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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
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.

Making robots faster by helping them think ahead

Researchers at MIT developed a new technique called VLASH that allows robots to predict their future position, enabling smoother motions and quicker reactions. This breakthrough doubles the speed of robots performing tasks like pick-and-place and boosts performance in dynamic activities.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJul 28, 2026

AI underwater robots can now track diver stress via exhaled bubbles

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed an AI system that tracks a diver's health in real-time using robotic vision and exhaled bubble analysis. The system can detect signs of stress, hyperventilation, or exhaustion, providing a non-contact approach to monitor divers' physiological stress underwater.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalThe International Journal of Robotics Research·DateJul 27, 2026

A walking-support robot learns to follow the body through touch

A research team developed a walking-support robot that uses large-area tactile contact at the torso to track movement intent and share load. The system continuously adapts as the coupled human-robot dynamics evolve, allowing intention alignment and balance support to emerge from the same physical channel.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 19, 2026

New flapping robot swims and flies like a diving bird

A new robot designed by MIT engineers can swim underwater and fly through the air, mimicking the abilities of diving birds. The robot's wing flapping frequency and tail angle were adjusted to enable a smooth transition from swimming to flying.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateJul 9, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New chip could help tiny robots traverse complex environments

MIT researchers developed a new system-on-a-chip called Gleanmer, which generates highly accurate 3D maps of the robot's environment using Gaussians to represent obstacles. This approach reduces memory and power consumption by up to 99%, making it suitable for lightweight augmented reality headsets.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJun 23, 2026

Flying robot rides the wind like a bird

Scientists created a shape-changing flying robot named Floaty that can fly efficiently while staying stable in the air. By adjusting its flaps to control air resistance, Floaty balances itself and recovers from disturbances.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems·Journalnpj Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 22, 2026
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.

How foundation models will revolutionize robot swarms

Researchers propose embedding AI foundation models into control software to enable robot swarms to achieve new levels of autonomy and adaptability. This enables robots to switch between tasks in real-time and interact more naturally with humans.

SourceUniversité libre de Bruxelles·JournalScience Robotics·DateJun 2, 2026

Rovers, regolith, robots: The blueprint for the moon

Researchers at Texas A&M University are designing how humans will build and survive on the moon, focusing on sustainable construction using lunar regolith. The institution's efforts aim to reduce costs associated with shipping materials to the moon, making it possible to produce rocket propellant locally.

SourceTexas A&M University·DateMay 29, 2026

A stair-climbing robot that catches itself when it falls

A robot that catches itself when it falls has been developed using reinforcement learning and artificial intelligence. The system achieved an average success rate of 69.4 percent in arresting the robot's fall and returning it to a stable position.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalResults in Engineering·DateMay 28, 2026
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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

Omnidirectional, sea-urchin-like robot defies traditional designs

Researchers at Duke University introduce Argus, a 20-eyed robot with no front or back, demonstrating dynamic symmetry and improving performance across various measures. The design surpasses the theoretical maximum of 0.6, enabling robustness, energy efficiency, and resilience to damage.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2026

Armadillos inspire new protective technology for soft machines

Researchers at NC State University developed a morpho-interlocking protective module (MIPM) that responds to external threats and curls into a protective ball. The structure, inspired by armadillos' natural defense mechanisms, consists of multiple layers and can be tuned to respond to various levels of strain.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2026

NTU Singapore scientists develop ‘5-in-1’ seed-sized surgical robot

The NTU Singapore team developed a tiny seed-sized robot that can perform five surgical functions wirelessly, including cutting and releasing drugs. The robot is controlled by weak magnetic fields and takes under a second to switch between functions. It has the potential to make surgeries more precise and safer.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 25, 2026
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.

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

Aston University finds new way to train robots for real-world tasks using AI

Researchers at Aston University have created an AI-based training method that enables robots to adapt to real-world conditions without extensive data collection. This breakthrough could significantly accelerate innovation in sustainable manufacturing, recycling, and autonomous industrial systems.

SourceAston University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 6, 2026

Aquatic robot to monitor species, advance hydropower

The eDNA-bot revolutionizes biological monitoring by providing comprehensive results at lower cost than conventional surveying methods. It can detect elusive species and monitor wastewater for pathogens, streamlining environmental assessments in hydropower licensing.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·DateApr 29, 2026
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.

