Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Mind-control robots a reality

The University of Technology Sydney has developed a brain-computer interface technology that allows users to control devices such as robots and machines using only their thoughts. The technology has been successfully tested in various environments, achieving high accuracy rates of up to 94%. It also has significant potential in fields ...

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 19, 2023

Engineering breakthrough in softbotics

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

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalNature Electronics·DateMar 9, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Wheeled robot measures leaf angles to help breed better corn plants

Researchers have developed a robotic system called AngleNet that measures leaf angles on corn plants, providing plant breeders with accurate data more quickly. The technology uses stereo vision and deep convolutional neural networks to capture images of leaves at different heights, enabling 3D modeling and precise measurements.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Field Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

Robot provides unprecedented views below Antarctic ice shelf

A research team led by Britney Schmidt deployed an underwater robot, Icefin, to explore the Kamb Ice Stream in Antarctica. The robot's findings reveal unprecedented views of ice, ocean, and sea floor interactions, which can improve models of sea-level rise.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMar 2, 2023

Grasshopping robots made possible with new, improved latch control

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

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

Robots and A.I. team up to discover highly selective catalysts

Researchers developed a machine learning model using advanced 2D chemical descriptors to predict highly selective asymmetric catalysts without quantum chemical computations. The model demonstrated high accuracy in predicting catalyst structures and selectivity, outperforming existing methods.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2023

RaiBo - a versatile robo-dog runs through the sandy beach at 3 meters/sec

Researchers at KAIST developed a quadrupedal robot control technology that enables robots to walk robustly on deformable terrain like sandy beaches. The technology uses artificial neural networks to simulate ground characteristics and adapt to changing environments, allowing the robot to maintain balance and perform high-speed walking.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalScience Robotics·DateJan 26, 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.

Watch this person-shaped robot liquify and escape jail, all with the power of magnets

Engineers design miniature robots that can rapidly shift between liquid and solid states, with magnetic properties, to overcome traditional robot limitations. The new material is used to remove foreign objects, deliver drugs, and assemble parts in hard-to-reach spaces, opening up new possibilities for medical and engineering applications.

SourceCell Press·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2023

Microelectronics give researchers a remote control for biological robots

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

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

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

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

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

Engineered by KAIST mechanics - a quick but clingy creepy-crawler that will MARVEL you

M.A.R.V.E.L.'s magnetic soles made of Electro-Permanent Magnet (EPM) and Magneto-Rheological Elastomer (MRE) enable fast movement on uneven surfaces. The robot can climb at speeds of up to 70 cm/s on walls and 50 cm/s on ceilings, making it the world's fastest walking climbing robot.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalScience Robotics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 31, 2022

The physical intelligence of ant and robot collectives

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

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

Should we tax robots?

A study by MIT economists suggests that a modest tax on robots and foreign trade could help address income inequality in the US. The optimal policy includes taxes ranging from 1% to 3.7% of robot value, with smaller trade taxes, aiming to reduce wage gaps without stifling economic growth.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalThe Review of Economic Studies·DateDec 20, 2022

Flying snakes help scientists design new robots

Researchers developed a computational model of flying snakes' undulation to understand lift production. The snake's cross-sectional shape creates pressure differential across its body, lifting it and allowing it to glide through the air.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateDec 13, 2022
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.

Fossil-sorting robots will help researchers study oceans, climate

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

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

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

A far-sighted approach to machine learning

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

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateNov 23, 2022

Study: Automation drives income inequality

A new study finds that automation has contributed significantly to the growth in income inequality in the US, with 50-70% of the increase attributed to technological changes. The study analyzed data from 49 industries and 500 demographic subgroups, finding that automation has disproportionately affected low-skill service workers.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalEconometrica·DateNov 21, 2022
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.

‘Butterfly bot’ is fastest swimming soft robot yet

Researchers at NC State University have created an energy-efficient soft robot that can swim more than four times faster than previous models. The 'butterfly bots' use bistable wings for propulsion and achieve speeds of up to 3.74 body lengths per second.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2022

Microrobot assembly line

A team of researchers developed a new method for 3D-printing microrobots with multiple component modules inside the same microfluidic chip. The 'assembly line' approach allowed for the combination of various modules, such as joints and grippers, into a single device. This innovation may help realize the vision of microsurgery performed...

