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BirdBot is energy-efficient thanks to nature as a model

Researchers created BirdBot, a robotic leg inspired by the ostrich's anatomy, which achieves energy efficiency through a mechanical coupling of muscles and tendons. The robot leg requires fewer motors than other machines, making it suitable for large size applications.

The next generation of robots will be shape-shifters

Researchers at the University of Bath have developed a new coating method for soft robots that allows them to change shape and movement through human-controlled activity. This breakthrough in active matter could lead to the creation of machines governed by individual units that cooperate to determine movement and function.

How to help humans understand robots

Researchers at MIT and Harvard University applied cognitive science theories to human-robot interaction, finding that humans need to see variation in robot behavior to build accurate mental models. Theories suggest that strategic variation can reveal concepts that might be difficult for a person to discern otherwise.

For new insights into aerodynamics, scientists turn to paper airplanes

Researchers at New York University found that paper airplanes can achieve stable gliding when the center of mass is in a specific location, unlike conventional airplanes. The study's findings enhance our understanding of flight stability and provide insights into designing small-scale flying machines.

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.

Fingertip sensitivity for robots

A team of scientists developed a soft haptic sensor that can accurately estimate contact points and forces using computer vision and deep neural networks. The sensor is sensitive enough to detect even tiny forces and detailed object shapes.

Electronic skin that can feel in real time

Researchers created an artificial sensory receptor that generates spike signals on its own, enabling the e-skin to analyze spatial information and react to external stimuli in real-time. The e-skin's functionality overcomes limitations of conventional electronic skins, which can only process tactile information sequentially.

Robots that can check your blood pressure are the latest innovation from SFU

Researchers at Simon Fraser University have developed robots that can take a patient's blood pressure using only a simple touch, inspired by the folding mechanisms of leeches. The origami-inspired dry electrodes can be integrated onto humanoid-sensing robots to monitor blood pressure without traditional cuff-based digital sphygmomanome...

Towards self-sensing soft robots with electrochemically driven pumps

A team of researchers from Shibaura Institute of Technology has developed a transducer powered by electrochemical reactions to drive fluid pumps without cumbersome parts in soft robots. The ECDT enables self-sensing technology, enhancing the multifunctionality of soft robots and allowing for miniaturization.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

People prefer interacting with female robots in hotels

A study by Washington State University researcher Soobin Seo found that people are more comfortable talking to female robots working in service roles in hotels. The preference is stronger when the robots are described as having more human features, with participants rating female robot interactions as more pleasant and satisfying.

Controlling robots from space

For the first time, astronauts in orbit successfully controlled a robot on the ground using haptic feedback, simulating geological exploration missions. This breakthrough enables more complex investigations of planetary surfaces without human exposure to danger.

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.

Southern Ocean storms cause outgassing of carbon dioxide

Research reveals that intense storms in the Southern Ocean increase ocean mixing, bringing carbon dioxide-rich waters to the surface and driving an outgassing of CO2 into the atmosphere. This process has significant implications for understanding global climate models and predicting future climate change.

How robots learn to hike

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new control technology that enables ANYmal, a quadrupedal robot, to combine visual perception of its environment with proprioception-based sensing. This allows the robot to tackle rough terrain faster and more efficiently.

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.

Robotic manipulators inspired by nature

Researchers developed soft manipulators based on pneu-nets, mimicking biological systems like elephant trunks and octopus tentacles. These structures can grasp and manipulate soft objects with increased flexibility.

Mind-controlled robots now one step closer

Researchers have developed a computer program that can control a robot using electrical signals emitted by a patient's brain, allowing them to move the robot with their thoughts. The system uses an algorithm that can learn from the patient's brain activity and adjust the robot's movements accordingly.

Giving bug-like bots a boost

Researchers at MIT have developed a new fabrication technique that enables the creation of soft actuators with 75% lower voltage requirements and 80% more payload capacity than current versions. This breakthrough could lead to the development of flying microrobots with improved performance and payload capabilities.

Robots use fear to fight invasive fish

A team of biologists and engineers created a robotic fish that scares mosquitofish away, altering its behavior and physiology. The study found that the mosquitofish showed fearful behaviors, weight loss, and reduced fertility when confronted with the robot.

Creating the human-robotic dream team

A team of UBC Okanagan researchers has developed a system to enhance interactions between humans and robots in industrial settings. The system uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to capture and analyze the environment, allowing robots to respond in a timely manner to ensure human safety.

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.

Grip or slip; robots need a human sense of touch

A recent study published in PNAS reveals that humans can instantly estimate slipperiness of a surface by detecting radial strain in the fingertip skin during initial contact. This innovation has significant implications for robotics and prosthetics design.

Light-powered soft robots could suck up oil spills

A new floating robotic film can hoover oil spills at sea or remove contaminants from drinking water, using a pulsing motion inspired by water striders. The film is powered by light and fueled by water, making it sustainable and reusable.

Team builds first living robots that can reproduce

Researchers at the University of Vermont have created the first living robots capable of reproducing, using AI-designed Xenobots. This groundbreaking achievement has significant implications for regenerative medicine, as it demonstrates a new form of biological self-replication.

