Motion Control

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

3D Motion Tracking System for Autonomous Technology

The system could one day replace LiDAR and cameras in automated manufacturing, biomedical imaging, and autonomous driving.

Briefs: Motion Control

Swimming Living Robots Can Self-Train

Biobots based on muscle cells can swim at unprecedented velocities.

Briefs: Imaging

AI and Wearable Cameras Combined in Self-Walking Robotic Exoskeletons

Exoskeleton legs are capable of thinking and making control decisions on their own using artificial intelligence technology.

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Chemically Driven Wheels “Morph” Into Gears

A catalytic reaction causes a two-dimensional, chemically coated sheet to spontaneously morph into a three-dimensional gear.

Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control

Nanosized Foldable Robots

The machines fold themselves within 100 milliseconds and can flatten and refold thousands of times.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Air-Powered Robot Needs No Electronics

The walking quadruped is controlled and powered by pressurized air.

Briefs: Motion Control

Soft Tactile Sensor with Skin-Comparable Characteristics for Robots

The design could contribute to various applications in the robotics field such as smart prosthetics and human-robot interaction.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

High Bus Voltage Stepper Motor Systems

New high bus voltage stepper motor systems avoid the complexity and expense of servo motors.

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Transport of Mechanical Energy, Even Through Damaged Pathways

This work could lead to much more robust devices that continue to operate in spite of damage.

Briefs: Motion Control

Accelerometer and Gyroscope Designs Based on Carbon Nanotube Tape

NASA Marshall Space Flight Center developed designs for two micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) motion and position sensors: a single-axis accelerometer and a gyroscope....

Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping

RFID-Based Rotary Position Sensor

Innovators have developed an RFID-based system for sensing the angular position of rotating systems. The RFID-Based Rotary Position Sensor can be used as a position/orientation sensor or implemented in a...

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Hinge Design Helps Quadrotors Climb

The new hinge is the key to get loadbearing, large quadrotors to climb a few dozen feet in seconds.

Briefs: Aerospace

Cord Tension Measurement Device

Potential applications include parachutes, hot air balloons, weather balloons, blimps, sails, and parasails.

Briefs: Motion Control

Robotic Construction System

Emerging robotics technology may lead to better buildings in less time.

Briefs: AR/AI

3D Structural-Sensing Robots

These robots could perform basic healthcare tasks to support the work of doctors and nurses.

Briefs: Aerospace

Lightweight Crane Technology for the Moon

A prototype version could be demonstrated on a large cargo lunar lander.

Briefs: Materials

Materials Capable of Self-Propulsion

Shape and environment can cause materials to move without motors or hands.

Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control

High-Torque Light-Powered Actuator

These actuators can compete with electrical and pneumatic systems.

Briefs: Automotive

Laser-Light-Based Accelerometer

The tiny device accurately measures acceleration in smaller navigation systems and other devices.

Briefs: Motion Control

Soft Robots Turn Rigid on Demand

A new type of control system may broaden robots’ range of tasks and allow safer interactions with people.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

System Standardization Streamlines Industrial Designs

Equipment designers can simplify design efforts and adjust controller platforms as needed when they standardize on electronic input/output products.

Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control

Charging Port for Autonomous Drone Swarms

Hundreds of drones can recharge autonomously on unmanned ground vehicles.

Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control

Keeping Drones Flying When a Motor Fails

Onboard cameras can be used to keep damaged quadcopters in the air and flying stably, even without GPS.

Briefs: Materials

Stretchable Micro-Supercapacitors Self-Power Wearable Devices

A stretchable system can harvest energy from human breathing and motion.

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

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: Manufacturing & Prototyping

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: Automotive

Collision Detector Mimics Locust Swarms

This detector could help robots, drones, and self-driving cars avoid collisions.