Mechanical/Mechatronics

Tech Briefs

Mechanical/Mechatronics

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

Briefs: Aerospace

Flow Disruption Devices for the Reduction of High Lift System Noise

Briefs: Transportation

Shape Sensing Innovations Dramatically Improve Structural Design Tools

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Robotic “Cockroach” Explores Underwater Environments

Get the latest breakthroughs from NASA & other technology sources.

Latest Tech Briefs

Briefs : Energy

Catalysis Approach Reduces Carbon Dioxide to Methane

This approach is a cost-effective way to convert carbon dioxide gas into methane.

Briefs : Green Design & Manufacturing

Recovery of Mercury and Rare Earth Elements from Fluorescent Lamp Phosphors

This method will enable safer fluorescent light recycling.

Briefs : Aerospace

SiC-Based Microstructures for Sensors

Ultra-thin SiC microstructures enable batch fabrication of MEMS, NEMS, pressure sensors, and biosensors.

Briefs : Sensors/Data Acquisition

Modular Toolbox Builds Safe Robots

Various components are used to assemble robots that are more aware of their surroundings.

Briefs : Test & Measurement

Process Turns Sand and Plant Materials into a Water Filtration Tool

According to the United Nations, 2.1 billion people lack access to safely managed drinking water services and the majority live in developing nations. A process was...

Briefs : Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Particle Robot Works as a Cluster of Simple Units

Loosely connected disc-shaped “particles” can push and pull one another, moving together to transport objects.

Briefs : Robotics, Automation & Control

Robot Performs Complex Maneuvers

An upgraded mini robot can leap over obstacles with ease.

Briefs : Materials

The Planetary Tides Simulation Facility for Simulation Tidal Strain in Planetary Ice Analogs

Applications include modeling of tidal stress response of icy satellites as well as fatigue of terrestrial ice shelves.

Briefs : Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Microrobot Powered by Soft Muscles

This microrobot with soft actuators can crash, fall, and collide without being damaged.

Briefs : Nanotechnology

Micro Device Detects Ebola Virus Using Bio-Sensors

The device can be used to pre-screen for the virus using gene-editing assays before those infected can travel and expose others.

Briefs : Energy

Pinpointing Consumption “Sweet Spot” Makes Formation Flight More Fuel-Efficient

A new method of estimating the optimal trailing aircraft position in a formation increases fuel savings.

Briefs : Photonics/Optics

Magneto-Optic Biosensor Using Bio-Functionalized Magnetic Nanoparticles

This technology is a novel, rugged, and economic diagnostic and sensor platform technology.

Briefs : Nanotechnology

Thin Heat Shield for Superfast Aircraft

A carbon nanotube heat shield can better protect extremely fast aircraft.

Briefs : Energy

Power System for Hybrid Heavy-Duty Trucks

Electric motors and gas-alcohol engines could slash pollution levels and greenhouse gases from long-haul trucks.

Briefs : Green Design & Manufacturing

Viable, Environmentally Friendly Alternative to Polystyrene Foam

This plant-based material can be manufactured using water as a solvent instead of other harmful solvents.

Briefs : Aerospace

Hardening Lightweight Metal Foams with Nanocoating

Load-bearing structures in cars and airplanes could be manufactured from the metal foam.

Briefs : Test & Measurement

Dynamic Mechanical Strain-Induced Temperature Gradient Coating

The non-destructive coating has applications in structural health monitoring, aerospace, automotive, and military/defense.

Briefs : Propulsion

CubeSat Form Factor Thermal Control Louvers

These louvers provide passive thermal cooling for CubeSats.

Briefs : Manufacturing & Prototyping

In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU): Methylotrophic Microorganisms Expressing Soluble Methane Monooxygenase Proteins

This technology enables methane metabolism by yeast.

Briefs : Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Self-Contained Wheel Unit

Researchers have developed a self-contained wheel unit that combines a wheel and an electric motor.

Briefs : Robotics, Automation & Control

Precision Low-Speed Motor Controller

The technology can be used in commercial motors, robotic systems, and hybrid and electric vehicles.

Briefs : Sensors/Data Acquisition

Algorithm Gives Robots a Faster Grasp

The algorithm speeds up the planning process that robots use to adjust their grip on objects.

Briefs : Motion Control

Artificial Skin Provides Haptic Feedback

The skin could help rehabilitation and enhance virtual reality by instantaneously adapting to a wearer's movements.

Briefs : Aerospace

Continuous Fiber Composite for Use in Gears

This lightweight material brings strength and durability to complex shapes.

Briefs : Manufacturing & Prototyping

Shape Memory Alloy Art (SMArt)

This hands-on, educational tool highlights the properties of SMA wire.

Briefs : Aerospace

De-Orbit Device for SmallSats

This retractable de-orbit device facilitates targeted re-entry, attitude and orbital control, and collision avoidance.

Briefs : Test & Measurement

Human Torso Simulator

The simulator could help in the development of new back braces.

Tech Briefs