SourceOsaka University·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

The secret to the skillful skydiving of wingless springtails

Researchers at Georgia Tech discovered that wingless springtails control their jump, self-right in midair, and land on their feet due to their unique appendages for jumping and adhesion. This unique posture creates aerodynamic torque, effectively self-righting them within 20 milliseconds.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2022

Fighting tumors with magnetic bacteria

Researchers controlled magnetic bacteria to cross blood vessel walls and infiltrate tumor tissue, delivering liposomes with fluorescent dye to demonstrate their ability to carry therapeutic agents. This approach may revolutionize bacterial cancer therapy by increasing efficacy and reducing side effects.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2022

Robots that can feel cloth layers may one day help with laundry

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University's Robotics Institute have developed a sensor called ReSkin that allows robots to feel cloth layers, enabling tasks such as folding laundry. The team taught the robot to grasp and manipulate cloth using tactile sensing, overcoming challenges of computer vision-based approaches.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateOct 26, 2022

Magnetic sensors track muscle length

MIT researchers have developed a magnet-based system to track muscle length during movement, which could improve the accuracy of prosthetic limb control. The system uses small magnets implanted in muscle and measures distances between them using a credit-card-sized sensor.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·DateOct 25, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New compact and dexterous robotic finger that can withstand physical impacts

Researchers developed a compact robotic finger with adjustable stiffness to withstand physical impacts and mimic human finger dexterity. The finger mechanism is based on gear transmission and mechanically passive compliance, providing an advantage in terms of reliability, ease of manufacture, and maintenance.

SourceHigher Education Press·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2022

A broader definition of learning could help stimulate interdisciplinary research

Researchers propose a broader definition of learning that includes behavioral adaptation to environmental features, enabling collaboration across fields and promoting new research. This 'mechanism-free' approach highlights the importance of system-level responses to environment in various domains.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 21, 2022

Active matter, curved spaces: Mini robots learn to ‘swim’ on stretchy surfaces

Researchers used small wheeled robots to study indirect mechanical interactions on deformable surfaces, finding that active matter can interact through non-contact forces. They created a model to control collective behavior by modifying robot design, mirroring celestial bodies' paths in Einstein's General Relativity.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2022
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.

Dog—human bonds could guide development of social robots

Researchers identified 7 core categories of behaviors important for human-dog bonds, including attunement, communication, and physical affection. These behaviors may be incorporated into robotic systems to provide mental health benefits for humans.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateSep 28, 2022

Robot sleeves for kids with cerebral palsy

UC Riverside engineers develop low-cost robotic clothing to help children with cerebral palsy. The soft machine garments contain sealed regions that inflate to provide force for movement, enabling natural limb functioning.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateSep 23, 2022

Four-legged jumping robots LEAP to explore the Moon

A four-legged robot trained through artificial intelligence has mastered jumping to navigate the Moon's rugged terrain. The robot can collect samples and deploy scientific instruments, overcoming limitations of traditional rovers in loose soil and steep slopes.

SourceEuroplanet·DateSep 21, 2022

Sharing a laugh: Scientists teach a robot when to have a sense of humor

Researchers at Kyoto University designed a shared-laughter AI system to build empathy into dialogue between robots and humans. The system was tested on the Japanese android Erica, performing better than baseline models in evaluating empathy, naturalness, and human-likeness.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Robotics and AI·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 15, 2022
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.

Erotophilia and sexual sensation–seeking are good predictors of engagement with sex robots, according to new research

A study by Simon Dubé examines the personality traits of people willing to engage with sex robots, revealing that erotophilia, sexual sensation-seeking, and enthusiasm for new experiences are key drivers. The research highlights an opportunity for manufacturers to cater to a female customer base as technology improves and becomes more ...

SourceConcordia University·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateSep 13, 2022

Tiny biohybrid robots for intelligent drug delivery

Researchers have made significant progress in designing and controlling continuum robots, which can be used for targeted therapy and precise control. However, challenges remain, including miniaturization, perception accuracy, and stable simulation engines.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalCyborg and Bionic Systems·DateSep 8, 2022

The physics of walking is simpler than we thought

Researchers found that ants and robots can be modeled using the same algorithms, despite differences in slipping motions. The discovery provides a universal model for location that applies to various movements, including walking and slithering.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 5, 2022
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.

