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Making 'smart' safe -- when every millisecond matters

Lehigh University researchers aim to improve the safety and reliability of cyber-physical systems by developing a systematic approach to network infrastructure design. The project seeks to establish a measurement-driven analytical framework for worst-case delay analyses in non-feedforward CPS networks.

SourceLehigh University·DateDec 27, 2018

New AI computer vision system mimics how humans visualize and identify objects

Researchers have developed a computer vision system that uses a brain-inspired approach to learn and identify objects in real-world images. The system is trained on a vast amount of data from the internet, allowing it to build a detailed model of objects without external guidance.

SourceUCLA Samueli School of Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 20, 2018

Machine learning masters the fingerprint to fool biometric systems

Researchers at NYU Tandon created synthetic fingerprints capable of spoofing smartphone fingerprint sensors, potentially fooling up to one in five people. The 'DeepMasterPrints' can match multiple prints stored in databases and unlock devices, highlighting the need for multi-factor authentication.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·DateNov 20, 2018

New deep knowledge AI system could resolve bottlenecks in drug research

Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a new AI system called Pattern to Knowledge (P2K) that can predict biosequence interactions in seconds. P2K uses deep knowledge from data to identify and predict amino acid bindings, potentially reducing bottlenecks in drug discovery.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 6, 2018
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.

Electrical enhancement: Engineers speed up electrons in semiconductors

Researchers from Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology have sped up electron movement in organic semiconductor films by two to three orders of magnitude. By introducing polystyrene, they found enhanced hole mobility, a critical factor for developing more efficient solar devices.

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalMacromolecular Chemistry and Physics·DateOct 17, 2018

SMU engineering professors receive NSF grant to improve drone communications

Southern Methodist University professors receive an $849,839 NSF grant to build a multi-dimensional drone communication framework, addressing three-dimensional connectivity issues. The project aims to optimize transmission to intended receivers in various swarm formations, with potential applications in commercial and military sectors.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·DateOct 4, 2018

Clear the air

A University of Utah engineering study shows that smart controllers for home heating and cooling systems can clean pollution with minimal additional energy costs. The 'SmartAir' setting, which turns on the HVAC fan based on both temperature and air quality, cleaned the air almost as well as continuous operation but used 58% less energy.

SourceUniversity of Utah·DateSep 26, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Strengthening US manufacturing using advanced robotics

The Rensselaer project aims to develop an operator-guided, semi-automatic assembly process using industrial robots integrated with multiple sensors. The goal is to improve manufacturing productivity by enhancing the operator's capabilities through advanced robotics and appropriately applying technological strengths.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·DateJul 13, 2018

Smarter, safer bridges with Sandia sensors

Researchers equip a US bridge with sensors that can detect cracks and alert maintenance engineers, increasing supervision of critical areas and extending structure lifetimes. The system uses Comparative Vacuum Monitoring sensors that can detect tiny cracks smaller than the thickness of a dime.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·DateJul 3, 2018

A nanotech sensor that turns molecular fingerprints into bar codes

Researchers have developed a compact and sensitive nanophotonic system that can identify molecules without conventional spectrometry. The system uses metapixels to generate a unique bar code for each molecule, enabling massive analysis and classification using artificial neural networks.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience·DateJun 7, 2018
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.

Key workflow interruptions in emergency departments identified

A study from the University of Missouri found that electronic medical record documentation and direct patient care are the most common workflow interruptions in emergency departments, leading to increased workloads and decreased efficiency. The research suggests that changes in workflow could improve patient care and nurse productivity.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalInternational Journal of Human-Computer Studies·DateApr 18, 2018

Engineers propose coordinated control to assist drivers

Researchers developed a coordinated control architecture for motion management in ADAS systems, demonstrating improved safety and comfort. The study showed that 'coordinated control' strategy successfully damped out deviation errors, giving much greater precision in following intended trajectories.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateApr 13, 2018
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.

