Articles: Sensors/Data Acquisition
A Sensor that Fits Like a Glove
We recently had a discussion with Sri Peruvemba, VP of Strategy at BeBop Sensors (Berkeley, CA), about the technology and applications for their two-dimensional fabric sensor material. I started by asking Sri...
Briefs: Wearables
Graphene-Based Technology for Wearable Health Monitoring
Graphene Flagship partner ICFO, based in Barcelona, Spain is developing graphene-based prototypes that aim to turn mobile phones into life saving devices. The first of these will allow...
Articles: Materials
Products of Tomorrow: June 2019
This column presents technologies that have applications in commercial areas, possibly creating the products of tomorrow. To learn more about each technology, see the contact information provided for that...
Briefs: Energy
Graphene Coating Takes Oxygen Out of Lithium Battery Fires
Lithium batteries allow electric vehicles to travel several hundred miles on one charge. Their capacity for energy storage is well known — so is their tendency to occasionally...
Briefs: Transportation
Battery Electrolyte Doubles Driving Range for Electric Vehicles
Conventional electrolytes used in lithium-ion batteries that power household electronics like computers and cellphones are not suitable for lithium-metal batteries. Lithium-metal batteries that replace a graphite electrode with a lithium electrode are the holy grail of energy...
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
All-Fiber, Optically Controlled Optical Switch
An optical switch is a device where information-bearing light may be directed to one of several outputs. Prior art optical switches have mainly been integrated optical waveguide structures such as titanium-diffused (Ti) waveguides in lithium-niobate (LiNbO3) or gallium-arsenide (GaAs)...
An ingestible pill was developed that, upon reaching the stomach, quickly swells to the size of a soft, squishy ping-pong ball big enough to stay in the stomach for an...
Briefs: Test & Measurement
Systems and Methods for Correcting Optical Reflectance Measurements
Optical spectroscopy can be used to determine the concentration of chemical species in samples. The amount of light absorbed by a particular chemical species is often linearly related to its concentration through Beer’s Law. For nontransparent materials such as powders,...
Briefs: Materials
Electroceutical Bandages Destroy Bacteria
Used since 2013, electroceutical bandages — which use electrical impulses to treat medical issues — kill bacteria around a wound, allowing wounds to heal faster. In addition, if infection is...
Briefs: Semiconductors & ICs
Graphene-Silicon Devices for Optoelectronics Applications
Silicon is a naturally occurring material commonly used as a semiconductor in electronic devices; however, researchers have exhausted the potential of devices with semiconductors made...
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Self-Powered, Washable, Wearable Displays
Clothing usually is formed with textiles and has to be both wearable and washable for daily use; however, smart clothing has had a problem with its power sources and moisture permeability, which causes the devices to malfunction. To solve this problem, a textile-based, wearable display module technology...
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Stretchable, Rubbery Semiconductors
Researchers have created stretchable, rubbery semiconductors including rubbery integrated electronics, logic circuits, and arrayed sensory skins fully based on rubber materials. The semiconductors have...
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Micro UV Aerosol Detector
The detection of aerosols within fluid samples can be accomplished by optical methods. Such methods are useful in detecting potentially harmful aerosols such as biological aerosols that may be present after a biological agent attack or industrial accident. It is well known that biological molecules fluoresce when...
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Double-Fed Induction Linear Alternator
This technology was developed to address the limitations of traditional, single-fed linear alternators that require permanent magnets, adhesive bonding organics, and heavy iron laminations for flux control. They experience eddy-current losses and require electromagnetic interference protection. Furthermore,...
Application Briefs: Motion Control
Plastic Bearings Redefine the Wheelchair
For wheelchair users, the feeling of uneven ground can seem all too familiar. Determined to make ride discomfort a thing of the past, Israel-based SoftWheel has completely reinvented the wheel for a...
Blog: Motion Control
A Leech-Like Robot Climbs Up the Walls
Doctoral Programs student Ayato Kanada came up with his leech-like robot in a place you’d least expect it: His bathroom.
