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.

39,49,73
-1
240
30
Briefs: Data Acquisition
Edge computing, focused applications, and open connectivity let designers start with little data on their digital transformation journey.
Feature Image
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
The sensor monitors the oil circulation ratio in real time for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
Feature Image
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Sensors need to be flexible, stretchable, biodegradable, safe, and stable for use in the body.
Feature Image
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
The technology could continuously monitor fluid flow in pipes on the International Space Station and prevent satellites from colliding.
Feature Image
Briefs: Aerospace
This technology has potential across many industries including water reclamation and treatment, and waste destruction in liquid waste streams.
Feature Image
Briefs: Green Design & Manufacturing
Researchers have demonstrated that they can attract, capture, and destroy perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of federally regulated substances nicknamed “the forever chemicals”...
Feature Image
Briefs: Transportation
The material is designed for high-temperature applications in aircraft, building insulation, personal protective clothing, industrial, and automotive.
Feature Image
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
A stretchable system can harvest energy from human breathing and motion.
Feature Image
Briefs: Materials
The polyimide composites have uses in aerospace, automotive, construction, electronics, mechanical systems, and industrial machinery.
Feature Image
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
The integrated tool eliminates the need for manual operators or additional custom fixtures.
Feature Image
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Applications include aiding patients with impaired hand muscle strength and in manufacturing for operating tools for extended periods of time.
Feature Image
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
This system provides low-cost, reliable 3D LiDAR images in nearly any lighting condition.
Feature Image
Briefs: Materials
A technique enables manufacturing of minuscule robots by interlocking multiple materials in a complex way.
Feature Image
Briefs: Transportation
Adding polymers and fireproofing to a battery’s current collectors makes it lighter, safer, and about 20% more efficient.
Feature Image
Briefs: Energy
Battery reuse systems could be profitable for both electric vehicle companies and grid-scale solar operations.
Feature Image
Briefs: Energy
This technology charges lithium batteries faster and reduces the risk of device explosions.
Feature Image
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
The unit could help healthcare workers caring for COVID-19 patients.
Feature Image
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Applications include aerospace, automotive, commercial spaceflight, scuba diving equipment, and for first responders.
Feature Image
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
This system provides low-cost monitoring for machine health with audio-based artificial intelligence.
Feature Image
Briefs: Packaging & Sterilization
The system uses off-the-shelf materials combined with ultraviolet lights to decontaminate N95 masks.
Feature Image
Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
The material, commonly found in house paint, can be used in a device to more efficiently process information.
Feature Image
Briefs: Automotive
The battery could be used for drones, cars, or underwater applications at low temperatures.
Feature Image
Briefs: Aerospace
Applications include retractable covers and awnings, camera booms, and spacecraft and astronaut positioning.
Feature Image
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
NASA's phase-locked rotors reduce noise.
Feature Image
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
These switches are key to thermal management of nanoscale devices, refrigeration, data storage, thermal computing, and heat management of buildings.
Feature Image
Briefs: Wearables
Researchers developed a wearable technology that can hide its wearer from heat-detecting sensors such as night vision goggles, even when the ambient temperature changes. The technology can...
Feature Image
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Kirigami balloons could be used in shape-changing actuators for soft robots, minimally invasive surgical devices, and macro structures for space exploration.
Feature Image
Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
These hands, with a large grasping force, enable safer human-robot interactions.
Feature Image
Briefs: Power
The tiny motor can be powered by both thermal and electrical energy.
Feature Image

Videos