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

Don't build the engine, grow it: biohybrid miniature robots using living organisms

Researchers create living biohybrid miniature robots that solve traditional engineering trade-offs between structural rigidity and environmental adaptability. These biological engines utilize embodied intelligence to navigate complex terrains and achieve performance metrics rivaling state-of-the-art synthetics.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateApr 15, 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.

Too many cooks, or too many robots?

The study, led by Lucy Liu and L. Mahadevan, shows that adding the right amount of noise to individual robot movements can ease gridlock and improve efficiency in crowded environments. The researchers used computer simulations and experiments with small robots to test their ideas.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2026

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

MirrorBot: Fostering human connection

A study by Cornell University researchers found that MirrorBot, a mirror-equipped robot, can spur conversations and playful exchanges between strangers. The device facilitates eye contact, which is the first step in forming social connections.

SourceCornell University·DateApr 2, 2026
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.

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

Watering smarter, not more

A new system can map soil moisture tree by tree, allowing growers to water specific trees if they're dry. Maintaining the right moisture level is crucial for plant health, as too little water can stress trees, while too much water can deprive roots of oxygen.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalComputers and Electronics in Agriculture·DateApr 2, 2026

Legged robot could accelerate resource prospecting on the Moon and the search for life on Mars

A semi-autonomous robotic explorer equipped with compact instruments can significantly speed up resource prospecting and the search for biosignatures on planetary surfaces. The robot successfully identified diverse rock types relevant to planetary exploration, including gypsum, carbonates, basalts, dunite, and anorthosite.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Space Technologies·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 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

Wristband enables wearers to control a robotic hand with their own movements

Researchers at MIT have developed an ultrasound wristband that precisely tracks hand movements, allowing users to control a robotic hand or manipulate virtual objects. The device produces high-quality images of the wrist's muscles and tendons, which are then translated into specific hand positions, enabling precise movement control.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Electronics·DateMar 25, 2026
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.

Robotics and automation research in poultry processing featured April 9

The Center for Scalable and Intelligent Automation in Poultry Processing will hold its first field day on April 9 to share research on developing new robotic technologies. Researchers will demonstrate tools for deboning, detecting foreign materials and pathogens, as well as using virtual reality to operate equipment remotely.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture·DateMar 19, 2026

Advancing brain–computer interfaces for rehabilitation and assistive technologies

A novel AI-based framework, EDGCN, decodes dynamic variations in EEG patterns for better brain-computer interface technology. The model outperforms current state-of-the-art methods with high classification accuracies and decoding accuracy, enabling more seamless communication between the human brain and machines.

SourceChiba University·JournalInformation Fusion·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 10, 2026

New ultra-low-cost technique could slash the price of soft robotics

Researchers at Oxford University developed an ultra-low-cost technique for manufacturing soft robots, using common lab equipment. The new method enables rapid and affordable production of soft robotic actuators, with a material cost of less than $0.10 per unit, and demonstrated strong mechanical performance and durability.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalAdvanced Science·DateMar 8, 2026

Evolved robots are born to run and refuse to die

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed AI-designed robots called 'legged metamachines' that can combine and recombine in the wild, recover from injury and transform into new shapes. The robots can adapt to the environment, survive catastrophic damage and even recover from being chopped in half or cut into pieces.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2026
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.

NASA robot’s 10-year mission complete as uni marks rare feat

Researchers have advanced humanoid robot control, motion planning, and perception using Valkyrie, a 10-year mission robot developed by NASA. The university will continue research with Talos, a 1.75-metre-tall robot, to study human-robot cooperation and adapt to changing environments.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·DateMar 6, 2026

Photonic chips advance real-time learning in spiking neural systems

Researchers developed photonic computing chips that enable fast, all-optical learning and decision making, overcoming key limitations for photonic spiking neural systems. The new chips could improve autonomous driving technologies and enable robotic systems that learn through real-world interactions.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateMar 5, 2026

Eye-inspired artificial skin lets robots feel before they touch

The new dynamic shielding layer allows the sensor to focus on specific areas when needed, achieving a 104.56% increase in detection depth. The sensor can also detect approaching objects from over 90mm away, providing a vital split-second for robots to avoid collisions.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateMar 5, 2026
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.