Social manufacturing to meet the need of picky and innovative 'prosumers'

Researchers propose social manufacturing as an innovative solution for the personalized customization era, allowing consumers to participate in the design and production process. This approach can reduce material waste and energy consumption while satisfying both material and spiritual needs.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateApr 10, 2018

Looking into the past to find the solution for managing future demand

A new design proposes a top-level intelligent dispatch system that incorporates artificial systems and real-world input to find the best way to dispatch power quickly and efficiently. By leveraging historical operation actions and records, the dispatch system can convert human experience into intelligent technical models.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateApr 10, 2018

Using 'smart' algorithm to save energy bills -- rain or shine

A new 'smart' algorithm is proposed to manage household energy usage, taking into account varying power sources like windmills and solar panels. The goal is to minimize costs while meeting energy demand, with the potential for future optimization through machine learning.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateApr 10, 2018

Scientists develop haptic interface with 7 degrees of freedom

Researchers from Chinese Academy of Sciences developed a 7-DOF haptic interface allowing for seven degrees of movement. The interface enables true haptic interaction and can be used in medical simulation, virtual assembly and remote manipulation tasks.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateApr 10, 2018
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Five Columbia engineering professors win NSF CAREER Awards

Five Columbia engineering professors have received NSF CAREER Awards for their groundbreaking research. Agostino Capponi develops a framework to increase resilience of global financial markets, while Daniel Esposito creates electocatalytic materials for abundant solar fuels.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateApr 9, 2018
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Illinois researchers develop heat switch for electronics

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new technology that can switch heat flows 'on' or 'off' using liquid metal droplets. This innovation has the potential to significantly improve system performance and reliability in electronics systems.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMar 8, 2018

Transforming patient health care and well-being through lighting

Researchers explore the link between lighting spectral power distributions and wellness, with LED technology striving to bring new healthy lighting to market. The workshop white paper provides insights shaping the field for lighting designers and health-care providers.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·DateFeb 23, 2018

Japanese researchers develop ultrathin, highly elastic skin display

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed an ultrathin, highly elastic skin display that can show moving electrocardiogram waveforms recorded by a breathable on-skin electrode sensor. The device aims to enhance information accessibility for people with difficulty operating existing devices.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·DateFeb 17, 2018
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.

Dozens of projects announced as EPSRC welcomes Year of Engineering

The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) has announced support for 28 groundbreaking research projects, ranging from autonomous vehicles to energy storage and healthcare technology. These projects have the potential to make a transformative impact in various fields.

SourceEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council·DateJan 16, 2018

Research will help protect military from hackers

A team of researchers led by Heng Yin at the University of California, Riverside, is working on a $4.68 million grant to develop methods for securing legacy systems used in government agencies, including the Department of Defense.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateJan 15, 2018

First method to detect illicit drone filming developed

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev develop a technique to detect when a drone is capturing video of a person's location without their consent. The method uses controlled physical changes to modulate data transmitted on the FPV channel, allowing victims to prove privacy invasion attacks were committed.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·DateJan 12, 2018

Robots and humans: How to improve physical interaction

A model predictive control framework incorporates adaptable interaction models for personalized human-robot collaboration, resulting in precise shared movements. Personalization allows robots to learn from users and adjust their interference to optimize performance.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateDec 21, 2017
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.

The muscle of machinery: How to better control robotic movements

Researchers developed an algorithm to improve the control of series elastic actuators in robots, enabling better handling of unknown payload parameters and external disturbances. The new method allows for more flexible and precise robotic movements, improving human-robot interaction safety.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateDec 20, 2017

Rosie's robustness: Bringing the Jetsons to reality

A team of researchers from King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals proposed a control design for the I-PENTAR wheeled inverted pendulum assistant robot to tackle stability issues and uncertainty. The algorithm improved the robot's ability to maintain balance even in uncertain environments.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateDec 20, 2017

Emphasizing the auto in automobile: A unified approach for automated vehicles

A team of researchers from Cranfield University and Chinese institutions developed a framework combining cyber, physical, and social systems to integrate vehicle connectivity and automation attributes. They proposed the use of parallel learning theory to analyze information regarding vehicle, human driver, and driving actions in parallel.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateDec 20, 2017

AI insights could help reduce injuries in construction industry

Research using motion sensors and AI software reveals expert bricklayers use techniques to limit joint loads and develop efficient work methods. The study's findings could lead to improved training programs for apprentices and enhanced worker safety.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalAutomation in Construction·DateDec 19, 2017
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.

