Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Biologically Inspired Artificial Skin Improves Sensory Ability of Robots

A synthetic skin enables robots to sense their own bodies and surroundings

Briefs: Motion Control

Self-Contained Wheel Unit

Researchers have developed a self-contained wheel unit that combines a wheel and an electric motor.

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Precision Low-Speed Motor Controller

The technology can be used in commercial motors, robotic systems, and hybrid and electric vehicles.

Application Briefs: Aerospace

Docking System Enables Safe Rendezvous in Space

The ESA has commissioned its industry partners to design a new docking system called the International Berthing and Docking Mechanism (IBDM).

Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control

Algorithm Gives Robots a Faster Grasp

The algorithm speeds up the planning process that robots use to adjust their grip on objects.

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Artificial Skin Provides Haptic Feedback

The skin could help rehabilitation and enhance virtual reality by instantaneously adapting to a wearer's movements.

Products: Test & Measurement

New Products: December 2019 Motion Design

Actuators, Encoders, Gripping Tools, and More

Application Briefs: Motion Control

Valve Position Sensor Protects Switch Boxes from Salt Environment

Salty air the Dutch city of Harlingen causes exposed metal parts to corrode.

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

MMOD Impact Detection and Location

This system uses fiber optic strain sensing to detect and locate micrometeoroid/orbital debris.

Products: Materials

New on the Market: December 2019

Adhesives, flame-retardant compounds, vision measurement, and more...

Articles: Aerospace

Employing the Electrical Digital Twin to Mitigate Compliance Risk in Aerospace

With the rise in electrification and design complexity, aerospace original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) need to look for new methodologies to mitigate compliance risk.

Briefs: Materials

Superconductivity in a Nickel Oxide Material

Made with “Jenga chemistry,” the material could help in understanding how high-temperature superconductors work.

Briefs: Transportation

Low-Bandwidth Radar Technology Provides Improved Detection of Objects

Radar technologies were originally designed to identify and track airborne military targets. Today, they're more often used to detect motor vehicles, weather formations,...

Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics

Enhanced Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Reader

The reader uses a frequency multiplexer to boost its ability to accurately locate a greater number of RFID tags.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Potassium-Oxygen Battery Stores Clean Energy

Researchers have developed a more efficient, more reliable potassium-oxygen battery with a cathode that stores the energy produced by a chemical reaction in a metal-oxygen or metal-air battery....

5 Ws: Data Acquisition

5 Ws of EarEcho

The biometric tool uses modified wireless earbuds to authenticate smartphone users

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Embedded Fiber Optic Sensors (EFOS)

Current laser interferometry pressure pulse detection techniques use the shock-induced change in index of refraction to track detonation and/or shock fronts in a single fiber optic by reflecting laser...

Technology Leaders: Materials

Development and Analysis of Solid-State Batteries with the COMSOL® Platform

As lithium-ion battery production doubles, more viable energy storage solutions are needed.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Li-ion Cell Calorimeter Makes Commercial Lithium Batteries Safer

Innovators at NASA Johnson Space Center have developed a calorimeter that is able to measure the total heat generated when specific types of Lithium-ion (Li-ion) cells are...

Briefs: Aerospace

Continuous Fiber Composite for Use in Gears

This lightweight material brings strength and durability to complex shapes.

Facility Focus: Motion Control

Facility Focus: NASA John H. Glenn Research Center

Glenn's research facilities have contributed to decades of technology advances.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Packaging for SiC Sensors and Electronics

This packaging provides protection for SiC sensors and electronics in harsh, hightemperature environments.

Briefs: Aerospace

Free-Space Fiber Optic Laser Rod

This approach removes the limitation on peak power densities that exists for fiber lasers.

Briefs: Semiconductors & ICs

Shape Memory Alloy Art (SMArt)

This hands-on, educational tool highlights the properties of SMA wire.

Briefs: Propulsion

De-Orbit Device for SmallSats

This retractable de-orbit device facilitates targeted re-entry, attitude and orbital control, and collision avoidance.

NASA Spinoff: Energy

Carbon Capture Process Makes Sustainable Oil

Life support research for astronauts enabled a solution to one aspect of climate change.

Briefs: Materials

Metallization for SiC Semiconductors

This technology provides simultaneous ohmic contacts and the process to make them.

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Human Torso Simulator

The simulator could help in the development of new back braces.

Briefs: Nanotechnology

Photonic Switch Increases Speed and Efficiency of Light Through Optical Fibers

This optical switch controls the direction of light passing through optical fibers faster and more efficiently.