3D printing soft robots

Researchers at Harvard's John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have developed a new fabrication method for printing robotic devices with long filaments featuring precisely placed hollow channels. This allows the device to bend and deform in predetermined ways, enabling the creation of soft robots with predictable s...

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2026
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.

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

Programmable Lego-like material emulates life’s flexibility

Researchers at Duke University have created a programmable Lego-like material that can change its stiffness and damping in response to temperature changes. The material, made from gallium and iron, can be programmed to mimic various commercially available soft materials.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2026
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.

A multi-material microrobot that can grasp, carry and release a cell

A team of researchers developed a multi-material, multi-module microrobot that can grab, carry and release microscopic objects. The microrobot features two parts: one reacts to pH changes to grip an object, while the other responds to magnetic fields for movement.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateDec 22, 2025

World's smallest programmable robot perform tasks

Developed by U-M and Penn, the robots can sense and respond to their surroundings, operate for months, and cost just a penny each. They have applications in monitoring cell health and aiding manufacturing.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience Robotics·DateDec 15, 2025

Penn and UMich create world’s smallest programmable, autonomous robots

Researchers at Penn and UMich created microscopic swimming machines that can independently sense and respond to their surroundings, operate for months, and cost just a penny each. The robots are powered by light and can be programmed to move in complex patterns, sense local temperatures, and adjust their paths accordingly.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2025

Vine-inspired robotic gripper gently lifts heavy and fragile objects

A new robotic design uses vine-like structures to lift and grasp a variety of objects, including humans, with a gentler approach. The robot can snake around obstacles, squeeze through tight spaces, and even secure itself in a closed loop to create a sling.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 10, 2025

Can AI read humans’ minds? A new model shows it’s shockingly good at it

A breakthrough AI system called OmniPredict can predict human pedestrian behaviors with unprecedented accuracy, revolutionizing self-driving cars and urban mobility. The model combines visual cues with contextual information to anticipate pedestrians' next moves, reducing the risk of accidents and improving traffic safety.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalComputers & Electrical Engineering·DateDec 8, 2025
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.

AI advances robot navigation on the International Space Station

Researchers at Stanford University have successfully used machine-learning-based control to operate a robot on the International Space Station, allowing for faster and more efficient navigation while maintaining safety. The system, which includes a warm start feature, enables robots like Astrobee to move through complex environments wi...

SourceStanford University·DateDec 8, 2025

RoboCrop: Teaching robots how to pick tomatoes

A new model developed by Osaka Metropolitan University Assistant Professor Takuya Fujinaga enables robots to accurately pick tomatoes, with an 81% success rate. The system evaluates the ease of harvesting for each tomato, taking into account factors such as fruit clustering and stem geometry.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalSmart Agricultural Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2025

Classical Indian dance inspires new ways to teach robots how to use their hands

A team at the University of Maryland Baltimore County has extracted six fundamental units of motion called mudras from classical Indian dance to teach robots how to use their hands. The research could improve robot hand control and develop better tools for physical therapy.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 4, 2025

New funding to develop technology for first robots to weld in space

The University of Leicester, in partnership with TWI Ltd, has secured £560k to develop a robot-mounted arc-welding system for in-space repair and manufacturing. The project aims to overcome the challenges of welding in space by developing a new, space-qualified robotic welding capability.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·DateDec 3, 2025

Micro/nano‑reconfigurable robots for intelligent carbon management in confined‑space life‑support systems

Researchers developed micro/nano-reconfigurable robots that harvest sunlight to capture CO2, promoting carbon metabolism control in confined spaces. The robots demonstrated a 54.61% increase in survival time in a sealed-mouse model, offering an energy-frugal solution for space exploration and emergency shelters.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·DateDec 2, 2025
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.

Artificial tendons give muscle-powered robots a boost

MIT engineers developed artificial tendons made from hydrogel to connect lab-grown muscles with robotic skeletons. The tendons improved the robot's motion and force output by three times, enabling faster and more efficient biohybrid robots.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Science·DateDec 1, 2025

Hi-tech viticulture: the Politecnico di Milano has created virtual vineyards for self-driving tractors

Researchers develop system to test and optimise self-driving strategies for agricultural tractors in a virtual environment, creating realistic vineyard scenarios and evaluating control algorithms. The goal is to reduce human presence and improve agricultural automation solutions based on sensors and predictive algorithms.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalAgriEngineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 11, 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
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.