Briefs: AR/AI
Earphone Tracks Facial Expressions, Even with a Facemask
The device can translate expressions into emojis or silent speech commands.
Articles: Sensors/Data Acquisition
2020 Create the Future Design Contest: Medical Category Winner — 'A Chip Off the Old Box'
A battery-less pacing system enables painless defibrillation.
Products: Data Acquisition
New on the Market: December 2020
Mixed-signal oscilloscopes, 3D printers, DC/DC converters, and more.
Briefs: Motion Control
16-Atom Molecular Motor
The tiny motor can be powered by both thermal and electrical energy.
Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
Tethered Drones Improve Cellular and Internet Networks
Wire-connected drones may complement or replace the fixed base stations of cellular communications networks.
Articles: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Products of Tomorrow: December 2020
Robotic exoskeletons, a breath-test for cancer, and plastic-eating enzymes are Products of Tomorrow.
Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
Tactile Robot Finger with No Blind Spots
This robotic finger has a highly precise sense of touch over a complex, multi-curved surface.
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.
Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
Flexible, Sturdy Robot “Grows” Like a Plant
The robot’s extendable appendage can wind through tight spaces and then lift heavy loads.
Briefs: Communications
Toroidal Radiation Pattern Patch Antenna
The antenna is designed for use in extreme conditions such as outer space.
Briefs: Defense
High-Performance, Lightweight, Easy-to-Fabricate Heat Exchanger
This can be used in energy-recovery systems in industrial, space, automotive, and military applications.
Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
Technology Aids Surgeon-Guided Robotic Hands
This method enables users to control their robotic fingers precisely enough to gently land on fragile surfaces.
Articles: Manufacturing & Prototyping
Technology Leaders: Industry Renaissance Transforms Invention, Learning, Production, and Trade
Digital technologies are enabling an "Industry Renaissance" of virtual experiences.
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
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: Electronics & Computers
Aircraft Thermal Heat Conduction Method
The thermal management technology could also be used for server farms and spacecraft.
Articles: Manufacturing & Prototyping
2020 Create the Future Design Contest Grand Prize Winner: RepelWrap — A Nature-inspired Surface Technology for Repelling Contamination
Read all about this year's "Create the Future" winner: A transparent flexible film called "RepelWrap."
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
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.
Articles: Imaging
2020 Create the Future Design Contest: Aerospace & Defense Category Winner — NiobiCon™
The NiobiCon™ underwater connector will not short out, corrode, or cause an electrical shock if touched while powered in harsh environments like saltwater.
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
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.
Articles: Robotics, Automation & Control
Vote for Tech Briefs Product of the Year 2020
These 12 products are the nominees for the 2020 Tech Briefs Readers’ Choice Product of the Year.
Articles: Sensors/Data Acquisition
2020 Create the Future Design Contest: Consumer Product Design Category Winner — The Ring Prosthetic Leg
The conceptual Ring prosthetic leg ensures that individuals do not need an entirely new device every time they have a growth spurt.
Articles: Test & Measurement
2020 Create the Future Design Contest: Automotive/Transportation Category Winner — Low-Noise Laser for Lidar
Compact lasers now offer precise colors.
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
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: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
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.
Articles: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Facility Focus: Jacobs School of Engineering, University of California San Diego
Jacobs' scientists are helping to make contract-tracing apps, emergency-use ventilators, and even squid-bots.
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Nanoscale Thermal Switches
These switches are key to thermal management of nanoscale devices, refrigeration, data storage, thermal computing, and heat management of buildings.
Top Stories
Articles: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Nano Diamond Battery Provides Universal Applicability
Blog: Data Acquisition
A Warning System for Self-Driving Cars Learns from Failures
Blog: Nanotechnology
A Photonic 'Sunflower' Offers New Ideas for Light-Driven Systems
INSIDER: Nanotechnology
Transistors Built from Ultra-Thin 2D Materials Take a Step Forward
Blog: Test & Measurement
Readers Select 2020 Products of the Year
Blog: Electronics & Computers
A New Aluminum Anode Leads to Error-Free Rechargeable Batteries
Question of the Week
Will Robotic Exoskeletons Help the Elderly?
Webcasts
On-Demand Webinars: Materials
Optics and Coatings Technology
Webinars: Medical
Upcoming Webinars: Test & Measurement
Secrets to Efficiently Sustaining Your Automated Test System
Upcoming Webinars: Medical
Designing with Medical Grade Silicone: Considerations for Medical...
Upcoming Webinars: Robotics, Automation & Control
How Critical Are Localization and Perception Technologies for...
Upcoming Webinars: Transportation
Trending Stories
Articles: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Nano Diamond Battery Provides Universal Applicability
INSIDER: Semiconductors & ICs
Transistors Built from Ultra-Thin 2D Materials Take a Step Forward
Application Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Hyperspectral Imaging What is it? How does it work?
INSIDER: Electronics & Computers
Record-Breaking Heat Conduction Material Will Save Computer Chips
INSIDER: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Sensors Collect Crucial Data on Mars Landings with Arrival of Perseverance
Articles: Energy
Electric Vehicle Fast Chargers Present Some Overlooked Circuit Protection...