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.

Good vibrations: Smart access to homes and cars using fingers

VibWrite integrates passcode, behavioral, and physiological characteristics to verify users, offering a low-cost security solution that resists attacks and can be deployed on any solid surface. The system has verified legitimate users with over 95% accuracy in trials and shows promise for commercialization in the near future.

SourceRutgers University·DateOct 30, 2017

New methods tackle a perplexing engineering concept

Researchers at the University of Illinois developed guidelines to understand auxetic materials that become thicker when stretched, applicable for protective sports equipment, body armor and biomedical devices. The new tools aim to democratize auxetic design, making it accessible to engineers from novice to advanced experience levels.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateOct 9, 2017
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.

Artificial intelligence helps with earlier detection of skin cancer

Researchers developed an AI system to analyze skin lesion images and detect melanoma biomarkers, reducing unnecessary biopsies and improving early detection of deadly skin cancer. The technology provides objective data on eumelanin and hemoglobin levels, helping doctors rule out melanoma before invasive action.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·DateAug 23, 2017

Engineers find better way to detect nanoparticles

Researchers create whispering gallery mode resonator to detect nanoscale objects, improving performance with smaller target objects, and opening doors for biomedical devices, electronics, and biohazard detection.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature·DateAug 9, 2017

Breathable, wearable electronics on skin for long-term health monitoring

Researchers have developed a hypoallergenic electronic sensor that can be worn on the skin for up to a week without causing inflammation or irritation. The device uses breathable nanoscale meshes and has been tested on 20 subjects, demonstrating its reliability as an electrode for continuous health monitoring.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJul 17, 2017
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.

Rice team developing flat microscope for the brain

Rice University engineers are building a flat microscope to monitor and stimulate neurons on the surface of the brain. The goal is to provide an alternate path for sight and sound to be delivered directly to the brain, compensating for loss of vision or hearing.

SourceRice University·DateJul 12, 2017

Researchers revolutionize brain-computer interfaces using silicon electronics

A new DARPA project aims to create an implanted brain-interface device with one million channels to support brain function. The device, developed by Columbia University researchers, uses silicon electronics and wireless powering for non-invasive stimulation and recording from the sensory cortex.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateJul 10, 2017

Smarter control for border patrol

A team of engineers at the University of Arizona is designing an autonomous border-surveillance system that uses artificial intelligence to collect, assess, and act on data in real time. The system will deploy drones on its own and integrate data from different sources, including aerial and ground vehicles, to respond effectively.

SourceUniversity of Arizona College of Engineering·DateJul 5, 2017

How six cups of ground coffee can improve nose, throat surgery

A team of engineers at Vanderbilt University has designed a novel solution to improve the accuracy of navigation systems used in delicate nose and throat surgeries. By using a thin layer of coffee grounds inside a stretchy silicone headpiece, they aim to reduce targeting errors caused by skin movement and accidental bumps.

SourceVanderbilt University·DateJun 20, 2017

Scientists propose method to help keep new grid components operational and safe

Researchers from Case Western Reserve University proposed a new method to calculate and correct short-circuit errors in large-scale distribution systems. The method, which was published in IEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica, uses real-time simulations and modeling to optimize the system in just 74 milliseconds.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateJun 12, 2017
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.

Research aims to make artificial intelligence explain itself

Researchers aim to develop a system that can explain AI decisions to humans, making autonomous vehicles and robots more trustworthy. The project will utilize real-time strategy games like StarCraft to train AI players that can provide natural language explanations.

SourceOregon State University·DateJun 5, 2017

Stretching the limits of elastic conductors

Researchers have developed a printable elastic conductor that retains high conductivity even after being stretched by five times its original length. The new material, made with silver nanoparticles, has potential applications in wearable devices and robots.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 15, 2017