Manufacturing & Prototyping

3D Motion Tracking System for Autonomous Technology

The system could one day replace LiDAR and cameras in automated manufacturing, biomedical imaging, and autonomous driving.

Swimming Living Robots Can Self-Train

Biobots based on muscle cells can swim at unprecedented velocities.

Nanosized Foldable Robots

The machines fold themselves within 100 milliseconds and can flatten and refold thousands of times.

Large Integrated Circuits Produced in a Printing Press

Complete integrated circuits with more than 1,000 organic electrochemical transistors can be screen-printed.

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.

Biodegradable Displays for Sustainable Electronics

Thanks to its flexibility and adhesion, the biodegradable display can be worn directly on the hand.

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.

Heated Facemask Filters and Inactivates Coronaviruses

The reusable mask would include a heated copper mesh powered by a battery and surrounded by insulating neoprene.

Quantum-Dot Infrared Cameras for Electronics and Self-Driving Cars

The inexpensive cameras are easy to produce.

Novel Flexible Terahertz Camera Can Inspect Objects with Diverse Shapes

A flexible, free-standing THz sensor array images blind ends of irregularly shaped objects.

New Electron Microscopy Technique Offers First Look at Previously Hidden Processes

Northwestern researchers have developed a new microscopy method that allows scientists to see the building blocks of “smart” materials being formed at the nanoscale.

RFID-Based Rotary Position Sensor

Innovators have developed an RFID-based system for sensing the angular position of rotating systems. The RFID-Based Rotary Position Sensor can be used as a position/orientation sensor or implemented in a...

Accelerometer and Gyroscope Designs Based on Carbon Nanotube Tape

NASA Marshall Space Flight Center developed designs for two micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) motion and position sensors: a single-axis accelerometer and a gyroscope....

Oxide Dispersion Strengthened Medium Entropy Alloy

This additively manufactured alloy is tailored for high-temperature applications.

3D-Printed Nanosatellite Thruster Emits Pure Ions

The thruster provides a low-cost, extremely efficient propulsion source for miniature satellites.

Catalyst Makes Styrene Manufacturing Cheaper and Greener

This could reduce the environmental impact of styrene manufacturing.

Tiny 3D-Printed Bricks Enable Bone and Soft Tissue Repair

Flea-sized, hollow blocks can be filled with materials that improve healing.

Extreme Low-Frequency Hydrophone

Applications include monitoring of earthquakes and tsunamis as well as manmade infrasonic sources such as boats.

3D Printing of Gels and Soft Materials

A new method could jump-start the creation of tiny medical devices for the body.

Cord Tension Measurement Device

Potential applications include parachutes, hot air balloons, weather balloons, blimps, sails, and parasails.

Rapid 3D Printing of Biomedical Parts

The structures’ small size and porosity make them well-suited for building components such as replacement joints.

2D Materials Capable of Forming Complex 3D Shapes

Synthetic materials can mimic how living organisms expand and contract soft tissues, achieving complex 3D movements and functions.

Cobalt-Free Cathodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries

The cathodes could enhance energy density of next-generation Li-ion batteries.

High-Resolution Multi-Spectral Camera

The intelligent camera features all three resolutions: spatial, temporal, and spectral.

Smartphone-Based Diabetes Detector

This technology could be a low-cost, in-home alternative to blood draws and clinic-based screening tools.

Building Big Data from Little Data

Edge computing, focused applications, and open connectivity let designers start with little data on their digital transformation journey.

Low-Cost Strengthened Glass Substrates

These glass substrates can be used for displays on smartphones and tablets and for other durable, impact-resistant applications.

Ultrasonic Projector

A chip-based technology generates sound profiles with high resolution and intensity to make ultrasound therapy more effective and easier.

Metasurface Focuses Transmissions in the Terahertz Band

Assembling tiny chips into unique programmable surfaces dramatically increases the amount of data wireless systems can transmit.