Tech Briefs

Mechanical/​Mechatronics

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

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Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
The robots move more quickly on solid surfaces or in the water than previous generations of soft robots.
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Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
The suit can be controlled with a double tap to the chest or via an app.
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Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
The sensor technology could also be used to create clothing that detects a variety of pathogens and other threats.
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Briefs: Electronics & Computers
An ultra-small actuator has nanometer-scale precision.
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Briefs: Energy
The engine is approximately 10 billion times smaller than a car engine.
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Briefs: Electronics & Computers
The device combines with body power to treat tendon disease and damage, and sports injuries.
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Briefs: Test & Measurement
The system creates accurate defect standards for in-situ inspection systems.
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Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
An electrically driven soft valve paves the way for fully soft robots.
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Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
This robot can run, jump, carry heavy payloads, and turn on a dime.
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Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
SensiCut, a smart material-sensing platform for laser cutters, can differentiate among 30 materials commonly found in makerspaces.
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Briefs: Imaging
The camera combines lasers, computers, and terahertz waves to see “unseen” details.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
The film monitors how well aircraft and spacecraft withstand the mechanical stresses of flight.
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Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
A tiny sensor chip records multiple lung and heart signals along with body movements.
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Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
A silicon chip provides a low-cost solution to help machines see the world clearly.
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Briefs: Energy
A new anode for aqueous batteries uses seawater as an electrolyte.
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Briefs: Transportation
This practical technique uses magnetism to transmit electricity wirelessly to recharge electric cars, robots, or drones.
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Briefs: Test & Measurement
The technology could help improve the reliability and performance of lithium-ion batteries.
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Briefs: Imaging
The “nanoswimmers” could be used to remediate contaminated soil, improve water filtration, or even deliver drugs to targeted areas of the body.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Potential uses include MEMS accelerometers, vibration monitoring, and other precision motion control applications.
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Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
This mechanism improves rotordynamic stability in turbomachinery.
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Briefs: Aerospace
The low-density, graphene-based aerogel could make aircraft as quiet as a hairdryer.
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Briefs: Wearables
“Dumb” headphones are made smart by turning them into sensors.
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Briefs: Photonics/Optics
The optically powered machines self-assemble and could be used for nanoscale manipulation of tiny cargo.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Low-voltage DC stepper and servo drives offer space-saving options for applications traditionally handled by AC servo drives.
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Briefs: Energy
Applications include space structures, emergency shelters, backpack solar collectors, and inspection of hazardous environments.
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Briefs: Nanotechnology
Incorporating semiconductor components, microscopic robots are made to walk with standard electronic signals.
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Briefs: Test & Measurement
Directly visualizing external stresses of plastics is useful in development of materials with improved mechanical properties.
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Briefs: Electronics & Computers
The camera was designed for use in space and other extreme environments.
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Briefs: Energy
The technology could be key to lighter, less expensive, and long-lasting batteries for future electric vehicles.
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