A stretchable system can harvest energy from human breathing and motion.
Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
Miniscule Robots of Metal and Plastic
A technique enables manufacturing of minuscule robots by interlocking multiple materials in a complex way.
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Electronic Skin Sensor Decodes Human Motion
This system can track the motion of the entire body with a small sensory network.
Briefs: Motion Control
Locking Side Pull Hoist Ring
The integrated tool eliminates the need for manual operators or additional custom fixtures.
Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
New Capabilities for Grasp-Assisting Gloves
Applications include aiding patients with impaired hand muscle strength and in manufacturing for operating tools for extended periods of time.
Briefs: Motion Control
Collision Detector Mimics Locust Swarms
This detector could help robots, drones, and self-driving cars avoid collisions.
Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
High-Efficiency Megawatt Motor
This partially superconducting machine can be used as a motor or generator.
Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
Human-Like Hands with Flexible, Hybrid Pneumatic Actuators
These hands, with a large grasping force, enable safer human-robot interactions.
Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
Compact, Long-Reach Robotic Arm
Applications include retractable covers and awnings, camera booms, and spacecraft and astronaut positioning.
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
3D-Printed Miniature Magnetic Pump
The magnetic, multi-material pump was 3D-printed all in one piece.
Briefs: Motion Control
Multirotor Aircraft Noise Reduction
NASA's phase-locked rotors reduce noise.
Briefs: Motion Control
16-Atom Molecular Motor
The tiny motor can be powered by both thermal and electrical energy.
Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
Octopus-Inspired Soft Robotic Arm
The Tentacle Bot can grip, move, and manipulate a wide range of objects.
Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
Testing Swarming Drones
This system has a capacity of more than 1,500 times the volume of a typical testing facility.
Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
Soft, Self-Actuated Pump for Mechatronic Devices
A soft hydrogel, driven by an oscillatory chemical reaction, produces an autonomous integrated pump for microfluidic applications.
Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
Origami-Inspired Miniature Manipulator
This mini robot improves precision and control of teleoperated surgical procedures.
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Soft Robotic Insect Survives Being Flattened by a Flyswatter
The ultra-light robotic insect can be folded or crushed, yet continues to move.
Briefs: Motion Control
EEG-Based Technique for Controlling a Robotic Arm with the Brain
This technique can be used by people who are paralyzed or have neurodegenerative diseases.
Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
Hummingbird Robot Uses AI to Maneuver in Tight Spaces
The robots could fly silently for covert operations and stay steady through turbulence.
Briefs: Motion Control
Thermally Conductive, Stretchable Rubber Material
This material could be used for artificial muscles that power bio-inspired robots.
Briefs: Materials
Aerogels Protect Against Electromagnetic Interference
Aerogels based on cellulose nanofibers can effectively shield electromagnetic radiation over a wide frequency range.
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Process Creates Soft Actuated Objects Using Commercial Knitting Machines
This approach could be used to cost-effectively make soft robots and wearable technologies.
Briefs: Motion Control
Gripper Handles Freely Moving Cables
The gripper’s soft, sensitive fingers could enable robots to help with tying knots, wire shaping, or surgical suturing.
Briefs: Unmanned Systems
Wireless Aquatic Robot Cleans Water
Inspired by a coral polyp, this plastic mini robot moves by magnetism and light.
Briefs: Motion Control
Planetary Exploration Rover Avoids Sand Traps with “Rear Rotator Pedaling”
Complex locomotion techniques enable the rover to climb hills covered with soft granular material.
Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
Flexible Feet Help Robots Walk Faster
This technology can help robots walk up to 40 percent faster on uneven terrain such as pebbles and wood chips.
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Fluid-Filled Frequency-Tunable Mass Damper
Applications include absorbers, tuned mass dampers, harmonic absorbers, and seismic dampers.
Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
4D Printing of Morphing Structures
A new method manufactures complex shapeshifters for soft robots and biomedical implants.
Briefs: Motion Control
Bio-Inspired Propulsion
Frequencies and passive dynamics of vehicles moving in air or water help enhance propulsion performance.
Top Stories
Blog: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
A Former NASA Mission Manager Reflects on a 'Flawless' Mars Landing
Blog: Robotics, Automation & Control
A Robot Walks — No Electronics Needed
Videos: Photonics/Optics
'LaserFactory' Manufactures Fully Functional Devices & Drones
Videos: Imaging
Watch NASA's Perseverance Rover Land on Mars
INSIDER: Imaging
High-Speed Infrared Reveals Safer Hypergolic Propellant
INSIDER: Motion Control
Question of the Week
Do You See Applications for Electronics-Free Robots?
Webcasts
Upcoming Webinars: Materials
Ultra-High Purity Silicone in Aerospace and Defense Product Design
Webinars: Medical
Lunch & Learn: Pitfalls of Medical Cord Sets
Upcoming Webinars: Automotive
A Four-Pillar Approach to Driving Greater Efficiency ePowertrain...
Upcoming Webinars: Automotive
Confident TCU Connectivity Through Efficient Functional Testing
Upcoming Webinars: Transportation
7 Levers for Electric and Autonomous Vehicles
Upcoming Webinars: Robotics, Automation & Control
Trending Stories
Application Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Using the IoT for Predictive Maintenance
Articles: Electronics & Computers
Smart Sensor Technology for the IoT
Briefs: Physical Sciences
Green PCB Removal From Sediment Systems (GPRSS)
Articles: Electronics & Computers
New SAE Wireless Charging Standard is EV Game-Changer
Articles: Robotics, Automation & Control
Metallic Glass Shatters Gear Limitations
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
A Solid-State Alternative to the Vacuum Photomultiplier Tube
