Robots can do many things but they cannot open a door and go through the doorway. Researchers have solved this problem in three-dimensional digital simulations and are building an autonomous robot that can do just that. This simple advance in independence represents a huge leap forward for helper ro

TOMOPLEX (Tomographic Plexus) sensor film can be applied to the components of aerospace vehicles to monitor them during flight. It can ultimately reduce maintenance costs in aerospace and make the reusability of space vehicles more likely. In addition, the sensor film can detect material defects tha

The collective behaviors of ants, honeybees, and birds to solve problems and overcome obstacles is something researchers have developed in aerial and underwater robotics. Developing small-scale swarm robots with the capability to traverse complex terrain, however, comes with a unique set of challeng

A team has developed a nonlinear camera capable of capturing high-resolution images of the interior of solid objects using terahertz (THz) electromagnetic waves. Images produced using THz radiation are called hyperspectral because the image consists of pixels, each containing the electromagnetic sig

Engineers have invented a cheap and easy way to turn dumb headphones into smart ones by transforming headphones into sensors that can be plugged into smartphones, identify their users, monitor their heart rates, and perform other services. The invention, called HeadFi, is based on a small plug-in he

An incredibly light new material that can reduce aircraft engine noise and improve passenger comfort has been developed. The graphene oxide-polyvinyl alcohol aerogel weighs 2.1 kg per cubic meter, making it the lightest sound insulation ever manufactured. It could be used as insulation within aircra

NASA Kennedy Space Center developed the Inductive Non-Contact Position Sensor for motion control applications. The sensor was designed to monitor the precise movements of an optical inspection system that measured defects in Space Shuttle windows. The technology has been prototyped and successfully

Dr. Tanvir Tanim and his team at Idaho National Laboratory designed lithium-ion batteries that can be charged in 10 to 15 minutes at a roadside charging station. They developed a machine learning algorithm that detects undesirable lithium plating that could occur under these conditions. Tech Briefs:

There are four methods for collaborative robot (cobot) operation defined in the RIA 15.06-2012 safety standard and each has its own place in manufacturing operations. Of the four, hand guiding seems to get the least amount of attention. In the safety standard, section 5.10 (Collaborative Operation R

To enable the development of wearable devices that possess advanced ultraviolet (UV) detection functions, scientists from NTU Singapore have created a new type of light sensor that is both flexible and highly sensitive. While invisible to the human eye, UV rays surround us in our environment, and ex

Boron is a versatile non-metal element, but until the last five years, chemists have only theorized about the useful properties and applications of two-dimensional (2D) boron-containing materials. A group led by researchers from the University of Tsukuba has now brought theory to life by preparing t

JILA scientists have boosted the sensitivity of their decade-old frequency comb breathalyzer a thousandfold, enabling it to detect additional biomarkers of disease — four now — with the potential for six more. When validated and engineered into a portable design, the comb system could offer real-tim

Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and collaborators have devised and tested a highly sensitive method of detecting and counting defects in transistors — a matter of urgent concern to the semiconductor industry as it develops new materials for next-generation de

People rarely walk at a constant speed and a single incline. We change speed when rushing to the next appointment, catching a crosswalk signal, or going for a casual stroll in the park. Slopes change all the time too, whether we’re going for a hike or up a ramp into a building. In addition to enviro

With the addition of computers, laser cutters have rapidly become a relatively simple and powerful tool, with software controlling machinery that can chop metals, woods, papers, and plastics. But users still face difficulties distinguishing among stockpiles of visually similar materials. A team has

Ultrasensitive biosensors for probing protein structures could greatly improve the depth of diagnosis for a wide variety of diseases extending to both humans and animals. These include Alzheimer’s disease, Chronic Wasting Disease, and mad cow disease — disorders related to protein misfolding. Such b

Researchers have created a fiber with digital capabilities that is able to sense, store, analyze, and infer activity after being sewn into a shirt. Digital fabrics uncover the context of hidden patterns in the human body that could be used for physical performance monitoring, medical inference, and

Smart speakers have proven adept at monitoring certain healthcare issues at home including detecting cardiac arrest or monitoring babies’ breathing. Now, the speakers can be used to track the minute motion of individual heartbeats in a person sitting in front of the speaker. The system monitors both

Engineers have developed a sensor system and manufacturing process for smart contact lenses. The sensor system contains a photodetector for receiving optical information, a temperature sensor for diagnosing potential corneal disease, and a glucose sensor for directly monitoring the glucose levels in

Diamond anvil cells have made it possible for scientists to recreate extreme phenomena, such as the crushing pressures deep inside the Earth’s mantle, or to enable chemical reactions that can only be triggered by intense pressure, all within the confines of a laboratory apparatus. To develop new, hi