Blog: Software
Markforged Helps Factories Fix Themselves
At RAPID + TCT in Detroit today, Markforged introduced Blacksmith artificial intelligence-powered software that makes manufacturing machines “aware” so they can automatically adjust programming...
Blog: Manufacturing & Prototyping
HP’s Digital Disruption
On the opening day of the RAPID + TCT Show in Detroit, HP introduced the new Jet Fusion 5200 Series 3D printing solution – an industrial 3D printing system – and the Digital Manufacturing Network, a new...
Question of the Week: Materials
Can a Spray-On Coating ‘Ice-Proof’ Airplanes?
University of Michigan researchers have developed a coating that they believe could lead to the achievement of a long-time goal: Ice-proofing airplanes.
Blog: Manufacturing & Prototyping
Want a Magnetized Medical Robot? Just 3D Print It
Question of the Week: Manufacturing & Prototyping
For Prototyping, Do You Prefer 3D Printing or CNC Machining?
During a live presentation this month, a Tech Briefs reader had a question for Proto Labs machining pro Gus Breiland:
“When can 3D printing be a viable alternative to CNC machining?”
Blog: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
A New Idea for Putting Out Fires in Space: The Vacuum Cleaner?
INSIDER: Materials
Chirality Yields Colossal Photocurrent
An international team led by a group of Boston College researchers reported that a recently discovered Weyl semimetal delivers the largest intrinsic conversion of light to electricity of any...
INSIDER: RF & Microwave Electronics
Researchers 3D Print Metamaterials with Novel Optical Properties
A team of engineers at Tufts University has developed a series of 3D printed metamaterials with unique microwave or optical properties that go beyond what is possible using...
Briefs: Energy
Rhombohedron Epitaxial Growth with Molten Target Sputtering (MTS) at 500 °C Substrate Temperature
This invention applies to the field of sputtering, depositing SiGe thin films on sapphire substrates. It is a method of modifying the film...
Application Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
Additive Manufacturing Helps Soldiers Get Parts Faster
Woburn, MA
www.rize3d.com
Headquartered at Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey, The United States Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC) is the...
Briefs: Imaging
Bendable Electronic Paper Displays a Range of Colors
The combination of conductive polymers on nanostructures was demonstrated as suited to creating electronic displays as thin as paper. The “paper” is similar to the Kindle tablet. It...
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
In-Situ Characterization and Inspection of Additive Manufacturing Deposits Using Transient Infrared Thermography
Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, is a rapidly growing field in which solid objects can be produced layer-by-layer. This...
Articles: Manufacturing & Prototyping
A Guide to Collaborative Robot Safety
The ability of collaborative robots to share tasks with humans and flexibly adapt to new requirements can provide high returns on investment in a wide variety of industrial applications. Manufacturers...
Top Stories
Blog: Software
Breakthrough Model Offers Better Look Inside Rechargeable Batteries
Videos: Defense
NASA Spinoff: Automotive
Nanotechnology Repairs Engine Damage in Cars
Blog: Data Acquisition
New Software Keeps Self-Driving Cars on a Safe Path
Blog: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Can We Trust A.I.? Modeling Tool Quantifies How Much a Machine Doesn't Know
Application Briefs: AR/AI
Webcasts
On-Demand Webinars: Automotive
The Power of the Hollow: Using Hollow Aluminum Extrusions to Meet Vehicle...
Upcoming Webinars: Electronics & Computers
Helping HEV/EV Batteries Go the Distance and Stay Cool Under...
Upcoming Webinars: Test & Measurement
Standardization for Automated-Vehicle Testing and Simulation
Upcoming Webinars: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Rotary Position Sensing for EV Powertrain Applications
Upcoming Webinars: Automotive
Best Practices for Avoiding Systematic Faults and Handling Random...
Upcoming Webinars: Robotics, Automation & Control
Trending Stories
Application Briefs: Software
Using the IoT for Predictive Maintenance
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Vibration Damping Circuit Card Assembly
Briefs: Materials
Liquid-Repelling Substance Works on All Surfaces
Articles: Photonics/Optics
Fiber Optic Oxygen Sensors — How Do They Work?
Blog: Test & Measurement
Breakthrough Model Offers Better Look Inside Rechargeable Batteries
