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: Manufacturing & Prototyping
This novel gel-creation method could open applications in water filtration, batteries, and smart windows.
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Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Applications include sensor signal conditioning in harsh conditions such as automotive, oil and gas operations, and firefighting.
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Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
The solution increases water recovery, prevents mineral scaling, and cuts the volume of brines in half.
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Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
Applications include wind turbines, solar arrays, commercial space mobile launchers, and industrial process stacks and equipment.
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Briefs: Materials
Superalloys that withstand extremely high temperatures could be finely tuned for specific properties such as mechanical strength.
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Briefs: Transportation
The lightweight brake rotor design with high heat dissipation uses novel surface cooling technology.
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Briefs: Energy
Solid-state batteries offer a higher level of safety and potentially longer life than lithium-ion batteries.
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Briefs: Green Design & Manufacturing
Prototypes show promise as a low-cost, natural filtration option.
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Briefs: Energy
An enhanced polymer could be used for more energy-efficient systems with a smaller carbon footprint.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
The algorithm speeds up the planning process robots use to adjust their grip on objects for picking and sorting or tool use.
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Briefs: Software
A production-based X-ray solution performs product quality evaluation directly on the manufacturing line.
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Briefs: Semiconductors & ICs
The carbon fiber serves as the electrode, conductor, and load-bearing material.
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Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
The soft material demonstrates autonomous, heartbeat-like oscillating properties.
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Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Terrestrial uses include physical therapy, clinical diagnosis, athletic training and performance, and robust exercise equipment.
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Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
This wearable device is placed on the skin to measure a variety of body responses, from electrical to biomechanical signals.
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Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
The size and shape of the nanostructure can be controlled as it is assembled piece by piece.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
These tiny aerial robots can operate in cramped spaces and withstand collisions.
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Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
This could make possible embedded devices like a spinal cord-stimulating unit with a battery-powered magnetic transmitter on a wearable belt.
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Briefs: Electronics & Computers
The technology harvests electrical energy from waste heat sources.
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Briefs: Energy
Injection of air at the trailing edge of a winglet further reduces drag.
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Briefs: Imaging
This could lead to the commercial development of smart glass, with applications ranging from imaging to advanced robotics.
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Briefs: Motion Control
The system could one day replace LiDAR and cameras in automated manufacturing, biomedical imaging, and autonomous driving.
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Briefs: Motion Control
A catalytic reaction causes a two-dimensional, chemically coated sheet to spontaneously morph into a three-dimensional gear.
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Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
The machines fold themselves within 100 milliseconds and can flatten and refold thousands of times.
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Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
The walking quadruped is controlled and powered by pressurized air.
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Briefs: Photonics/Optics
One of the final hurdles to hydrogen power is securing a safe method for detecting hydrogen leaks.
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Briefs: Test & Measurement
Researchers have developed a millimeter-thick accelerometer.
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Briefs: Automotive
The LiDAR-based system could “see through” objects to warn of potential hazards without distracting the driver.
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Briefs: Nanotechnology
The transistors enable power converters to perform at substantially improved efficiencies, especially in high-power applications.
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