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.

-1
1260
30
Briefs: AR/AI
This AI turns even the blurriest photo into realistic computer-generated faces in HD.
Feature Image
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
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.
Feature Image
Briefs: Wearables
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.
Feature Image
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Monitoring urine sugar levels is important during early stages of diabetes, and diaper sensors represent an attractive solution.
Feature Image
Briefs: Motion Control
Vibration-absorbing resonators could better soundproof walls and make vehicles more streamlined.
Feature Image
Briefs: Motion Control
The tiny motors mimic how rock climbers navigate inclines.
Feature Image
Briefs: Energy
The soft and stretchable device converts movement into electricity and can work in wet environments.
Feature Image
Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
In a collapsed building or on rough terrain, a robot could balance itself and move forward with just its feet.
Feature Image
Briefs: AR/AI
The technology could improve the control of prosthetic hands and provide a sense of “touch” for amputees.
Feature Image
Briefs: Test & Measurement
A system uses tiny magnetic beads to rapidly measure the position of muscles and relay that information to a bionic prosthesis.
Feature Image
Briefs: AR/AI
Artificial intelligence helps train robots to work together to move an object around two obstacles and through a narrow door in computer simulations.
Feature Image
Briefs: Materials
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...
Feature Image
Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
Applications include manufacturing structural components for aerospace vehicles, cars, trucks, trains, ships, and submarines.
Feature Image
Briefs: Energy
The reaction converts 90% of plastic to jet fuel and other valuable hydrocarbon products within an hour at moderate temperatures.
Feature Image
Briefs: Materials
This work could help severely injured people, such as soldiers, regain the ability to control their movements.
Feature Image
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
These tactile imaging sensors can measure pressure distribution without using pressure-sensitive materials.
Feature Image
Briefs: Energy
This fuel cell could power a variety of transportation modes such as unmanned underwater vehicles, drones, and eventually electric aircraft.
Feature Image
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Designed for soldier uniforms, the fiber can sense, store, analyze, and infer activity when sewn into a piece of clothing.
Feature Image
Briefs: Communications
The approach could lead to more flexible health monitors, wearable devices, sensors, optical communication systems, and soft robotics.
Feature Image
Briefs: Energy
Synthesis of fiber-metal laminates is performed using RF plasma spray deposition.
Feature Image
Briefs: Energy
A folded plastic bladder could store and pump the fuel.
Feature Image
Briefs: Imaging
Exoskeleton legs are capable of thinking and making control decisions on their own using artificial intelligence technology.
Feature Image
Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
Printers can be identified by their unique hot end, aiding intellectual property and security.
Feature Image
Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
High-yield synthesis of carbon nanotubes is enabled via free electron laser ablation.
Feature Image
Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics
An atom-based sensor can determine the direction of an incoming radio signal.
Feature Image
Briefs: Test & Measurement
These antennas dramatically increase the amount of information that can be simultaneously transmitted by a coherent light source.
Feature Image
Briefs: Motion Control
A low-cost, dynamically controlled surface for 3D printers reduces waste and saves time.
Feature Image
Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
A deep-learning technique optimizes the arrangement of sensors on a robot’s body to ensure efficient operation.
Feature Image
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
The soft robot harvests energy from a laser beam and can crawl on horizontal surfaces and climb vertical walls and an upside-down glass ceiling.
Feature Image

Videos