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

LogFire

The software automatically checks mission operations logs.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

WiFi RSSI Sensor Tracker for the ISS

This software could also be used for indoor navigation assistance for the visually impaired.

Briefs: IoMT

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: Materials

Pollen-Based Paper Bends and Curls in Response to Humidity

The paper-like material could be useful in soft robots, sensors, artificial muscles, and electric generators.

Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control

Predicting In-Flight Air Density for More Accurate Landing

An algorithm runs onboard a vehicle, providing important real-time data to aid in steering the craft.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

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: Robotics, Automation & Control

Navigation Algorithm Enables Drones to Learn Acrobatic Maneuvers

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

Briefs: Data Acquisition

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: Motion 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: Robotics, Automation & Control

Materials Capable of Self-Propulsion

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

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

High-Torque Light-Powered Actuator

These actuators can compete with electrical and pneumatic systems.

Briefs: Robotics, Automation & 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: RF & Microwave Electronics

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: Robotics, Automation & Control

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: Test & Measurement

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.