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 in Europe vote for the radical right

A recent study by Bocconi University professors reveals that individuals exposed to automation are more likely to support radical-right parties. The researchers found a strong correlation between automation exposure and poorer economic conditions, lower job satisfaction, and increased support for the radical right.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

A personalized exosuit for real-world walking

Researchers developed a bioinspired system using ultrasound measurements to create customized assistance profiles for users. The exosuit significantly reduced metabolic energy of walking across various speeds and inclines.

They'll lead the robots out

Researchers at Nicolaus Copernicus University developed an algorithm to help robots avoid dead ends by predicting obstacles and using augmented reality. This innovation significantly improves the efficiency of mobile robots.

Waste of space

Researchers have discovered a way to manipulate orbiting debris with spinning magnets, allowing for gentler maneuvering and potential repair of malfunctioning objects. The technology has the potential to help clear space junk from Earth's orbit and extend the life of satellites.

Teaching robots to think like us

Researchers use physical reservoir computing to teach robots to think like humans by simulating brain signals. The system enables goal-directed behavior without additional learning, highlighting a potential breakthrough in AI development.

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.

Marangoni surfer robots look and move like water bugs

Researchers from Michigan Technological University created a robot that uses Marangoni propulsion to move across liquid surfaces like insects. The robot's design is inspired by the ability of certain species to manipulate surface tension for speed and maneuverability.

Researchers successfully build four-legged swarm robots

Dr. Yasemin Ozkan-Aydin successfully built four-legged swarm robots that can navigate challenging environments and overcome obstacles collectively. The robots were tested on various terrain types, including grass, leaves, and rough surfaces, with individual units sending signals to others for support when needed.

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.

How robots can tell how clean is ‘clean’

SUTD researchers develop sensor that assigns dirt score to areas based on visual and tactile analysis, allowing for more efficient exploration of complex spaces. The sensor is integrated with a smart algorithm that directs the robot to focus on areas with high dirt probability.

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.

Social policies for the digital age

Comparative survey data from over 25,000 respondents highlights workers' concerns about technology-related job risks and expectations for funding for training and continuing education. Governments are advised to take a balanced policy approach, investing in social investment and social transfer measures.

Study: As a population gets older, automation accelerates

Researchers found that aging workforces, characterized by a higher ratio of workers 56 and older to those ages 21-55, are associated with increased robot deployment in 60 countries. This study suggests that automation adoption is partly driven by labor shortages, particularly middle-aged labor needed for blue-collar work.

Walking with coffee is a little-understood feat of physics

Researchers at Arizona State University studied the physics behind humans balancing coffee while walking, revealing a natural mode of flexibility that mimics human motion. The findings can be used to design smart robots to adaptively handle complex objects in changing environments.

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.

Facial recognition AI helps save multibillion dollar grape crop

Cornell University researchers used facial recognition AI to develop an imaging robot called BlackBird that scans grape leaf samples automatically, reducing manual assessment time from six months to one day. The technology has the potential to save farmers billions of dollars by detecting disease early and reducing fungicide usage.

When robots become researchers

Researchers at OIST Graduate University develop robots capable of conducting complex experiments and analyzing data. The 'Nobel Turing Challenge' achieves significant advancements in scientific discovery by leveraging AI-driven robotics.

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.

Staying on schedule

Researchers developed an optimized schedule for automated biology lab robots, maximizing experiments within time and resource constraints. The S-LAB framework accounts for time constraints and resource conflicts, improving efficiencies in life science experiments.

Swarm of autonomous tiny drones can localize gas leaks

Researchers have developed a swarm of tiny drones that can autonomously detect and localize gas sources in complex indoor environments. The drones use bio-inspired navigation and search strategies, including the 'Sniffy Bug' algorithm, to find gas leaks quickly and efficiently.

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.

Autonomous excavators ready for around the clock real-world deployment

Researchers from Baidu Research and the University of Maryland have developed an autonomous excavator system (AES) that can operate continuously for over 24 hours without human intervention. AES uses perception, planning, and control capabilities to identify target materials and avoid obstacles, achieving performance comparable to expe...

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.

Electrohydraulic arachno-bot a fascinating lightweight

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute have developed a new type of joint inspired by spiders' hydraulic actuation mechanisms. The joints use electrohydraulic forces to enable robots to move rapidly and interact with various environments, making them ideal for small-scale robotic systems.

Subterranean investigations

Researchers have developed a fast and controllable soft robot that can burrow through sand with minimal resistance. The robot's design is inspired by plants and animals that navigate subterranean spaces, enabling new applications for underwater exploration and potentially paving the way for future space missions.

Scientists make highly maneuverable miniature robots controlled by magnetic fields

Researchers at Nanyang Technological University created millimetre-sized robots that can be controlled using magnetic fields to perform highly manoeuvrable manipulations. These robots improve on existing small-scale robots by optimizing their ability to move in six degrees-of-freedom, and can rotate 43 times faster than previous devices.