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Seoul National University of Science and Technology researchers develop energy-saving TPMS feet for quadruped robots

Researchers at Seoul National University have developed a novel approach using porous triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) feet and deep reinforcement learning controller, which significantly reduces battery power consumption in quadruped robots. The solution reduces energy consumption by up to 6.2% while maintaining stable locomotion.

SourceSeoul National University of Science & Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Precision Engineering and Manufacturing-Green Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 31, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

USC robot learns music by ear, opening new possibilities in medicine and therapy

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·DateMay 27, 2026

New research enables a robot to chart a better course

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·DateMay 19, 2026

What it will take to make AI-enabled robots safer

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·DateApr 29, 2026
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.

These AI-powered guide dogs don’t just lead – they talk

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·DateApr 8, 2026

Do you trust me? A framework for making networks of robots and vehicles safer

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·DateApr 2, 2026

Bats inspire advance in aerial robots

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·DateMar 25, 2026

Robots that can see around corners using radio signals and AI

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·DateFeb 11, 2026
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.

SMART and NUS pioneer neural blueprint for human-like intelligence in soft robots

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·DateFeb 4, 2026

Do children imitate communication manners of machines? Experiment on children's response to polite vs. commanding robot

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·DateNov 26, 2025

Are we ready for robot caregivers? The answer is a cautious “yes, if...”

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·DateNov 5, 2025

Beyond the finish line at Cybathlon 2024: Omnia’s pilot performance and the role of teamwork

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·DateOct 30, 2025
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.

Programming robots with rubber bands

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·DateOct 15, 2025

Frasky, a new robot for vineyard applications

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·DateSep 18, 2025

Humans sense a collaborating robot as part of their “extended” body

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·DateSep 11, 2025

Could robots help kids conquer reading anxiety? New study from the Department of Computer Science at UChicago suggests so

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·DateSep 10, 2025
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.

How game-play with robots can bring out their human side

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·DateJul 3, 2025
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.

Transforming hospital sanitation: autonomous robots for wiping and UV-C disinfection

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·DateMay 7, 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

Don’t resent your robot vacuum cleaner for its idle hours – work it harder!

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·DateApr 28, 2025

No “uncanny valley” effect in science-telling AI avatars

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·DateApr 15, 2025
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.

Tiny “rhinoceros beetle” robot does micro-scale manipulation in extreme conditions

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·DateMar 6, 2025

A robust and adaptive controller for ballbots

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·DateFeb 19, 2025

WPI researchers to develop robotic arm for wheelchairs

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·DateFeb 18, 2025
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.

Using robots in nursing homes linked to higher employee retention, better patient care

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·DateJan 8, 2025

Are we ready for the ethical challenges of AI and robots?

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.

SourceKyushu University·DateDec 27, 2024

Diversity and inclusion accelerate the pace of innovation in robotics

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·DateDec 12, 2024

How to make robots more lifelike

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·DateDec 9, 2024
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

IIT’s Leg Prosthetic technologies took the podium at Cybathlon 2024

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·DateOct 30, 2024

Texas A&M teams up to advance robotic dexterity

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·DateAug 29, 2024

Development of ‘living robots’ needs regulation and public debate

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·DateJul 22, 2024

UMD researchers develop new and improved camera inspired by the human eye

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·DateJul 1, 2024
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalBuildings·DateMay 31, 2024

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.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Service Management·DateMay 23, 2024

To optimize guide-dog robots, first listen to the visually impaired

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·DateMay 16, 2024
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.

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.

SourceUppsala University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2024

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.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalJournal of Responsible Technology·TypeImaging analysis·DateApr 4, 2024

Researchers develop and test the first unmanned forestry machine

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·DateFeb 7, 2024
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.

Researchers develop hedgehog safety test for robotic lawnmowers

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·DateJan 15, 2024

Towards more accurate 3D object detection for robots and self-driving cars

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·DateJan 9, 2024

Use it or lose it: New robotic system assesses mobility after stroke

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·DateNov 15, 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.

New cyber algorithm shuts down malicious robotic attack

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·DateOct 11, 2023

One-hour training is all you need to control a third robotic arm

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·DateSep 26, 2023

An effective method for face orientation estimation using depth–gyro sensor

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·DateSep 25, 2023

Wide field-of-view metasurface-enhanced scanning lidar technology

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·DateJul 20, 2023
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.

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

Forgive or forget: what happens when robots lie?

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·DateApr 2, 2023

Computer science professor awarded NSF CAREER grant for robotics research

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·DateMar 27, 2023
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