Elastic Polymer is Both Stiff and Tough

Elastic polymers, known as elastomers, can be stretched and released repeatedly and are used in applications such as gloves and heart valves, where they need to last a long time without tearing. But...

Method Recycles Facemasks into Roads to Combat COVID-Generated Waste

Making one kilometer of a two-lane road would use up about three million masks.

NASA’s Robotic Glove Finds its Fit

NASA’s grip-strengthening glove technology aims to reduce workplace stress injuries.

Measurement Method Tests Fit of Exoskeletons

This testing method ensures that an exoskeleton and the person wearing it are moving smoothly and in harmony.

Mask Prototype Can Detect COVID-19 Infection

The sensor technology could also be used to create clothing that detects a variety of pathogens and other threats.

ARTEMIS III: Return to the Surface

The third flight of SLS and Orion will carry the first woman and first person of color to the Moon.

Keeping Warmer in the Great Outdoors

A long-time apparel insulator develops its own takes on popular NASA spinoff 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...

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.

High-Performance, Energy-Absorbing Material

The new material could provide efficient and reusable protection from shock, vibration, and explosion.

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.

AI and Wearable Cameras Combined in Self-Walking Robotic Exoskeletons

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

Soft Robots Turn Rigid on Demand

A new type of control system may broaden robots’ range of tasks and allow safer interactions with people.

New Capabilities for Grasp-Assisting Gloves

Applications include aiding patients with impaired hand muscle strength and in manufacturing for operating tools for extended periods of time.

Multipurpose Batteries Make it Easier to Get Around on Mars

NASA-funded research by Clemson University scientists could lead to the creation of lighter, faster-charging batteries suitable for powering a spacesuit or even a Mars rover.

Ultra-Thin, Battery-Free Strain Sensors for Industrial Robotic Arms

These nanomaterial strain sensors are ten times more sensitive when measuring minute movements compared to existing technology.

Inexpensive Method Decontaminates Personal Protective Equipment

The system uses off-the-shelf materials combined with ultraviolet lights to decontaminate N95 masks.

Upper Body Robotic Exoskeleton

This lightweight, portable garment is designed for active shoulder and elbow positioning.

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...

Durable, Washable Textile Coating Repels Viruses

This coating could lead to safely reusable personal protective equipment.

5 Ws of Slip-Resistant Shoe Coatings

MIT researchers are developing a shoe coating that provides a stronger grip on ice and other slippery surfaces.

Wool Mask Used to Fight Fires in Space Improves Fire Equipment on Earth

Wool from special sheep keeps astronauts and emergency responders safe.

Carbon Nanotube/Polymer Composites with Electrical and Thermal Characteristics

These composites could improve how unmanned vehicles dissipate energy.

Executive Roundtable: 3D Printing

Tech Briefs posed questions to 3D printing/AM industry execs, to get their views on issues like metal printing, new materials, and environmental sustainability.

Wearable Air Conditioning

This on-skin electronic device provides a personal air conditioner without electricity.

Material Combination Strengthens Body Armor

The new body armor can safeguard against even more powerful firearms during combat.

5 Ws of Microlattice Pads for Improved Helmets

With the new microlattice pads, players will have greater protection from both single hits and a series of impacts.