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New soft robots roll like tires, spin like tops and orbit like moons

Researchers have developed twisted ringbots that can roll forward, spin like a record, and follow an orbital path around a central point. These devices can navigate and map unknown environments without human or computer control.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 8, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Fastest swimming insect could inspire uncrewed boat designs

Researchers have discovered that whirligig beetles use a lift-based thrust mechanism to achieve record-breaking speeds, challenging previous explanations of their propulsion system. This finding offers valuable insights for bio-inspired robotic ship design and uncrewed boat development.

SourceCornell University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 8, 2024

Snail-inspired robot could scoop ocean microplastics

Researchers developed a robot prototype inspired by a snail's ability to collect food particles at the water-air interface. The device uses an undulating motion to suck in microplastics from the surface of oceans and seas.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 4, 2023

Scientists build tiny biological robots from human cells

Researchers created multicellular bots from human tracheal cells that move across surfaces and promote healing of damaged neurons in a lab dish. The discovery could lead to new therapeutic tools for regeneration, healing, and disease treatment using patient-derived biobots.

SourceTufts University·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2023
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Network of robots can successfully monitor pipes using acoustic wave sensors

A team from the University of Bristol has successfully inspected a steel pipe using a network of robots equipped with guided acoustic wave sensors. The approach achieved 100% detection coverage for defects on a three-meter long pipe, minimizing communication between robots and reducing data transfer costs.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNDT & E International·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 28, 2023

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
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.

Underwater robot finds new circulation pattern in Antarctic ice shelf

A Cornell University-led team used an underwater robot to explore the ocean conditions beneath an Antarctic ice shelf, discovering a new circulation pattern involving a jet funneling water sideways through crevasses. The findings improve modeling of ice shelf melting and freezing rates, which can impact global sea-level rise.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 27, 2023

Research group wins ERC Synergy grant for development of revolutionary colorectal cancer screening and treatment system

A research group led by Professor Kaspar Althoefer has been awarded a €10m ERC Synergy grant to develop a revolutionary new system for screening and treating colorectal cancer. The system, which combines medical robotics, artificial intelligence, and minimally invasive surgery, aims to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·DateOct 26, 2023

Wobbly gel mat trains muscle cells to work together

Researchers created a hydrogel mat with magnetic microparticles that mimic the forces of exercise. The team found that regularly exercising muscle cells resulted in longer, aligned fibers, and improved contraction capabilities.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalDevice·DateOct 20, 2023

Do humans get lazier when robots help with tasks?

Researchers found that humans who worked with robots were more likely to catch fewer defects later in the task, indicating a 'looking but not seeing' effect. This could lead to safety implications and negative impacts on work outcomes if not addressed in real-world environments.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Robotics and AI·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 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.

How insects evolved to ultrafast flight (and back)

Researchers discovered that insects evolved ultrafast flight from a single common ancestor, with asynchronous beating and synchronous activation modes. They used physics models and robotics to test how these transitions could occur, finding that evolution can turn on and off this particular mode of flight.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2023

Insect cyborgs: towards precision movement

Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a model predicting torque generated from electrical stimulation in stick insect leg muscles, allowing for precise control of insect movement. The study's findings have the potential to refine motor control of tuned biohybrid robots and enable adaptable devices with various applications.

SourceTohoku University·JournaleLife·DateOct 4, 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.

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

Combustion powers bug-sized robots to leap, lift and race

Researchers at Cornell University have created an insect-scale quadrupedal robot powered by combustion that can outrace, outlift, and outflex its electric-driven counterparts. The robot's actuators produce 9.5 newtons of force and operate at frequencies greater than 100 hertz.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateSep 19, 2023

Creation of training data to estimate the states of care robot users

A research team at Toyohashi University of Technology has developed a technique to create training data for robots that estimate the state of users using machine learning. The method uses a human body link model without requiring movement analysis, enabling care robots to assist elderly with reduced burden and improved safety.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalIEEE Access·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 19, 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.

Battery-free robots use origami to change shape in mid-air

Researchers at the University of Washington have developed small robotic devices that can change their shape in mid-air using a Miura-ori origami fold, enabling battery-free control over descent. The devices can transition from tumbling to falling states, allowing for precise landings in turbulent wind conditions.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience Robotics·DateSep 13, 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

Carnegie Mellon University robot puts on shirts one sleeve at a time

Researchers created a robot-assisted dressing system using artificial intelligence to accommodate various human body shapes, arm poses, and clothing selections. The system was evaluated in a human study with 510 trials across 17 participants, achieving an average success rate of 86% in pulling the sleeve of each garment onto their arm.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateAug 29, 2023

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
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.

Modified virtual reality tech can measure brain activity

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin created a noninvasive EEG sensor that can measure brain activity during immersive VR interactions. The device has potential applications in helping people with anxiety, measuring mental stress, and giving humans insight into robot behavior.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalSoft Science·DateAug 4, 2023

Robots cause company profits to fall – at least at first

Researchers found a U-shaped effect on profit margins due to the relationship between reducing costs, developing new processes, and innovating products. Initially, firms focus on cost reduction, but as robot adoption increases, they shift to product innovation, leading to higher profits.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalIEEE Transactions on Engineering Management·DateAug 3, 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
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.

