Tech Briefs

Mechanical/​Mechatronics

Topics:

Access our comprehensive library of mechanical and mechatronics technical briefs, from engineering experts at NASA and government, university, and commercial laboratories.

Briefs: Semiconductors & ICs
Universal Tactile Sensing with Electromechanically Coupled Conductors
Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
Algorithm Designs Soft Robots That Sense
Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
Centimeter-Long Snail Robot Powered with Light
subscribe to newsletter
Each week get the latest tech briefs & key industry topics…delivered to your inbox!

Top Stories

Blog: Robotics, Automation & Control

A 3D-Printed 'Fish Fin' Offers New Ideas for Morphing Aircraft

Blog: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Intelligent Robots Pick, Prune in the Peach Orchard

INSIDER: Energy

More Efficient Electricity Distribution Thanks to New Insulation Material

Blog: Electronics & Computers

A 'Charging Room' Powers Devices Through the Air

Blog: Aerospace

Go for Launch: Scientists Explore Radiation Risks to Mars-Bound Astronauts

INSIDER: Power

Better Batteries for Grid-Scale Energy Storage

Latest Tech Briefs

Briefs: Transportation
Hybrid Membrane Doubles the Lifetime of Rechargeable Batteries
The membrane prevents dendrite formation, at least doubling the lifetime of a lithium-metal battery.
Briefs: Nanotechnology
NanoGear Molecular Gear
Oscillatory and rotational motions of different parts are combined to pave the way to developing super-miniaturized mechanical devices.
Briefs: Materials
Coiled Linear Actuators for Soft Robotics
This artificial muscle technology enables more human-like motion.
Briefs: Propulsion
Soft Mate Lifting Device
This below-the-hook device enables gentle crane placement to decrease the risk of property damage.
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Shape Memory Alloy Tubular Structure
Applications include vehicle and aircraft tires, sports helmets, military equipment, and seals and couplings.
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Standard Water Treatment Eliminates Enveloped Viruses Including Coronavirus
This treatment has the potential to remove from drinking water nearly all viruses that have an “outer fortress.”
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Spacecraft Atmosphere Carbon Dioxide Capture via Deposition
Applications include manned deep space exploration and terrestrial CO2 removal systems.
Briefs: Materials
New Spraying Method for Producing Ceramic Coatings
High-quality coated components can be integrated into complex systems in a sustainable way.
Briefs: Energy
“Cold Tube” Cools Without Air Conditioning
Chilled panels use less energy than conventional A/C and work in open spaces.
Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
Soft Robotic Gripper Based on Twining Plants
The robot firmly but gently grasps objects as small as 1 millimeter in diameter.
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Nanoparticle Gel Unites Oil and Water in Manufacturing-Friendly Approach
This novel gel-creation method could open applications in water filtration, batteries, and smart windows.
Briefs: Aerospace
Pre-Treatment Solution for Water Recovery
The solution increases water recovery, prevents mineral scaling, and cuts the volume of brines in half.
Briefs: Aerospace
Tension Element Damping (TED) with Hydraulics for Large Displacements
Applications include wind turbines, solar arrays, commercial space mobile launchers, and industrial process stacks and equipment.
Briefs: Test & Measurement
Fine-Tuning Alloys for High-Temperature Use
Superalloys that withstand extremely high temperatures could be finely tuned for specific properties such as mechanical strength.
Briefs: Motion Control
Periodic Wave Disc Brake Rotor
The lightweight brake rotor design with high heat dissipation uses novel surface cooling technology.
Briefs: Materials
Filters from Tree Branches Purify Drinking Water
Prototypes show promise as a low-cost, natural filtration option.
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Organic Material for Next-Generation HVAC Technologies
An enhanced polymer could be used for more energy-efficient systems with a smaller carbon footprint.
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Shape Memory Alloy (SMA)-Enabled Actuators
SMA tube elements drive rotary and ring gear motion in compact, powerful actuators.
Briefs: Transportation
System Identifies Battery Materials for Recycling
The Battery Identity Global Passport could be accessible as a scannable QR code or a computer chip.
Briefs: Energy
Process Creates Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen Fuel Cells
This technology can be used for large production volumes such as fuel-cell-powered vehicles.
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Safer, Longer-Lasting, Solid-State Batteries
Solid-state batteries offer a higher level of safety and potentially longer life than lithium-ion batteries.
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
High-Temperature Silicon Carbide Op Amps Fabrication
Applications include sensor signal conditioning in harsh conditions such as automotive, oil and gas operations, and firefighting.
Briefs: Software
Algorithm Gives Robots a Faster Grasp
The algorithm speeds up the planning process robots use to adjust their grip on objects for picking and sorting or tool use.
Briefs: Software
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: Materials
Designing Soft Materials that Mimic Biological Functions
The soft material demonstrates autonomous, heartbeat-like oscillating properties.
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
International Space Station Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED)
Terrestrial uses include physical therapy, clinical diagnosis, athletic training and performance, and robust exercise equipment.
Briefs: Wearables
Electronic Tattoo Enables Uninterrupted Heart Monitoring for Extended Periods
This wearable device is placed on the skin to measure a variety of body responses, from electrical to biomechanical signals.
Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
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: Unmanned Systems
Insect-Sized Agile Drones
These tiny aerial robots can operate in cramped spaces and withstand collisions.
Question of the Week
Will Our Buildings Store Energy Like Giant Batteries?

Webcasts

On-Demand Webinars: RF & Microwave Electronics

Advanced High-Peak-Power Semiconductor Laser Transmitter Solutions for LiDAR

Upcoming Webinars: Automotive

Software Reuse in Automotive Engineering

Upcoming Webinars: Automotive

Don’t Let the Future of High-Voltage Cables Shock You

Upcoming Webinars: Aerospace

Artemis: Back to the Moon

Upcoming Webinars: Automotive

Managing the Complexity of Sealing Battery Housings in Electric...

Upcoming Webinars: Automotive

Engineered Fillers for Vehicle Lightweighting: Doing More With...

Trending Stories

NASA Spinoff: Propulsion

Nanotechnology Repairs Engine Damage in Cars

NASA Spinoff: Manufacturing & Prototyping

Nanotechnology Repairs Engine Damage in Cars

Technology Leaders: Photonics/Optics

Optimizing 5G Fiber Optic Filament Production

Podcasts: Manufacturing & Prototyping

Here's an Idea: A Morphing Airplane Wing Built by Tiny Robots

Blog: Aerospace

A 3D-Printed 'Fish Fin' Offers New Ideas for Morphing Aircraft

Blog: RF & Microwave Electronics

A New Way to Launch Rockets: Microwave Power

Videos