Blog

Tech Briefs writers and editors share their opinions and find the fun, interesting, and unexpected stories behind today's leading-edge inventions.

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Blog: Energy
As I was scrolling through research lab press releases for a Q&A column, one caught my eye: “Remote High-Voltage Sensor Unveiled at Sandia Gamma Ray Lab.” High voltage is not the sexiest of technology...
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Blog: Manufacturing & Prototyping
More “talking across industries” can drive growth in additive manufacturing, says an industry expert.
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Blog: Energy
Dropped by a drone, the battery-free devices hover 100 meters in the air.
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Blog: Imaging
A reader asks an expert how self-driving cars can operate without LiDAR.
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Blog: Sensors/Data Acquisition
See what Ed Brown’s early days as a high-voltage power supplies designer tell him about today’s efforts with A.I.
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Blog: Packaging & Sterilization
Tiny manufactured nanopillars slice and dice bacteria, cicada-style.
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Blog: Materials
1 Year? 5 years? 10? A reader wants an industry expert to predict when 3D printing will truly catch on in automotive manufacturing.
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Blog: Electronics & Computers
The future of computing is in fabrics, says Prof, Yoel Fink from MIT.
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Blog: Robotics, Automation & Control
The wire harness is changing as vehicles become “computers on wheels.” A reader asks how electrification impacts the wiring harness.
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Blog: Design
You can design something special when you begin with a blank piece of paper on a wall. Editor Ed Brown shares a lesson learned from his early days as an engineer.
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Blog: Software
A reader asks about the role of simulation when automakers like Toyota have a more “model-based” design approach.
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Blog: Electronics & Computers
An MIT team has a water-free way to charge up dust on solar panels and repel it away.
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Blog: Power
A reader asks how to check the longevity and capacity of vehicle batteries.
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Blog: Electronics & Computers
Makers of a brain-computer interface recall a memorable achievement in prosthetics: A presidential handshake.
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Blog: Power
An industry expert supports a “diesel engine without the diesel fuel.”
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Blog: Materials
A plastic known as 2DPA-1 is super-strong and super-light.
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Blog: Software
A reader asks: Is the design approach for electric vehicles similar to a vehicle with an internal combustion engine?
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Blog: Manufacturing & Prototyping
The two components offer predictable responses that support new robots and new energy-absorbing materials.
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Blog: Test & Measurement
Which machinery requires constant monitoring? According to one industry expert, the answer boils down to “Criticality.”
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Blog: Electronics & Computers
Data centers have found a more efficient way of handling power. So, what led to the better power path?
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Blog: Manned Systems
Are we really ready for hydrogen fuel cell trucks? An industry expert from Toyota talks about how hydrogen power is already being used in Los Angeles.
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Blog: Power
For hydrogen-powered engines to reach a mainstream adoption, there are questions about infrastructure and regulation that must be answered.
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Blog: Photonics/Optics
There are some things you just can't do at a virtual trade show. Editor Bruce A. Bennett walks the floor at SPIE Photonics West.
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Blog: Robotics, Automation & Control
Editor Bruce A. Bennett reports from SPIE Photonics West 2022 in San Francisco.
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Blog: Robotics, Automation & Control
A combination of materials can morph into various shapes before hardening.
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Blog: Energy
An everyday material that we all know well may lead to safer, longer-lasting batteries for the electric vehicle.
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Blog: Electronics & Computers
What's so tough about developing a car? A Tech Briefs reader wants to know the most challenging subsystem of the vehicle to build.
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Blog: Manufacturing & Prototyping
Have a look at the 'Best of Innovation' technologies at CES 2022, including a foldable EV, "see and spray" agriculture, ocean batteries, and more.
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Blog: Connectivity
Panelists at CES 2022 spoke about the automotive industry's response to customers who have gotten used to life "on demand."
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