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.

41,46
-1
720
30
Briefs: Wearables
These stickers wirelessly beam health readings to a receiver clipped onto clothing.
Feature Image
Briefs: Energy
A new method of estimating the optimal trailing aircraft position in a formation increases fuel savings.
Feature Image
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
This technology is a novel, rugged, and economic diagnostic and sensor platform technology.
Feature Image
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Embedded Gas and Temperature Sensors for Extreme Environments
Innovative process control systems for improved efficiency and lower emissions in current and future fossil-fuel-based power systems and related applications require durable, embedded sensor technology that can operate at higher temperatures and in harsh conditions.
Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
A technology uses a combination of WiFi signals and accelerometer technology to track devices in near-real-time.
Feature Image
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
A synthetic skin enables robots to sense their own bodies and surroundings
Feature Image
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
The algorithm speeds up the planning process that robots use to adjust their grip on objects.
Feature Image
Briefs: Materials
The skin could help rehabilitation and enhance virtual reality by instantaneously adapting to a wearer's movements.
Feature Image
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
This system uses fiber optic strain sensing to detect and locate micrometeoroid/orbital debris.
Feature Image
Briefs: Defense
Low-Bandwidth Radar Technology Provides Improved Detection of Objects
Radar technologies were originally designed to identify and track airborne military targets. Today, they're more often used to detect motor vehicles, weather formations, and geological terrain. Until now, scientists believed that radar accuracy and resolution are related to the...
Briefs: Communications
The reader uses a frequency multiplexer to boost its ability to accurately locate a greater number of RFID tags.
Feature Image
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Current laser interferometry pressure pulse detection techniques use the shock-induced change in index of refraction to track detonation and/or shock fronts in a single fiber optic by reflecting laser light...
Feature Image
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Innovators at NASA Johnson Space Center have developed a calorimeter that is able to measure the total heat generated when specific types of Lithium-ion (Li-ion) cells are driven...
Feature Image
Briefs: Packaging & Sterilization
This packaging provides protection for SiC sensors and electronics in harsh, hightemperature environments.
Feature Image
Briefs: Power
This technology provides simultaneous ohmic contacts and the process to make them.
Feature Image
Briefs: Software
The simulator could help in the development of new back braces.
Feature Image
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Technique Uses X-Rays to Detect Defective Computer Chips
This method also reverse-engineers computer chips to detect the chip’s purpose.
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
RFID-based devices work in indoor and outdoor lighting conditions and could transmit data for years before they need to be replaced.
Feature Image
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
This technology has applications in sonar, range measuring, directional-force sensors, flow meters, and vibration/noise sensing and control.
Feature Image
Briefs: Data Acquisition
This innovation dynamically provides fast signal processing and precision measurement.
Feature Image
Briefs: Wearables
Washable Sensor Can Be Woven Into Materials
The device could impact composites manufacturing and health monitoring.
Briefs: Materials
Undercooled metal technology was developed that features liquid metal (in this case, Field's metal, an alloy of bismuth, indium, and tin) trapped below its melting point in polished, oxide...
Feature Image
Briefs: Motion Control
Researchers have created a motion-powered, fireproof sensor that can track the movements of firefighters, steelworkers, miners, and others who work in high-risk environments where they cannot always be seen. The...
Feature Image
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
A perception system for soft robots was developed that is inspired by the way humans process information about their own bodies in space and in relation to other objects and people. The system includes a motion...
Feature Image
Briefs: Aerospace
Flying animals both power and control flight by flapping their wings. This enables small natural flyers such as insects to hover close to a flower but also to rapidly escape danger. Animal flight has...
Feature Image
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines are employed to locate cancerous tumors and aid in the development of treatment plans, while nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) machines are used to...
Feature Image
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Researchers have developed a fiber that combines the elasticity of rubber with the strength of a metal, resulting in a tougher material. The fibers consist of a gallium metal core surrounded...
Feature Image
Briefs: Imaging
Thermal cameras like forward looking infrared (FLIR) sensors are actively deployed on aerial and ground vehicles, in watch towers, and at check points for surveillance purposes. More recently,...
Feature Image
Briefs: Test & Measurement
X-ray Measurement Approach Could Improve CT Scanners
A new measurement approach could lead to a better way to calibrate computed tomography (CT) scanners, potentially streamlining patient treatment by improving communication among doctors.

Videos