Robotics, Automation & Control

Access our comprehensive library of technical briefs on robotics, automation & control, from engineering experts at NASA and government, university, and commercial laboratories.

Briefs: Aerospace

System Helps Drones Detect and Avoid Power Lines

This technology provides drones sufficient time and distance to react, avoid wires, and navigate follow-on maneuvers.

Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping

3D Printing of Gels and Soft Materials

A new method could jump-start the creation of tiny medical devices for the body.

Briefs: Aerospace

Navigation Algorithm Enables Drones to Learn Acrobatic Maneuvers

Autonomous quadcopters can be trained using simulations to increase their speed, agility, and efficiency.

Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control

Turbulence Model for Design of Aircraft Capable of Handling Extreme Scenarios

This model can be used to design better aircraft without having to wait months for supercomputer calculations.

Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control

Robotic Construction System

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

Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control

3D Structural-Sensing Robots

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

Briefs: Energy

Materials Capable of Self-Propulsion

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

Briefs: Materials

High-Torque Light-Powered Actuator

These actuators can compete with electrical and pneumatic systems.

Briefs: Materials

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: Robotics, Automation & Control

Underwater Navigation System Powered by Sound

This system enables battery-free ocean exploration with applications ranging from marine conservation to aquaculture.

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

Optical Phased Array Technology On-Chip at Near Infrared and Blue Wavelength

This compact beam steering technology has applications in autonomous navigation, AR, and neuroscience.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Obstacle-Avoiding Drone Uses Live Moth Antenna

“Smellicopter” uses a live moth antenna to avoid obstacles and seek out smells.

Briefs: Unmanned Systems

Charging Port for Autonomous Drone Swarms

Hundreds of drones can recharge autonomously on unmanned ground vehicles.

Briefs: Unmanned Systems

Algorithms Improve Quadrotor Drone Performance

The algorithms enable drones to quickly switch between hover and forward flight.

Briefs: Aerospace

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: Sensors/Data Acquisition

New Flexible and Highly Reliable Sensor

Real-time health monitoring and sensing abilities of robots require soft electronics, but a challenge of using such materials lies in their reliability.