper governance and public awareness.
SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
The University of Maryland team created a camera mechanism that mimics the involuntary movements of the human eye, resulting in sharper and more accurate images. The Artificial Microsaccade-Enhanced Event Camera (AMI-EV) has implications for robotics, national defense, and industries relying on accurate image capture.
SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalScience Robotics
Scientists at UVA and Toyota Research Institute create language representations of driving behavior to enable robots to associate words with environmental interactions. This allows cars to provide guidance and adjust speed in challenging situations, improving safety and usability.
SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science
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.
SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalBuildings
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.
SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Service Management
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 study by UMass Amherst researchers reveals key features for developing effective robotic guide dogs, including two-hour battery life, camera orientations, and audio sensors. The research aims to address barriers to adoption of canine guide dogs, which are currently limited by cost, allergies, and physical limitations.
SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·TypeContent analysis
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.
SourceUppsala University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study
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.
SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalJournal of Responsible Technology·TypeImaging analysis
The USC team created a low-cost, customizable learning kit for students to build their own 'robot friend' using the Blossom robot. The three-part module provides hands-on experience and instruction on various AI aspects, including robotics, machine learning, and software engineering.
SourceUniversity of Southern California
Researchers developed an unmanned forestry machine that can safely pick up logs using computer vision, autonomous navigation, and manipulator control algorithms. The machine reduces labor costs while minimizing environmental impact, promoting sustainable forestry.
SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Field Robotics
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
Researchers at the University of Oxford have created a standardized safety test to assess how dangerous robotic lawnmowers are to hedgehogs. The test uses specially designed hedgehog crash test dummies and has found that many models pose a threat to these animals, especially at night when they are most active.
SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalAnimals
Researchers developed a network that combines 3D LiDAR and 2D image data to improve small object detection accuracy. The model outperformed existing methods in various noise conditions, with average precision improvements of up to 7.18%.
SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalIEEE Internet of Things Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling
A novel robotic system developed by USC researchers can help clinicians accurately assess a patient's rehabilitation progress. The method generates an 'arm nonuse' metric using machine learning and a socially assistive robot to track how much a patient is using their weaker arm spontaneously.
SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalScience Robotics
Australian researchers developed an algorithm that can intercept and shut down man-in-the-middle cyberattacks on unmanned military robots. The algorithm, tested on a replica of a US army combat ground vehicle, was 99% successful in preventing malicious attacks.
SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalIEEE Transactions on Dependable and Secure Computing·TypeExperimental study
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 Queen Mary University of London and their colleagues have found that supernumerary robotic arms can be used as effectively as a partner, enabling tasks like opening doors while carrying packages. The study suggests these arms could aid people with various tasks, such as surgery or industrial work.
SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalIEEE Open Journal of Engineering in Medicine and Biology
Scientists from Shibaura Institute of Technology developed a more precise approach to face direction detection, achieving remarkable performance through deep learning-based classification. The new method uses point cloud data and gyro sensors, reducing the need for large datasets and improving accuracy.
SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Sensors Journal·TypeExperimental study
Researchers have proposed an innovative solution to address limitations of lidar technology, enabling imaging in low SNR environments. The novel technique uses a high-scanning speed AOD and metasurface-enhanced scanning lidar, extending ambiguity range by up to 35 times.
SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics
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.
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
Maynooth University is establishing a state-of-the-art robotics lab with a €150,000 donation from Intel Ireland. The lab will provide students with hands-on learning experiences using cutting-edge robotic technologies and equipment used by engineers from Intel.
SourceMaynooth University
A study on robot deception found that participants were overly trusting of AI and required explicit admission of lying in apologies to repair trust. Apologies that did not admit to deception were more effective at repairing trust, suggesting a need for designers to understand the ramifications of their design choices.
SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·TypeExperimental study
Assistant Professor Reza Ahmadzadeh at UMass Lowell has been awarded a $500,000 NSF CAREER grant to develop new algorithms for robots to learn complex tasks. The project aims to improve robot performance in everyday tasks, enabling them to assist older adults with daily chores and automate difficult duties in the workplace.
SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Lowell
A new clinical trial will assess the efficacy of an AI-powered massage robot, EMMA, in managing chronic low back pain. The study aims to explore the effectiveness of robotic Tuina therapy in alleviating pain and improving health outcomes.
SourceNanyang Technological University
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.
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
Researcher Giuseppe Loianno receives $1 million grant from DARPA to develop USARC robots that can autonomously collaborate in teams. The project aims to create robots capable of executing maneuvers with superior performances compared to human-controlled or current autonomous ground and aerial robots.
SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering