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: Medical
This gel-like material leads a path toward “mechanoceuticals.”
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Briefs: Transportation
This technique offers enhanced resolution and improved system reliability for mapping and obstacle recognition and navigation for vehicles.
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Briefs: Materials
The technology could help call attention to important traffic information when it’s dark, with potential benefits for both drivers and pedestrians.
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Briefs: Green Design & Manufacturing
These sensors monitor electrical loads from household appliances to support grid operations.
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Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
The new technology demonstrates a 20 percent savings in fuel in typical passenger car low-load operating conditions.
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Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Sensors in the hand can actually detect forces being transmitted through the thickness of the robot.
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Briefs: Transportation
A quantum material could offset energy demand of artificial intelligence.
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Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
The new filament allows low-cost printers to produce parts with mechanical properties competitive with injection molded plastics.
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Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
The miniaturized, autonomous, reconfigurable solar sail is capable of very fine maneuvering by small surface deformation.
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Briefs: Software
This method provides a fast way to assess rocket engine performance in a variety of operating conditions.
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Briefs: Energy
Solid-State Lithium Battery
This thin film battery can be used for on-package power in mass market electric vehicles (EVs) and electronic devices.
Briefs: Green Design & Manufacturing
Applications exist both on Mars and on Earth.
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Briefs: Transportation
Bio-Inspired Propulsion
Frequencies and passive dynamics of vehicles moving in air or water help enhance propulsion performance.
Briefs: Unmanned Systems
A fleet of “roboats” could transport people, collect trash, and self-assemble into floating structures.
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Briefs: Energy
A new design enables artificial photosynthesis to generate fuel that can power homes and vehicles.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
An inexpensive gyroscope could help drones and autonomous cars stay on track without a GPS signal.
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Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Electrical cables are used in services such as power delivery, automation signaling, and communications.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
This system can amplify a faint signal from a neighboring system even when that signal’s amplitude is as small as ten trillionths of a meter.
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Briefs: Wearables
The rainproof, stainproof technology turns clothing into self-powered remotes while turning away bacteria.
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Briefs: Materials
A new method could enable vehicles and equipment to better withstand high temperatures, loads, and speeds.
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Briefs: Test & Measurement
This method uses fiber optic probes for measurement of semiconductors, optical coatings, magnetic read/write heads, and precision machines.
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Briefs: Imaging
Researchers described a new strategy of designing metamolecules.
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Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
This diffuser provides double the pumping efficiency in one-quarter the space.
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Briefs: Electronics & Computers
This passive device relies on a layer of material that blocks incoming sunlight but lets heat radiate away.
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Briefs: Medical
An inexpensive 3D-printed microfluidics device could be used to personalize cancer treatment.
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Briefs: Test & Measurement
This device could enable rapid, inexpensive liquid biopsies to help detect cancer and develop targeted treatment plans.
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Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Applications include distributed computer systems, computer security, and commercial satellite systems.
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Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
The technique could be used to improve navigation for robots, drones, or pedestrians.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
This diagnostic device allows doctors to detect cancer quickly from a droplet of blood or plasma.
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