Tech Briefs

Electronics & Software

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Access our comprehensive library of technical briefs on electronics and software, from engineering experts at NASA and major government, university, and commercial laboratories.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Sound Waves Power Advances in Smart Materials
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Ultra-Thin, Energy-Efficient Photodetector Integrated with Gorilla Glass
Briefs: Software
Algorithm Gives Robots a Faster Grasp
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Get the latest breakthroughs from NASA & other technology sources.

Top Stories

Podcasts: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Here's an Idea: Hearing Aids

Blog: Software

Self-Driving Model Navigates a Tough Traffic Problem: Narrow Streets

INSIDER: Motion Control

“Sound Tweezers” Pick Up Objects Without Contact

Blog: Software

How to Bring Digital Twins to 'Any System'

Videos: Photonics/Optics

Bendy Ice Uncurls Without Breaking

Blog: Manufacturing & Prototyping

How the Scalable 'Coventor' Stacks Up to a Traditional Ventilator

Latest Tech Briefs

Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
In-Line, Automated CT Scan Data Inspection of Electronic Connectors
A production-based X-ray solution performs product quality evaluation directly on the manufacturing line.
Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
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.
Briefs: Energy
Carbon Fiber Structural Battery for “Mass-Less” Energy Storage in Vehicles
The carbon fiber serves as the electrode, conductor, and load-bearing material.
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Flywheel Energy Storage Continues to Advance Green Initiatives
Flywheels offer an environmentally and financially sound choice for protecting critical operations.
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Light-Based “Tractor Beam” Assembles Materials at the Nanoscale
The size and shape of the nanostructure can be controlled as it is assembled piece by piece.
Briefs: Communications
Servo Motion Improves Robot Operations
Servo motion control delivers powerful, fast, and precise movement onboard robots and for associated equipment.
Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
Magnet-Controlled Bioelectronic Implant for Relieving Pain
This could make possible embedded devices like a spinal cord-stimulating unit with a battery-powered magnetic transmitter on a wearable belt.
Briefs: Energy
Photovoltaic Solar Cell Works at Night
This cell could potentially operate around the clock, balancing the power grid over the day-night cycle.
Briefs: Software
GPS-Enhanced Onboard Navigation System (GEONS)
The open-architecture flight software package provides solutions for onboard orbit determination.
Briefs: Energy
Pyroelectric Sandwich Thermal Energy Harvester
The technology harvests electrical energy from waste heat sources.
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Winglet with Injected Flow
Injection of air at the trailing edge of a winglet further reduces drag.
Briefs: Energy
Electrolyte Boost Improves Performance of Aqueous Dual-Ion Batteries
New cell chemistry utilizes less costly and more abundant materials than lithium-ion batteries.
Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics
Robot Detects and Shares Changes in 3D in Real Time
A robot could immediately alert a human of small changes in their surrounding environment.
Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
System for In-Situ Defect Detection in Composites During Cure
This system enhances processing via real-time, non-destructive defect tracking.
Briefs: Motion Control
3D Motion Tracking System for Autonomous Technology
The system could one day replace LiDAR and cameras in automated manufacturing, biomedical imaging, and autonomous driving.
Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics
Nanosized Foldable Robots
The machines fold themselves within 100 milliseconds and can flatten and refold thousands of times.
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Air-Powered Robot Needs No Electronics
The walking quadruped is controlled and powered by pressurized air.
Briefs: Energy
Sensors Eliminate Sparking Risk in Hydrogen Vehicles
One of the final hurdles to hydrogen power is securing a safe method for detecting hydrogen leaks.
Briefs: Automotive
3D Holographic Head-Up Display Could Improve Road Safety
The LiDAR-based system could “see through” objects to warn of potential hazards without distracting the driver.
Briefs: Aerospace
Monolithic Optical Parametric Oscillator for Laser Spectrometer
Applications include remote sensing, laser spectroscopy, and gas analysis.
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Large Integrated Circuits Produced in a Printing Press
Complete integrated circuits with more than 1,000 organic electrochemical transistors can be screen-printed.
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
AI System Discovers New Material
The algorithm identified a new compound potentially useful for photonic devices and biologically inspired computers.
Briefs: Transportation
Nanotransistors Stay Cool at High Voltages
The transistors enable power converters to perform at substantially improved efficiencies, especially in high-power applications.
Briefs: Test & Measurement
Software Improves Accuracy of 3D-Printed Parts
The software could help reduce cost and waste for companies using additive manufacturing to mass-produce parts in factories.
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Polymer-Based Electrical Insulation for Circuits
The new material could help put more power in smaller microchips.
Briefs: Wearables
Biodegradable Displays for Sustainable Electronics
Thanks to its flexibility and adhesion, the biodegradable display can be worn directly on the hand.
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Nanowire Could Provide a Stable Superconducting Transistor
The technology could boost quantum computers and other superconducting electronics.
Briefs: Motion Control
High Bus Voltage Stepper Motor Systems
New high bus voltage stepper motor systems avoid the complexity and expense of servo motors.
Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics
Transport of Mechanical Energy, Even Through Damaged Pathways
This work could lead to much more robust devices that continue to operate in spite of damage.
Question of the Week
Will ‘Air Power’ Boost the Use of Soft Robots?

Webcasts

On-Demand Webinars: Medical

The Pathway to Successful Device Development

Upcoming Webinars: Test & Measurement

How to Protect Your Projects from Moisture and Pressure: 5 Common...

Upcoming Webinars: Motion Control

Crucial Considerations When Choosing the Right Enclosure for Your...

Upcoming Webinars: Photonics/Optics

Advanced Components to Enhance Laser System Performance

Upcoming Webinars: Automotive

Innovations and Techniques for Joining Dissimilar Materials

Upcoming Webinars: Manufacturing & Prototyping

Considerations When Selecting Heat Shrink Processing Equipment

Trending Stories

Articles: Manufacturing & Prototyping

A Guide to Collaborative Robot Safety

INSIDER: Nanotechnology

Infrared Imaging by Ultrathin Nanocrystal Layers

Articles: Communications

Key Factors to Consider When Designing a Smart Factory

Articles: Manufacturing & Prototyping

What Does Resolution Mean in 3D Printing?

Briefs: Materials

Electronic Tattoo Enables Uninterrupted Heart Monitoring for Extended Periods

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

PATTERNS: Panoptic Aspect Time Triggered Ethernet Robust Network Scheduler, Version 1.0

Videos