Briefs: Communications
Fine-Pointing Optical Communication System Using Laser Arrays
This technique for optical data transmission from satellites uses laser arrays to provide fine pointing capability.
Briefs: Aerospace
Aircraft Thermal Heat Conduction Method
The thermal management technology could also be used for server farms and spacecraft.
Briefs: Imaging
High-Resolution X-Ray Camera System
The system has applications in X-ray spectroscopy, pump probes, and molecule imaging.
Briefs: Aerospace
Multirotor Aircraft Noise Reduction
NASA's phase-locked rotors reduce noise.
Briefs: Data Acquisition
3D Camera Merges Depth and Spectral Data
The camera collects the spatial and spectral information required for self-driving cars, machine vision, corrosion detection, and other applications.
Briefs: AR/AI
Terahertz Receiver for 6G Wireless Communications
The device enables ultra-fast wireless communications at low cost.
Briefs: Imaging
Atomically Thin Light-Emitting Device for Invisible Displays
Invisible displays on walls and windows would be bright when turned on but invisible when turned off.
Briefs: Communications
Vortex Radiometer for Wireless Communications
Any high-performance communication systems operating in RF or optical frequencies may benefit from this system.
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Glove-Like Device Mimics Sense of Touch
The soft, wearable device simulates the sense of touch and has wide potential in medical and industrial applications.
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Nanoscale Thermal Switches
These switches are key to thermal management of nanoscale devices, refrigeration, data storage, thermal computing, and heat management of buildings.
Briefs: Software
Using Computer Tomography Images to Simulate Heart Function
Rather than using supecomputers, heart function simulation can be performed at the CT scanner.
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
3D X-Ray Imager for 3D Object Retrieval
Applications include characterizing additively manufactured components and baggage screening.
Briefs: Wearables
Device Camouflages Wearer from Heat-Detecting Sensors

Researchers developed a wearable technology that can hide its wearer from heat-detecting sensors such as night vision goggles, even when the ambient temperature changes. The technology...

Briefs: Electronics & Computers
SpaceCube 2.0 Flight Card Mechanical System
Applications include mechanical aerospace manufacturing and thermal structure manufacturing.
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Programmable Balloons for Shape-Morphing Devices
Kirigami balloons could be used in shape-changing actuators for soft robots, minimally invasive surgical devices, and macro structures for space exploration.
Briefs: Unmanned Systems
Modular, In-Air, Multi-UAV Docking
This system can be used for long-range or high-payload deliveries as well as search and rescue.
Briefs: Communications
Miniature Antenna Enables Robotic Teaming in Complex Environments
A low-frequency antenna with enhanced bandwidth will enable robust networking among compact, mobile robots.
NASA Spinoff: Manufacturing & Prototyping
Zero-Gravity Body Posture Influences Acupressure Massage Chair
NASA’s neutral body position research was used in the design of a medical massage chair.
5 Ws: Electronics & Computers
5 Ws of the SARS-CoV-2 RapidPlex Sensor
A low-cost sensor enables at-home diagnosis of a COVID infection.
Q&A: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Q&A: A New Method for 3D Printing of Tiny Gel Structures
See how Dr. Andrei Kolmakov and his team are using low-energy electron beams to 3D-print tiny gel structures in liquids.
Question of the Week: Materials
Should We Use Chitin to Build on Mars?

In the latest episode of our Tech Briefs podcast series Here's an Idea™, researcher Javier Gomez Fernandez talks about his idea for making habitats on Mars. Fernandez envisions using chitin from insects – and combining the substance with the Martian soil – to create a kind of sustainable building...

Blog: Aerospace
Will Electric Aircraft Reach the Speeds of Commercial Jets?
An Israel-based company called Eviation is working on an all-electric aircraft known as "Alice." Will it match the speeds of a jet?
Blog: Sensors/Data Acquisition
With a 50-Million-Electron Jolt, Sensors Power Themselves
By jumpstarting electrons, a team at Washington University in St. Louis has developed sensors that can power themselves for more than a year.
Question of the Week: Energy
Will Indoor Light Someday Power Our Smart Devices?

Our lead INSIDER story today looks at “perovskite-inspired” materials that can absorb indoor light at higher efficiencies than ever before.

INSIDER: Motion Control
Printing Paper Structures for Mechatronics

Natural motion in plants occurs because of cellulose fibers absorbing and releasing water. Scientists developed a simple method to produce self-folding origami structures based on this concept....

INSIDER: Motion Control
Robotic “Snake” Grips and Picks Up Objects

An invention similar to an elephant’s trunk has potential benefits for many industries where handling delicate objects is essential. UNSW Sydney developed a soft fabric robotic gripper...

Blog: Data Acquisition
Stanford Computer Model Predicts How COVID-19 Spreads in Cities
The model analyzes three factors that drive infection risk: where people go in the course of a day; how long they linger; and how many other people are visiting the same place at the same time.
Blog: Electronics & Computers
A Solar Alternative: How to Power Devices with Indoor Light
A new material is especially effective at absorbing indoor light and converting it into usable energy.
Question of the Week: Software
Would You Use 'Tsugite' Software for Woodworking?

A recent INSIDER story highlighted a new tool for architects, furniture-makers, and woodworking beginners. The interactive software from the University of Tokyo, known as "Tsugite," provides milling machine instructions and on-screen design guidance so that users can piece an object together...

Top Stories

Blog: Materials

Biocompatible Adhesive Gel Works Underwater

INSIDER: Motion Control

Autonomous Robot Opens Doors, Finds Wall Outlets

INSIDER: Research Lab

Researchers Determine Optimum Pressure to Improve the Performance of...

Blog: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Can Material Choices Impact Gear Noise in a Vehicle?

Blog: Materials

With Help from Heat, A Carbon-Fiber Composite Self-Heals

Application Briefs: Imaging

Designing Advanced IR Optical Assemblies for UAVs

Question of the Week
Will Automotive and Aerospace Industries Adopt Self-Healing Composites?

Webcasts

On-Demand Webinars: Energy

Effective Power Management: Minimizing Downtime and Maximizing Efficiency

Upcoming Webinars: Software

Transforming CAD Data Management: How Companies Improve Access to...

Upcoming Webinars: Electronics & Computers

Microchip AI & Machine Learning Basics and Solutions

Upcoming Webinars: Medical

New Liquid Silicone Rubber with Primerless Adhesion to...

Upcoming Webinars: Automotive

Simulation and Testing: The Driving Forces for Engineering the...

Upcoming Webinars: Materials

Metal-to-Composite Conversion with Injection-Molded Long Fiber...

Trending Stories

Briefs: Materials

Improved Aerogel Vacuum Thermal Insulation

INSIDER: Materials

Researchers Determine Optimum Pressure to Improve the Performance of Lithium...

Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping

Self-Healing, Recyclable, Shape Memory Polymers

NASA Spinoff: Materials

Nanotechnology Repairs Engine Damage in Cars

INSIDER: Lighting

Pivotal Discovery of Nanomaterial for LEDs

INSIDER: Photonics/Optics

Tiny Diamond Mirrors Could Smooth Out Already Revolutionary X-Ray Lasers

Videos