Robots can be used to assess children’s mental wellbeing, study suggests

A study using child-sized humanoid robots found that they can assess mental wellbeing in children more effectively than parent-reported or self-reported testing. The robots were able to encourage children to share their thoughts and feelings, leading to more accurate assessments of their mental health.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·TypeObservational study·DateAug 31, 2022

Powering an ‘arm’ with air could be mighty handy

Researchers at Rice University have developed a pneumatic robotic arm powered by compressed air that can grasp objects and go, using textile-based energy harvesting system. The device is designed for individuals with disabilities and can produce equivalent of 3 watts of power, outperforming other energy harvesting strategies.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2022

Robots, AI not as welcomed in nations where income inequity is high

A new study by the University of Central Florida reveals that workers in countries with greater income inequality are more likely to perceive robots and artificial intelligence as job threats. This association was found despite the potential benefits of these technologies to improve work and increase flexibility.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalTechnology Mind and Behavior·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 24, 2022

Bionic underwater vehicle inspired by fish with enlarged pectoral fins

Researchers create accurate hydrodynamic model of the RobDact underwater robot to improve its control in turbulent waters. The team combined computational fluid dynamics and a force measurement experiment to study the RobDact, enabling better understanding of its motion state and control.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalCyborg and Bionic Systems·DateAug 23, 2022
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.

New programmable materials can sense their own movements

MIT researchers developed a method to create 3D-printed materials with tunable mechanical properties and embedded sensors, enabling real-time feedback on movement and interaction. The sensing structures use air-filled channels that deform when moved or squeezed, providing accurate feedback for robotics and wearable devices.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 10, 2022

Location key to improved autonomous vehicle vision

QUT researchers have created a method to tell an autonomous vehicle which cameras to use when navigating, allowing for better understanding of the world around them. The system learns which cameras are most useful at different locations based on previous experience.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalIEEE Robotics and Automation Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2022

How to help assembly-line robots shift gears and pick up almost anything

A University of Washington team created a new tool that can design a 3D-printable passive gripper and calculate the best path to pick up an object. The designed grippers and paths were successful for 20 out of 22 objects tested, with two challenging shapes being the wedge and pyramid shape.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·DateJul 28, 2022
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.

Human-like features in robot behavior: Response time variability can be perceived as human-like

A study published in Science Robotics journal reveals that humans are unable to distinguish between a humanoid robot's response time variability and that of a human when interacting with the robot. This finding suggests robots can exhibit human-like behavior, raising questions about the blurring line between humans and machines.

SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 27, 2022

Robots learn household tasks by watching humans

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University developed a novel learning method for robots called WHIRL, which allows them to learn household tasks in the wild. The method enables robots to gather video data from human interaction and generalize it to new tasks, making them suitable for learning household chores.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateJul 20, 2022

Complex motions for simple actuators

Researchers at Harvard University have developed inflatable actuators that can bend, twist, and move in complex ways using origami-inspired designs. The actuator's bistable origami blocks allow it to perform up to eight different motions with a single pressure source.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJul 15, 2022

Deformable pump gives soft robots a heart

A team of researchers from Cornell University has developed a deformable pump for soft robots, mimicking the human heart's functionality. The pump uses hydrodynamic and magnetic forces to provide soft robots with a circulatory system, allowing them to store energy and power their movements more efficiently.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 15, 2022
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

A robot learns to imagine itself

A Columbia University team created a robot that can learn and understand its own body, planning motion and avoiding obstacles without human assistance. The robot's self-model was accurate to about 1% of its workspace, paving the way for more self-reliant autonomous systems.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalScience Robotics·DateJul 13, 2022

Responsive soft robots inspired by sputtering ketchup bottle

Researchers at AMOLF developed a soft robot that uses a 'hysteretic valve' to respond to changes in its environment, mimicking the movement of living organisms. The robot's natural gait and tactile responses were achieved through the use of air pressure, eliminating the need for computer control.

SourceAMOLF·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 8, 2022

Human-like robots may be perceived as having mental states

Researchers found that mere exposure to a human-like robot is not enough to make people believe it is capable of thoughts and emotions. Human-like behavior is crucial for being perceived as an intentional agent. The study aims to inform the design of social robots in the future.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalTechnology Mind and Behavior·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 2022
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.

UCLA scientists develop durable material for flexible artificial muscles

Researchers created a new material and manufacturing process for creating artificial muscles with improved flexibility and durability. The resulting material, PHDE, is thin, lightweight, and can generate high forces while maintaining its shape under high-strain conditions.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 2022

Study: Robots driving U.S. co-workers to substance abuse, mental health issues

A study published in Labour Economics found that US workers who work alongside industrial robots are more likely to suffer from adverse mental health effects, including substance abuse and increased suicide rates. In contrast, German workers saw no significant mental-health change when exposed to robotics.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalLabour Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 29, 2022