Nanoscale 3D Structure to Control Light

3D nanometer-scale metamaterial structures hold promise for advanced optical isolators.

Beam Crossing Optical System

NASA’s Langley Research Center has developed a Beam Crossing Optical System for use in two-point Focused Laser Differential Interferometers.

New Anode Materials for Fast-Charging Lithium-Ion Batteries

The commercially relevant approach opens a potential pathway to improve charging speeds for electric vehicles.

A Sustainable Battery with a Biodegradable Electrolyte Made from Crab Shells

Scientists created a zinc battery with a biodegradable electrolyte from an unexpected source — crab shells.

Developing More Durable Solar Cells

An international research collaboration led by UCLA has developed a way to use perovskite in solar cells while protecting it from the conditions that cause it to deteriorate.

Material Derived from Trees Could Replace Liquid Electrolytes

The material could pave the way for better, safer solid-state batteries.

Inflatable, Shape-Changing Spinal Implants Could Help Treat Severe Pain

The device uses soft robotics, ultra-thin electronics, and microfluidics.

Detecting COVID-Causing Virus with High-Tech Bubbles

A new technique enables the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in the air by using a nanotechnology-packed bubble that spills its chemical contents like a broken piñata when encountering the virus.

Ionic Magnetic Resonance Tailors Animal Cells/Tissues

An apparatus and method that controls the growth and proliferation of 3D biological cells and mammalian tissue in the presence of a pulsating, alternating ionic magnetic resonance field.

Autonomous Driving Algorithm Distributes Risk Fairly

Researchers have developed the first ethical algorithm to fairly distribute the levels of risk rather than operating on an either/or principle.

An Algorithmic Planner Helps Delegate Tasks to Human-Robot Teams

The technology could be useful in manufacturing and assembly plants for sorting packages, or in any environment where humans and robots collaborate.

An Artificial Intelligence System to Identify Objects in Cluttered Scenes

Robotic vision has come a long way, reaching a level of sophistication with applications in complex and demanding tasks, such as autonomous driving and object manipulation.

A New Method to Improve Motion Planning for Robots

Interactive program aids motion planning for environments with obstacles.

An AI Chip Runs Computations Directly in Memory

A team has designed and built a chip that runs computations directly in memory and can run a wide variety of AI applications.

New on the Market

See what's new, including a new series of ultra-miniature isolated single and dual-output high voltage DC-DC converters and new line of industrial interconnects.

Products of Tomorrow

See the products of tomorrow--today.

The Rise of Electric Vehicles

Did you know that electric vehicles have been around for over a century? Test your knowledge about the history of EVs in this quiz.

Simulated Terrible Drivers Cut the Time and Cost of AV Testing by a Factor of One Thousand

A new virtual testing environment breaks the ‘curse of rarity’ for autonomous vehicle emergency decision-making.

Feathered Robotic Wing Paves Way for Flapping Drones

Birds fly more efficiently by folding their wings during the upstroke, according to a recent study led by Lund University in Sweden. The results could mean that wing-folding is the next...

3D-Printed Revolving Devices Can Sense How They Are Moving

A new system enables makers to incorporate sensors into gears and other rotational mechanisms with just one pass in a 3D printer.

5 Questions with DART's Dr. Cambioni

A Tech Briefs interview with DART team member Dr. Saverio Cambioni.

When Engineers and Technicians Collide

Engineers and technicians can use their differences to help each other solve technical problems.

New Battery Aims to Integrate Renewables for Grid Resiliency

A new battery design could help ease integration of renewable energy into the nation’s electrical grid at lower cost, using Earth-abundant metals, according to a study just...

Reused car batteries rev up electric grid

When aging vehicle batteries lack the juice to power your car anymore, they may still hold energy. Yet it’s tough to find new uses for lithium-ion batteries with different makers, ages, and sizes....

New Compound Withstands Extreme Heat and Electricity for Next-Generation Energy Storage

Flexible polymers made with a new generation of the Nobel-winning “click chemistry” reaction find use in capacitors and other applications.

Are Agricultural Robots the Future of Farming?

Labor shortages have caused farmers and food manufacturers to increasingly utilize agricultural robots for farming. Take this quiz to learn more.

Mech Suit Gives Humans 50X Strength

The all-terrain walking mech’s aim is to give humans the size and strength of giants. It does just that — times 50.

7 Questions with Astronaut Eileen Collins

The first female pilot and first female commander of a space shuttle, Eileen Collins, shares leadership lessons for women in aerospace.