Tech Briefs

A comprehensive library of technical briefs from engineering experts at NASA and major government, university, and commercial laboratories covering all aspects of innovations in electronics, software, photonics, imaging, motion control, automation, sensors, test, materials, manufacturing, mechanical, and mechatronics.

Briefs: Unmanned Systems

Air Traffic Simulation Tool

This evaluation tool for low-altitude air traffic operations can be used by the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) industry.

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Insulation Material Enables More Efficient Electricity Distribution

High-voltage direct current cables can more efficiently transport electricity over long distances.

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

Coating Protects Fragile Quantum Electronics

The protective coating works like body armor for the atomically thin materials.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Device Detects Which Hand Gesture a Person Intends to Make

The device paves the way for better prosthetic control and seamless interaction with electronic devices.

Briefs: Materials

One-Atom-Thin 2D Magnet

The ultrathin magnet could advance new applications in computing and electronics.

Briefs: Green Design & Manufacturing

Microbe Turns Waste into Industrial Chemical

The method could be applied to carbon waste streams.

Briefs: Imaging

Using Solar Technology to Power Smart Devices Indoors

An already ubiquitous material in outdoor photovoltaic modules could be repurposed for indoor devices with low-capacity batteries.

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

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: Communications

System Harvests Energy from Radio Waves to Power Wearable Devices

The electricity can be used to power wireless devices or to charge energy storage devices such as batteries and supercapacitors.

Briefs: AR/AI

Photonic Integrated Chip for Improved Light Control

This combination of technologies could enable developments for many optical applications.

Briefs: Semiconductors & ICs

Coherent Optical Transistor

Applications include telecommunications, optical switching, and quantum computing.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Macroflash Cup Cryostat

The compact instrument measures thermal conductivity of materials at below ambient temperatures.

Briefs: AR/AI

Artificial Intelligence Creates Sharp Images from Blurry Photos

This AI turns even the blurriest photo into realistic computer-generated faces in HD.

Briefs: Wearables

Ultra-High Performance Flexible Ultraviolet Sensors for Use in Wearables

To enable the development of wearable devices that possess advanced ultraviolet (UV) detection functions, scientists have created a new type of light sensor that is both flexible and highly sensitive.

Briefs: Communications

Tiny, Wireless, Injectable Chips Use Ultrasound to Monitor Body Processes

Implantable chips visible only in a microscope point the way to developing chips that can be injected into the body with a hypodermic needle to monitor medical conditions.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Making Patient Care Easier: Self-Powered Diaper Sensors that Monitor Urine Sugar Levels

Monitoring urine sugar levels is important during early stages of diabetes, and diaper sensors represent an attractive solution.

Briefs: Motion Control

Built-In Vibration Control to Soundproof Spaces

Vibration-absorbing resonators could better soundproof walls and make vehicles more streamlined.

Briefs: Motion Control

Hydrodynamic Effect Helps Motorized Objects Navigate Inclines

The tiny motors mimic how rock climbers navigate inclines.

Briefs: Energy

Liquid Metal Turns Motion into Electricity, Even Underwater

The soft and stretchable device converts movement into electricity and can work in wet environments.

Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping

Faster Path Planning for Rubble-Roving Robots

In a collapsed building or on rough terrain, a robot could balance itself and move forward with just its feet.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Liquid Metal Sensors and AI Help Prosthetic Hands “Feel”

The technology could improve the control of prosthetic hands and provide a sense of “touch” for amputees.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Magnets Improve Control of Prosthetic Limbs

A system uses tiny magnetic beads to rapidly measure the position of muscles and relay that information to a bionic prosthesis.

Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control

Independent Collaborative Robots

Artificial intelligence helps train robots to work together to move an object around two obstacles and through a narrow door in computer simulations.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Graphite-Based Sensor for Wearable Medical Devices

Researchers have developed graphene-based sensing technology using G-Putty material — a highly malleable graphene blended putty. The printed sensors are 50 times more sensitive than the...