Products of Tomorrow: October 2021

Metamaterial printing, high-efficiency solar cells, and a noise-reduction material.

5 Ws of the COVID-Detecting Facemask

Who

The SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 is still a major threat to public health. Wearing a facemask is a step in protecting against infection; the new facemask also diagnoses the wearer with...

Graphite-Based Sensor for Wearable Medical Devices

Researchers have developed graphene-based sensing technology using G-Putty material — a highly malleable graphene blended putty. The printed sensors are 50 times more sensitive than the...

Imitating Human Hands to Make Better Sensors

This work could help severely injured people, such as soldiers, regain the ability to control their movements.

Universal Tactile Sensing with Electromechanically Coupled Conductors

These tactile imaging sensors can measure pressure distribution without using pressure-sensitive materials.

AI and Wearable Cameras Combine in Self-Walking Robotic Exoskeletons

Exoskeleton legs are capable of thinking and making control decisions on their own using artificial intelligence technology.

Moving Platform for 3D Printing Reduces Waste and Costs

A low-cost, dynamically controlled surface for 3D printers reduces waste and saves time.

Wearable Sensor Helps ALS Patients Communicate

A skin-like device can measure small facial movements in patients who have lost the ability to speak.

Wireless, Wearable Transmitter

The wearable antenna bends, stretches, and compresses without compromising function.

Products of Tomorrow: September 2021

Water-sensing smartphone screens, a NASA-developed RF switch, and an ultrasound patch.

“Flexoelectricity” in Soft Elastomers Could Improve Robot Movement

A connection between electricity and mechanical motion in soft, rubber-like materials could improve robot range.

Coiled Linear Actuators for Soft Robotics

This artificial muscle technology enables more human-like motion.

Machine Learning Helps Detect Gait Problems in Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Gait data and machine learning help to monitor and predict disease progression.

Wearable, All-in-One Health Monitor

The soft, stretchy skin patch can monitor cardiovascular signals and multiple biochemical levels at the same time.

Device Powers Wearable Sensors Through Human Motion

A triboelectric generator made of flexible circuit boards creates electricity when the wearer moves.

5 Ws of the Anti-Bacterial Hydrogel

A specially designed hydrogel works against all types of bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant ones.

Nearly Pain-Free Microneedle Patch

The patch can replace blood draws to test for antibodies that signal a viral or bacterial infection such as SARS-CoV-2.

Sound Waves Power Advances in Smart Materials

High-frequency sound waves can be used to build new materials, make smart nanoparticles, and even deliver drugs to the lungs for painless, needle-free vaccinations.

Wearable Device Captures Cancer Cells from Blood

By capturing more cancer cells than blood draw screening, this device could help doctors understand a tumor’s biology and make decisions about treatment.

Products of Tomorrow: August 2021

A new COVID test, a "ChromoUpdate," and NASA's brake rotor.

Early Warning System for COVID-19 and Flu Using Wearables

The smart ring shows it’s possible to detect fever before you feel it.

Alkaline Hydrogel Advances Skin Wound Care

A novel method was developed to produce an alkaline hydrogel that could improve wound healing.

Smartphone App Hears Ear Infections in Children

The app detects fluid behind the eardrum using a piece of paper and a smartphone’s microphone and speaker.

Green Method for Producing Hydrogen Peroxide

This portable method could enable hospitals to make their own supply of the disinfectant on demand and at lower cost.

Designing Soft Materials that Mimic Biological Functions

The soft material demonstrates autonomous, heartbeat-like oscillating properties.

Electronic Tattoo Enables Uninterrupted Heart Monitoring for Extended Periods

This wearable device is placed on the skin to measure a variety of body responses, from electrical to biomechanical signals.

Antibacterial Gel Bandage Using Yeast

The gel works even at freezing temperatures and contains natural antimicrobial compounds derived from durian husk.

Magnet-Controlled Bioelectronic Implant for Relieving Pain

This could make possible embedded devices like a spinal cord-stimulating unit with a battery-powered magnetic transmitter on a wearable belt.

Products of Tomorrow: July 2021

Battery recycling, NASA's water treatment, and a wireless wearable transmitter.