Tech Briefs

Sensors & Test

Access our comprehensive library of technical briefs on sensors and test, from engineering experts at NASA and government, university, and commercial laboratories.

Briefs: Imaging

Autonomous HVAC System Measures Facial Temperature

The system turns faces into thermostats, providing more comfort with less energy.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

New Method Makes Computer Memory from Titanium Oxide

The material, commonly found in house paint, can be used in a device to more efficiently process information.

Briefs: Test & Measurement

Handheld Device Measures Cancer Biomarkers

Researchers have created the prototype for a handheld device to measure a biomarker for cancer. The device works much like the monitors that people with diabetes use to test their blood-sugar levels...

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Wearable Device Measures Cortisol in Sweat

This patch offers noninvasive and continuous monitoring of various biomarkers for a range of physiological conditions.

Briefs: Test & Measurement

Handheld Device Diagnoses Skin Cancer

The device could reduce the need for painful biopsies by 50 percent.

Briefs: Medical

Pill-Sized Heating Device for Diagnostic Testing

Combined with smartphone technology, the device becomes a portable system that can track, monitor, and diagnose infections.

Briefs: AR/AI

“Stethoscope” Monitors Machine Quality and Functionality

This system provides low-cost monitoring for machine health with audio-based artificial intelligence.

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

Cavity-Enhanced Absorption Spectroscopy (CEAS) for Ozone Detection

This simple and inexpensive design achieves high-quality ozone measurements.

Briefs: Test & Measurement

Microstrip Circuit and Material Characterization System

The system enables measurement of active or passive microstrip line devices with DC probing capability.

Briefs: Test & Measurement

Robot Takes Contact-Free Measurements of Patients’ Vital Signs

The mobile system could reduce healthcare workers’ exposure to the COVID-19 virus.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Upper Body Robotic Exoskeleton

This lightweight, portable garment is designed for active shoulder and elbow positioning.

Briefs: AR/AI

Earphone Tracks Facial Expressions, Even with a Facemask

The device can translate expressions into emojis or silent speech commands.

Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control

Tactile Robot Finger with No Blind Spots

This robotic finger has a highly precise sense of touch over a complex, multi-curved surface.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

High-Resolution X-Ray Camera System

The system has applications in X-ray spectroscopy, pump probes, and molecule imaging.

Briefs: Imaging

3D Camera Merges Depth and Spectral Data

The camera collects the spatial and spectral information required for self-driving cars, machine vision, corrosion detection, and other applications.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Glove-Like Device Mimics Sense of Touch

The soft, wearable device simulates the sense of touch and has wide potential in medical and industrial applications.

Briefs: Imaging

3D X-Ray Imager for 3D Object Retrieval

Applications include characterizing additively manufactured components and baggage screening.

Briefs: Wearables

Device Camouflages Wearer from Heat-Detecting Sensors

Researchers developed a wearable technology that can hide its wearer from heat-detecting sensors such as night vision goggles, even when the ambient temperature changes. The technology can...