Inside this issue
Overview
The November 2021 issue of Tech Briefs, Volume 45, No. 11, presents a diverse array of articles and features that highlight advancements in engineering, technology, and innovation. This edition is particularly focused on the intersection of engineering and software, showcasing the latest trends and breakthroughs in various fields.
Key Features:
-
Artemis: Back to the Moon - This feature discusses NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon and establish a sustainable presence there. The article outlines the technological advancements and mission objectives that will pave the way for future exploration, including potential missions to Mars.
-
Create the Future Design Contest Winners - The magazine celebrates the winners of the Create the Future Design Contest, which encourages engineers and students to develop innovative products that can improve quality of life. The winning designs reflect creativity and practical applications across various industries.
-
Smart Shirt Monitors the Heart - An intriguing article details the development of a smart shirt equipped with sensors that monitor heart activity. This wearable technology represents a significant advancement in health monitoring, providing real-time data that can be crucial for patients and healthcare providers.
-
Products of Tomorrow - This section highlights emerging technologies and products that are set to shape the future. It includes innovations in robotics, automation, materials science, and more, showcasing how these advancements can enhance efficiency and performance in various applications.
-
Robotics & Automation - The magazine features several articles on robotics, including soft robots that utilize cameras and shadows to sense human touch, and robots designed to locate and retrieve buried items. These advancements illustrate the growing capabilities of robotics in both industrial and personal applications.
Mechanical & Fluid Systems - Articles in this section discuss the use of DC drives as replacements for AC servos, color-changing dyes that visualize stress in plastics, and a deployable composite boom. These innovations highlight the ongoing evolution of mechanical systems and their applications in engineering.
-
Materials & Coatings - The issue explores groundbreaking materials, such as nanosheets of borophane that are stronger than steel and a concrete-like material derived from space dust and astronaut blood. These materials have the potential to revolutionize construction and manufacturing processes.
-
Stable Polymeric Ink with High Conductivity - This article discusses advancements in conductive inks, which are essential for the development of flexible electronics and other applications. The stability and conductivity of these inks are crucial for their practical use in various technologies.
-
Facility Focus - This section provides insights into the design and operation of facilities that support advanced manufacturing and research. It emphasizes the importance of creating environments that foster innovation and efficiency.
-
NASA Spinoff: Keeping Warmer in the Great Outdoors - The magazine features a NASA spinoff technology that helps keep individuals warm in outdoor environments. This application of space technology demonstrates the broader impact of NASA's research on everyday life.
Departments:
- UpFront: This section introduces the issue and highlights key themes and articles.
- 5 Ws: A quick overview of the most important questions related to the featured technologies and innovations.
- Q&A: A segment that addresses common inquiries about the technologies discussed in the magazine.
- Advertisers Index: A list of companies and products featured in the issue, providing readers with resources for further exploration.
Conclusion:
The November 2021 issue of Tech Briefs serves as a comprehensive resource for engineers, designers, and technology enthusiasts. It showcases the latest innovations across various fields, emphasizing the importance of creativity and practical application in engineering. With a focus on advancements that can improve quality of life and drive future exploration, this edition inspires readers to think about the possibilities of technology and its impact on society. The magazine not only highlights current trends but also encourages the next generation of engineers to contribute to the ongoing evolution of technology.
Features
-
UpFront
-
Articles
16 ARTEMIS I: Our Return to the Moon Begins
20 ARTEMIS II: Astronauts on Board
23 ARTEMIS III: Return to the Surface
27 Special Section: The Winners of the 2021 'Create the Future' Design Contest
30 2021 Create the Future Design Contest: Electronics/Sensors/IoT Category Winner — Freetouch
34 2021 Create the Future Design Contest: Medical Category Winner — Halo Speculum
37 2021 Create the Future Design Contest: Automotive/Transportation Category Winner — Afreecar E-kit
38 2021 Create the Future Design Contest: Consumer Product Design Category Winner — Aira FreePower
-
Facility Focus
60 Facility Focus: U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center
-
NASA Spinoff
-
Technology Leaders
43 Optimizing Wireless Test Systems and Antennas for High-Speed Communication
45 Why 3D Artificial Intelligence with AR and VR is More Important Today
Tech Briefs
-
Machinery & Automation
48 Soft Robots Use Camera and Shadows to Sense Human Touch
-
Materials
54 Nanosheets of Borophane are Stronger Than Steel
54 Concrete-Like Material from Space Dust and Astronaut Blood
-
Mechanics & Machinery
51 DC Drives as Replacements for AC Servos
Products
Sponsored
-
Briefs
21 Let’s Get Small: New Argonne Method Greatly Improves X-Ray Nanotomography Resolution
22 New “Metalens” Shifts Focus Without Tilting or Moving
22 Nanoscale Machines Convert Light into Work
-
Products
26 New Products
Sensor Technology
-
Articles