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
1470
30
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
The structures’ small size and porosity make them well-suited for building components such as replacement joints.
Feature Image
Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
Synthetic materials can mimic how living organisms expand and contract soft tissues, achieving complex 3D movements and functions.
Feature Image
Briefs: Nanotechnology
Bioinspired cellulose nanofibrils can be controlled by electricity.
Feature Image
Briefs: Energy
This technology provides highly efficient grid-scale electricity storage at a fifth of the cost of current storage technologies.
Feature Image
Briefs: Energy
The cathodes could enhance energy density of next-generation Li-ion batteries.
Feature Image
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
The alloy could influence the way energy storage devices are designed and manufactured.
Feature Image
Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
Emerging robotics technology may lead to better buildings in less time.
Feature Image
Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
These robots could perform basic healthcare tasks to support the work of doctors and nurses.
Feature Image
Briefs: Motion Control
A prototype version could be demonstrated on a large cargo lunar lander.
Feature Image
Briefs: Energy
Shape and environment can cause materials to move without motors or hands.
Feature Image
Briefs: Motion Control
These actuators can compete with electrical and pneumatic systems.
Feature Image
Briefs: Aerospace
The tiny device accurately measures acceleration in smaller navigation systems and other devices.
Feature Image
Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
A new type of control system may broaden robots’ range of tasks and allow safer interactions with people.
Feature Image
Briefs: Imaging
The intelligent camera features all three resolutions: spatial, temporal, and spectral.
Feature Image
Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics
This system enables battery-free ocean exploration with applications ranging from marine conservation to aquaculture.
Feature Image
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
The system provides high tuning capability and extreme simplicity.
Feature Image
Briefs: Energy
The alloy has applications in jet turbine disks and other high-stress and/or high-temperature environments.
Feature Image
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Medical instruments equipped with a soft electronics system improve diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in minimally invasive surgeries.
Feature Image
Briefs: Materials
A combination of polymers and oligomers, when combined with UV light, almost completely kills the coronavirus.
Feature Image
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
This technology could be a low-cost, in-home alternative to blood draws and clinic-based screening tools.
Feature Image
Briefs: Energy
A new electrocatalyst efficiently converts carbon dioxide into ethanol.
Feature Image
Briefs: Energy
The energy storage device can store a charge up to 900 times greater than state-of-the-art supercapacitors.
Feature Image
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
The instrument could bring powerful sensing and imaging capabilities into hospitals, airports, or other settings.
Feature Image
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
This compact beam steering technology has applications in autonomous navigation, AR, and neuroscience.
Feature Image
Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
Edge computing, focused applications, and open connectivity let designers start with little data on their digital transformation journey.
Feature Image
Briefs: Materials
Inspired by camel fur, a two-layered material could provide extended cooling to preserve the freshness of perishable goods.
Feature Image
Briefs: Medical
The device recharges the internal battery of implants without invasive surgery.
Feature Image
Briefs: Imaging
This nanoparticle-based adhesive is visible in common imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT).
Feature Image

Videos