Human Factors and Ergonomics

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Articles: Photonics/Optics
Optics are used in a vast range of applications in virtually every sector of human endeavor, from scientific microscopes to medical diagnostic imaging, from automobile headlights to telescopes pointed at the stars. Read on to learn about their advances.
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Briefs: AR/AI
A new groundbreaking “smart glove” is capable of tracking the hand and finger movements of stroke victims during rehabilitation exercises. The glove incorporates a sophisticated network of highly sensitive sensor yarns and pressure sensors that are woven into a comfortable stretchy fabric. Read on to learn more about the smart glove.
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Briefs: AR/AI
The camera mimics the involuntary movements of the human eye to create sharper, more accurate images for robots, smartphones, and other image-capturing devices. Read on to learn more about it.
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Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
Researchers have found a way to bind engineered skin tissue to the complex forms of humanoid robots. This brings with it potential benefits to robotic platforms such as increased mobility, self-healing abilities, embedded sensing capabilities and an increasingly lifelike appearance.
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Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
A research paper by scientists at the University of Coimbra proposed a soft robotic hand comprising soft actuator cores and an exoskeleton, featuring a multimaterial design aided by finite element analysis to define the hand geometry and promote finger’s bendability.
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Briefs: Manned Systems
Innovators at NASA Johnson Space Center have developed a programmable steering wheel called the Tri-Rotor, which allows an astronaut the ability to easily operate a vehicle on the surface of a planet or Moon despite the limited dexterity of their spacesuit. This technology was originally conceived for the operation of a lunar terrain vehicle (LTV) to improve upon previous Apolloera hand controllers.
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Briefs: Materials
Recognizing the need for in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) to support long-duration human missions to the Moon and Mars, NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and Sidus Space have developed a novel three-dimensional print head apparatus using regolith-polymer mixtures as a building material.
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Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
A first-of-its-kind robotic glove is lending a “hand” and providing hope to piano players who have suffered a disabling stroke. Developed by researchers from Florida Atlantic University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science, the soft robotic hand exoskeleton uses artificial intelligence to improve hand dexterity.
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Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
A new soft sensor developed by UBC and Honda researchers opens the door to a wide range of applications in robotics and prosthetics. When applied to the surface of a prosthetic arm or a robotic limb, the sensor skin provides touch sensitivity and dexterity, enabling tasks that can be difficult for machines such as picking up a piece of soft fruit.
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Briefs: Lighting
Imagine a thin, digital display so flexible that you can wrap it around your wrist, fold it in any direction, or even curve it over your car’s steering wheel. Well, imagine no more — researchers at the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering at the University of Chicago have designed such a material.
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Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
Grasping objects is a problem that is easy for a human, but challenging for a robot. Researchers designed a soft, 3D-printed robotic hand that cannot independently move its fingers but can still carry out a range of complex movements.
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Briefs: Imaging
Inspired by the human finger, MIT researchers have developed a robotic hand that uses high-resolution touch sensing to accurately identify an object after grasping it just one time.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
This system can track the motion of the entire body with a small sensory network.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
NASA is developing the next generation of spacesuits for future missions.
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Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
The R2 hand and forearm assembly is designed in a modular fashion, enabling rapid replacement of components and sub-assemblies.
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NASA Spinoff: Manufacturing & Prototyping
Eye surgery patients on Earth are benefiting from early research on the NASA’s James Webb Telescope’s enormous mirrors.
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Briefs: Motion Control
The highly customizable robotic arm can be twisted and turned in all directions.
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NASA Spinoff: Aerospace
NASA’s grip-strengthening glove technology aims to reduce workplace stress injuries.
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Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
The software can be integrated with existing hardware to aid people using robotic prosthetics or exoskeletons.
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Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
Neuroprosthetic technology combines robotic control with the user’s voluntary control.
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Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
These shape memory robotic arms eliminate the need for joints, rigid skeletons, or framework.
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Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
The suit can be controlled with a double tap to the chest or via an app.
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Briefs: Imaging
The technology has possible uses in monitoring disorders that affect fine motor skills such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
The device paves the way for better prosthetic control and seamless interaction with electronic devices.
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Briefs: AR/AI
The technology could improve the control of prosthetic hands and provide a sense of “touch” for amputees.
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Briefs: Energy
This work could help severely injured people, such as soldiers, regain the ability to control their movements.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
This system can track the motion of the entire body with a small sensory network.
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Briefs: Imaging
The system turns faces into thermostats, providing more comfort with less energy.
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Briefs: Electronics & Computers
This lightweight, portable garment is designed for active shoulder and elbow positioning.
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