Magazine

Briefs: Communications

Chemistry Approach for More Robust Soft Electronics

The approach could lead to more flexible health monitors, wearable devices, sensors, optical communication systems, and soft robotics.

Briefs: Materials

Fiber-Metal Laminate Manufacturing Technique

Synthesis of fiber-metal laminates is performed using RF plasma spray deposition.

Briefs: Materials

Origami Solves Challenge of Storing and Moving Rocket Fuel

A folded plastic bladder could store and pump the fuel.

Briefs: Data Acquisition

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.

Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping

“Fingerprints” for 3D Printers

Printers can be identified by their unique hot end, aiding intellectual property and security.

Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping

Method Produces Fine-Grained Targets

High-yield synthesis of carbon nanotubes is enabled via free electron laser ablation.

Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics

Atom-Based Radio Communications

An atom-based sensor can determine the direction of an incoming radio signal.

UpFront: Aerospace

UpFront: September 2021 Tech Briefs

NASA Washing Machine Designs Go for a Spin Right now, there is no laundry service in space. Astronaut garments aren’t washed. They are put onto ships that burn up in the atmosphere. At NASA Glenn,...

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

Multiplexed Optical Antennas

These antennas dramatically increase the amount of information that can be simultaneously transmitted by a coherent light source.

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Moving Platform for 3D Printing Reduces Waste and Costs

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

Products: RF & Microwave Electronics

New on the Market: September 2021

Power distribution units, pressure sensors, connector straps, and more.

Briefs: Materials

Algorithm Designs Soft Robots That Sense

A deep-learning technique optimizes the arrangement of sensors on a robot’s body to ensure efficient operation.

Briefs: Energy

Centimeter-Long Snail Robot Powered with Light

The soft robot harvests energy from a laser beam and can crawl on horizontal surfaces and climb vertical walls and an upside-down glass ceiling.

Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics

Conformal, Lightweight, Aerogel-Based Antenna

The flexible antenna was designed for active aeronautical satellite communications.

Briefs: Wearables

Wearable Sensor Helps ALS Patients Communicate

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

Facility Focus: Wearables

Facility Focus: The Pennsylvania State University School of Engineering

Learn about the batteries, skin sensors, flexible antennas, and other cutting-edge research coming from Penn State Engineering.

Briefs: Aerospace

Service Valve for In-Orbit Cooperative Satellite Fueling

The valve enables telerobotic resupplying of media such as propellant and pressurant.

Briefs: Communications

Human Reflexes Keep Two-Legged Robot Upright

The robot can walk, run, jump, and interact with the environment in synchrony with a human operator.

Briefs: Materials

Sustainable 3D-Printed Magnets

An alternative, environmentally friendly production method creates permanent magnets.

Q&A: RF & Microwave Electronics

Q&A: Flexible, Printable, Tunable Microwave Resonator Arrays

Fiorenzo Omenetto, Frank C. Doble Professor of Engineering at Tufts University School of Engineering, Dean of Research, and Director of the Tufts Silklab led a team that has produced...

Articles: Software

Executive Roundtable: Cloud Software

Tech Briefs asked 5 execs: What should a user consider before moving to the cloud?

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Cladding and Freeform Deposition for Coolant Channel Closeout

This method is a faster way to manufacture combustion chambers and nozzles for aerospace propulsion as well as heat exchangers in oil and gas applications.