New robot boosts solar energy research

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new robot called RoboMapper that can conduct experiments more efficiently and sustainably to develop new semiconductor materials. The robot automates the process of testing multiple samples simultaneously, reducing time and energy consumption by nearly 10 times.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2023

Robotic hand rotates objects using touch, not vision

Researchers at UC San Diego developed a robotic hand that can rotate objects solely through touch without relying on vision. The system uses low-cost, binary signals from multiple sensors to detect object contact and perform precise rotations.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateJul 25, 2023

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

Bot inspired by baby turtles can swim under the sand

The robot uses two front limbs mimicking turtle hatchlings' oversized flippers to detect obstacles and navigate through sand. It has the potential to inspect grain silos, measure soil contaminants, and aid in search and rescue operations.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAdvanced Intelligent Systems·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2023
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.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Mori3: A polygon shape-shifting robot for space travel

The Mori3 robot is a polygon shape-shifting robot designed for space travel, capable of morphing into any 3D object and adapting to various environments. Its versatility makes it an ideal candidate for communication and external repairs in spacecraft.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateJun 12, 2023

Robot ‘chef’ learns to recreate recipes from watching food videos

Researchers trained a robotic chef to watch and learn from cooking videos, enabling it to identify ingredients and actions. The robot recognized 93% of the correct recipe from 16 videos, including variations and new recipes, showcasing its potential for automated food production and cost-effective deployment.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalIEEE Access·DateJun 4, 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
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.

Robots and Rights: Confucianism Offers Alternative

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University argue against granting rights to robots, instead suggesting a Confucian approach of assigning roles to promote teamwork and harmony. This alternative perspective recognizes the moral status of robots as entities capable of participating in rites and contributing to society.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalCommunications of the ACM·DateMay 25, 2023

Researchers build bee robot that can twist

Washington State University researchers developed a robotic bee that can fly fully in all directions, including twisting motion. The Bee++ prototype achieves six degrees of free movement and is controlled by an artificial brain that acts like an insect's brain.

SourceWashington State University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Robotics·DateMay 23, 2023

Can charismatic robots help teams be more creative?

Researchers discovered that students working with a social robot featuring a charismatic voice produced more original and elaborate ideas compared to those who interacted with an identical robot using a flat voice. The study found that the charismatic robot's engaging tone increased team positivity, perceived effectiveness, and creativ...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Communication·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 22, 2023

Can’t find your phone? There’s a robot for that

Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a robot system that uses artificial intelligence to track objects, including medication and glasses. This technology has shown high accuracy in locating everyday items, potentially improving the quality of life for individuals with dementia.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·DateMay 15, 2023

Tetris reveals how people respond to unfair AI

A Cornell University-led study using the Tetris game found that players who receive fewer turns perceive their partner as less likable, regardless of whether a human or AI allocates the turns. The researchers also discovered that machine allocation behavior can lead to worse performance and gameplay when fairness is not guaranteed.

SourceCornell University·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateMay 15, 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.

When A.I. discloses personal information, users may empathize more

Researchers found that highly work-relevant personal information from an AI agent elicits greater empathy in users, while less or no disclosure leads to suppressed empathy. This study suggests self-disclosure could be used to improve people's acceptance of AI technologies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2023

Highly dexterous robot hand can operate in the dark -- just like us

Researchers at Columbia University have created a highly dexterous robot hand that combines advanced sensing technology with motor learning algorithms to achieve high dexterity. The hand can perform complex tasks such as rotating an unevenly shaped object without visual feedback, and even operates in dark environments.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateApr 27, 2023

Jellyfish-like robots could one day clean up the world’s oceans

Researchers have developed a jellyfish-like robot capable of collecting and transporting waste particles in the ocean without causing harm to marine species. The robot uses electrohydraulic actuators to swim and create currents, allowing it to trap objects along its path and transport them to the surface for recycling.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 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.

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

Kids judge Alexa smarter than Roomba, but say both deserve kindness

Four to eleven-year-olds deemed Alexa more human-like, but neither robot deserved to be harmed or yelled at. As kids advanced towards adolescence, the feeling dwindled, and older children reported it was slightly more acceptable to attack technology.

SourceDuke University·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateApr 10, 2023

Mint flavor makes vape juice more toxic, damaging to lungs

Researchers developed a biologically inspired 'vaping robot' to mimic human breathing patterns and tested commercially available e-liquids containing menthol. The study found that menthol vapers took shallower breaths and had poorer lung function compared to non-menthol smokers, regardless of age or smoking history.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalRespiratory Research·DateApr 10, 2023
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.

A sensor that might someday enable ‘mind-controlled’ robots

A team of researchers has developed non-invasive, 3D-printed graphene-based sensors that can accurately monitor brain activity. The new dry sensors show promise for enabling 'mind-controlled' robots and expanding the applications of brain-machine interfaces.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·DateApr 3, 2023

Robotic hand can identify objects with just one grasp

Researchers developed a robotic finger with high-resolution sensors that capture data along the entire length of each finger. The three-fingered robotic hand can identify objects after just one grasp, with 85% accuracy, using tactile sensing and machine-learning algorithms.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateApr 3, 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.

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

Robotic system offers hidden window into collective bee behavior

Researchers developed a temperature-modulating robotic system to study honeybee behavior in winter, demonstrating its ability to influence movement and prolong colony survival. The system also revealed previously unreported dynamics and shed light on critical periods for bee development.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 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

A sowing, pruning, and harvesting robot for SynecocultureTM farming

Researchers at Waseda University developed a four-wheeled robot capable of sowing, pruning, and harvesting in dense vegetation, improving efficiency by 49% compared to manual control. The robot's advanced maneuvering system reduces damage to plants and increases farming productivity in various environments.

SourceWaseda University·JournalAgriculture·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 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.