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'Self-Aware' Sensing Material Powers Itself

A "self-aware," self-powering material can be used in heart stents, bridges, and even space.

How to Make an RFID Chip Even Smaller

NC State researchers have made what they believe to be the smallest state-of-the-art RFID chip: a device measuring 125 micrometers (μm) by 245μm.

With 'Ghost'-Like Physics, Optical Rectennas Generate Power from Wasted Heat

Researchers from CU Boulder gave their optical "rectennas" a ghost-like way to turn wasted heat into power.

How to Simulate Powertrain Systems: What is Toughest to Model?

A reader asks: "What are the main challenges in simulating powertrain systems? What do we struggle to model now?"

Researchers Make 3D-Printable Jelly (For Robots, Not Toast)

A better aerogel features a kind of biological scaffold made from a surprising ingredient found in nature: seaweed.

Metal-Free Battery Degrades on Demand

A team from Texas A&M developed a battery that's metal-free and replaces cobalt with organic, recyclable materials.

Navigation System Guides Robot Through Busiest Hospital Areas

Computer scientists at UC San Diego developed a navigation system that will allow robots to better negotiate busy environments in a hospital

How to Design an Antiviral Surface for the COVID-19 Era

By adjusting a surface's wettability and texture, IIT Bombay researchers demonstrate how to best limit the spread of coronavirus.

A 'Living Material' of Microalgae Offers New Ideas, From Energy to Fashion

An international team used 3D printers and a novel bioprinting technique to print algae into living, photosynthetic materials that are tough and resilient.

'Magic' Software Makes Complex DNA Robots, Faster

New software being developed at Ohio State University will allow creation of more complex DNA robots, at much faster speeds.

Wearable Sensor Detects Toxic Gases, With a Hologram

Wearable gas sensors being developed at the Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH) display an instantaneous visual holographic alarm.

What Role Will Plastics Play in Battery Electric Vehicles?

Tech Briefs readers ask a series of questions about the future of plastics in battery electric vehicles.

A First Step for Humans on Mars: NASA's Rover Makes Oxygen

The technology demonstration is a first step in showing that humans could someday live (and breathe) on Mars.

A Sustainable Support for 3D Printing: Moving Metal Pins

A new, sustainable take on the 3D printer reduces waste by eliminating the need for printed supports.

A Super-Thin Element Offers 'Positive' Potential for Transparent Electronics

Researchers from RMIT have introduced an ultra-thin material for semiconductors that could lead to transparent electronics.

A New Aluminum Anode Leads to Error-Free Rechargeable Batteries

Researchers from Cornell University have redesigned the battery so that aluminum more easily integrates into a battery's electrodes.

A Photonic 'Sunflower' Offers New Ideas for Light-Driven Systems

Taking inspiration from the insect, Tufts researchers created light-activated composite devices that execute precise, visible movements and form complex three-dimensional shapes, like a "photonic sunflower. "

A Warning System for Self-Driving Cars Learns from Failures

The A.I. system learns from thousands of real-traffic situations, when a self-driving car stopped unexpectedly.

Readers Select 2020 Products of the Year

This year's winners included industrial-automation software, simulation tech, and digital storage oscilloscopes.

With A.I., Robotic Exoskeletons Gain Self-Control

Robotics researchers are developing exoskeleton legs capable of thinking and making control decisions on their own using sophisticated artificial intelligence (AI) technology.

How Much Dynamic Range Do You Need from a Radar Sensor?

Long-range radar is used in air-traffic control. Short-range radar supports automotive applications like collision avoidance. How do you know what range you need for your application?

A 'Wearable Microgrid' Powers Your Devices

You have the power. That's the idea behind a "wearable microgrid" from the University of California San Diego that harvest and stores energy from your body to power electronics.

Deadline Extended: Enter the ‘Create the Future’ Contest

The 2021 “Create the Future” Design Contest is open, and we want to hear your big ideas.

As Vehicles Becomes More Complex, What Should Be Tested First?

Software and electrical engineering is converging in today’s vehicles. A reader asks our expert: “How do you decide which items to test first?”

A Robot ‘Hears,’ Using Ear from a Locust

A robot being developed at Tel Aviv University "hears" electrical signals, thanks to a natural sensor: the ear of a dead locust.

A Robot Walks — No Electronics Needed

To move, a new UCSD robot just needs a constant source of pressurized air.

How to Build and Test a Robotic Remote-Control for Ventilators

Dr. Axel Krieger from Johns Hopkins University explains how he is getting a robotic system ready for the fight against COVID-19.

A Former NASA Mission Manager Reflects on a 'Flawless' Mars Landing

Darin Skelly spoke with Tech Briefs about how he felt during the landing of the Perseverance rover, and what he's most looking forward to finding out about Mars.

A New Kind of Soft Pump, The Size of a Credit Card

What can you do with a credit card sized pump? "Power clothing!" Prof. Jonathan Rossiter tells Tech Briefs?