Tech Briefs

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A comprehensive library of technical briefs from engineering experts at NASA and major government, university, and commercial laboratories covering all aspects of innovations in electronics, software, photonics, imaging, motion control, automation, sensors, test, materials, manufacturing, mechanical, and mechatronics.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Graphene-Reinforced Carbon Fiber
Briefs: Unmanned Systems
Hummingbird Robot Uses AI to Maneuver in Tight Spaces
Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
Nanomaterial Gives Robots Chameleon Skin
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Top Stories

Blog: Unmanned Systems

Can We Trust A.I.? Modeling Tool Quantifies How Much a Machine Doesn't Know

Podcasts: Software

Here's an Idea: An ‘Aerodrome’ Testing Ground for Unmanned Aircraft

Videos: Defense

Tomorrow's Fastest Jet

INSIDER: Design

Biomorphic Batteries Could Provide 72 Times More Energy for Robots

Videos: Defense

SQUID 2.0: Autonomously-Stabilizing, Ballistically Launched Drone

Blog: Automotive

What's Best for Autonomous Cars: LiDAR vs Radar vs Cameras

Latest Tech Briefs

Briefs: Test & Measurement
Ultra-Sensitive Device Detects Magnetic Fields
The magnetic device is inexpensive to make, works on minimal power, and is 20 times more sensitive than many traditional devices.
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Wireless “Pacemaker” for the Brain
This neurostimulator could deliver fine-tuned treatments to patients with diseases such as epilepsy and Parkinson’s.
Briefs: Materials
Liquid-Repelling Substance Works on All Surfaces
The new coating can eliminate complex disinfectant procedures for protective face shields.
Briefs: Data Acquisition
Electronic “Skin” Brings Sense of Touch and Pain to Prosthetic Hands
The “E-dermis” will enable amputees to perceive through prosthetic fingertips.
Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
Automated Robotic Device for Faster Blood Testing
This technology provides rapid results, improving hospital workflow and patient care.
Briefs: Semiconductors & ICs
Breathable Electronics for Wearable Technologies
The material was designed specifically for biomedical or wearable technologies, since sweat and volatile organic compounds evaporate away from the skin.
Briefs: Materials
Smart Fabrics with Bioactive Inks Monitor the Body by Changing Color
Bioactive inks printed on wearable textiles can map conditions over the entire surface of the body.
Briefs: Motion Control
Soft Robotic Insect Survives Being Flattened by a Flyswatter
The ultra-light robotic insect can be folded or crushed, yet continues to move.
Briefs: Materials
Occulter for CubeSat Coronagraph
The instrument has uses in photography where the goal is to image a dim object near a bright one.
Briefs: Materials
Blinking Artificial Human Eye Replica for Disease Modeling and Drug Testing
This eye-on-a-chip can help treatment of dry eye disease.
Briefs: Test & Measurement
Comb-on-a-Chip Optical Ruler Measures Colors of Light Waves
The newest version of these combs could revolutionize clocks, telescopes, and telecommunications.
Briefs: Medical
Smartphone App Detects Early Signs of Eye Disorders in Children
The CRADLE app allows parents to screen their children for eye disorders more often throughout their development.
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Technologies Interpret Mood from the Skin
Smart devices measure electrical signals from the skin, indicating stress levels and emotions.
Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics
Quantum Sensor Enables Wide Spectral Coverage
The sensor could provide a way to detect communication signals over the entire radio frequency from 1 to 100 GHz.
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Laser Technology Assesses Cancer Cells
Laser light induces ultrasonic vibrations in a sample that can be used to image cells, blood vessels, and tissues.
Briefs: Materials
Biomaterial Shields Against Harmful Radiation
A new form of melanin can protect human tissue from X-rays during medical treatment or spaceflight.
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Electronic Diodes Demonstrate Performance Beyond 5G
Applications include high-speed communications, networking, and sensing.
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
EEG-Based Technique for Controlling a Robotic Arm with the Brain
This technique can be used by people who are paralyzed or have neurodegenerative diseases.
Briefs: Data Acquisition
Formula May Help 5G Wireless Networks Share Communications Frequencies
This method of machine learning could make communications in the unlicensed bands much more efficient.
Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics
Electronically Controlled 2D Reflector Improves Microwave Communications
Flat-panel technology could transform antennas, wireless, and cellphone communications.
Briefs: Wearables
Technology Integrates Electronics onto Physical Prototypes
In place of flat breadboards, 3D-printed CurveBoards enable easier testing of circuit design on electronics products.
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Hermetically Sealed Semiconductors
A new encapsulation technique protects electronic properties of sensitive materials.
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Miniature Electronic Devices Work Under Extreme Pressure
Pop-up miniature electronics based on the Japanese art of kirigami can be repeatedly compressed.
Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
Thermally Conductive, Stretchable Rubber Material
This material could be used for artificial muscles that power bio-inspired robots.
Briefs: Materials
Aerogels Protect Against Electromagnetic Interference
Aerogels based on cellulose nanofibers can effectively shield electromagnetic radiation over a wide frequency range.
Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
Technique Mass-Produces Cell-Sized Robots
This process could lead to tiny, self-powered devices for environmental, industrial, or medical monitoring.
Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
4D Printing Creates Microneedles to Replace Hypodermics
Inspired by parasites, the tiny needles could help eliminate painful shots.
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Electronics Cooling Using Additive Manufacturing
Additive manufacturing creates cooling solutions with sizes and shapes not previously possible.
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Quantum Error Correction Method
This method provides a key step toward quantum computers, sensors, and distributed quantum information.
Question of the Week
Can Courtesy Be Programmed Into Self-Driving Cars?

Webcasts

Tech Talks: Communications

Amplifying Satellite Communications: Next-Generation Deployable Antenna Mesh

On-Demand Webinars: Electronics & Computers

Calibre nmLVS-Recon Early Circuit Verification Helps Reduce Time to Market

On-Demand Webinars: Electronics & Computers

Introduction to Visualizer for VHDL Users

On-Demand Webinars: Electronics & Computers

What Is This RISC-V Thing, Anyway?

On-Demand Webinars: Automotive

Verification of ADAS and Autonomous Vehicles

Webinars: Medical

Making Medical Device Designs Possible with Innovative Silicone Elastomers

Trending Stories

Application Briefs: Software

Using the IoT for Predictive Maintenance

Q&A: Energy

Q&A: Charge Wirelessly as You Drive

Articles: Manufacturing & Prototyping

Connecting the Digital Twin: From Idea Through Production, to Customers and Back

Briefs: Materials

Electrically Conductive Anodized Aluminum Surfaces

INSIDER: Robotics, Automation & Control

Biomorphic Batteries Could Provide 72 Times More Energy for Robots

INSIDER: Energy

Scientists Boost Stability and Efficiency of Next-Gen Solar Tech

Videos