Tech Briefs

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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: RF & Microwave Electronics
Artificial Intelligence Creates Sharp Images from Blurry Photos
This AI turns even the blurriest photo into realistic computer-generated faces in HD.
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Built-In Vibration Control to Soundproof Spaces
Vibration-absorbing resonators could better soundproof walls and make vehicles more streamlined.
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
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: Software
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: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
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: Motion Control
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: Software
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: Materials
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...

Briefs: Aerospace
Abnormal Grain Growth Suppression in Aluminum Alloys
Applications include manufacturing structural components for aerospace vehicles, cars, trucks, trains, ships, and submarines.
Briefs: Energy
Technology Converts Waste Plastics to Jet Fuel
The reaction converts 90% of plastic to jet fuel and other valuable hydrocarbon products within an hour at moderate temperatures.
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Imitating Human Hands to Make Better Sensors
This work could help severely injured people, such as soldiers, regain the ability to control their movements.
Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
Universal Tactile Sensing with Electromechanically Coupled Conductors
These tactile imaging sensors can measure pressure distribution without using pressure-sensitive materials.
Briefs: Aerospace
Fuel Cell Boosts Electric-Powered Vehicles
This fuel cell could power a variety of transportation modes such as unmanned underwater vehicles, drones, and eventually electric aircraft.
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Programmable Fiber Provides Power and Transmits Data
Designed for soldier uniforms, the fiber can sense, store, analyze, and infer activity when sewn into a piece of clothing.
Briefs: Test & Measurement
Chemistry Approach for More Robust Soft Electronics
The approach could lead to more flexible health monitors, wearable devices, sensors, optical communication systems, and soft robotics.
Briefs: Aerospace
Fiber-Metal Laminate Manufacturing Technique
Synthesis of fiber-metal laminates is performed using RF plasma spray deposition.
Briefs: Materials
Origami Solves Challenge of Storing and Moving Rocket Fuel
A folded plastic bladder could store and pump the fuel.
Briefs: Data Acquisition
AI and Wearable Cameras Combine in Self-Walking Robotic Exoskeletons
Exoskeleton legs are capable of thinking and making control decisions on their own using artificial intelligence technology.
Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
“Fingerprints” for 3D Printers
Printers can be identified by their unique hot end, aiding intellectual property and security.
Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
Method Produces Fine-Grained Targets
High-yield synthesis of carbon nanotubes is enabled via free electron laser ablation.
Briefs: Communications
Atom-Based Radio Communications
An atom-based sensor can determine the direction of an incoming radio signal.
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Multiplexed Optical Antennas
These antennas dramatically increase the amount of information that can be simultaneously transmitted by a coherent light source.
Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
Moving Platform for 3D Printing Reduces Waste and Costs
A low-cost, dynamically controlled surface for 3D printers reduces waste and saves time.
Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
Algorithm Designs Soft Robots That Sense
A deep-learning technique optimizes the arrangement of sensors on a robot’s body to ensure efficient operation.
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Centimeter-Long Snail Robot Powered with Light
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.
Briefs: Materials
Conformal, Lightweight, Aerogel-Based Antenna
The flexible antenna was designed for active aeronautical satellite communications.
Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
Wearable Sensor Helps ALS Patients Communicate
A skin-like device can measure small facial movements in patients who have lost the ability to speak.
Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
Service Valve for In-Orbit Cooperative Satellite Fueling
The valve enables telerobotic resupplying of media such as propellant and pressurant.

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Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

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Videos