Mechanical/​Mechatronics

Stay updated on advancements in mechanical components and mechatronics systems. New technologies in MEMs, fluid systems, and propulsion are driving breakthroughs in transportation, electrification, autonomous driving, and manufacturing.

Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
Building Magnetically Responsive Robots and Materials
Articles: Software
Products of Tomorrow
5 Ws: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
5Ws of Perched Drones
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Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Floating Piston Valve

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Special Reports: Manned Systems
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Connected & Autonomous Commercial Vehicles - May 2026
Is commercial success of autonomous trucks closer than we think?...Caterpillar launches an AI assistant...lifelike simulation automates middle‐mile autonomy. Read these stories and more in...

White Papers: Defense
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Reducing CO2 Emissions by Up to 42% in Vehicle Cabin
Learn how a leading cab manufacturer for agricultural, construction, and industrial vehicles improved vehicle efficiency by trading welding for structural adhesives. The result: lighter,...

White Papers: Motion Control
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Choosing Motion Components for the Long Haul of Space Systems
A successful space mission requires not only reliable motion components, it also means partnering with a motion specialist that can ensure they work as planned on their mission. This...

Briefs: Aerospace
A new type of spike diffuser recently developed by NASA Stennis Space Center is able to provide approximately double the pumping performance of second-throat diffusers via Pareto-efficient reduction of both core Mach number and flow deflection. Read on to learn more about it.
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Blog: Transportation
To keep pace with rising delivery demand and sustainability goals, municipalities are beginning to reimagine the supply chain. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, aka drones, are emerging as one potential solution. Read on to learn more.
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Events: Aerospace
In 2026, Tech Briefs is proudly celebrating its 50th Anniversary with a special September issue honoring five decades of innovation — reflecting on the legacy that shaped engineering and...
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Articles: Design
In November 2023, technology development company Ganaio’s regenerative damper won the Automotive/Transportation category at the Create the Future contest. Find out what they’ve been up to since then.
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White Papers: Motion Control
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The Gearmotor Applications Playbook
Bodine Electric Company has been designing and manufacturing electric gearmotors for 120 years. Having seen thousands of applications over the years, the engineers at Bodine know the best play for each...

White Papers: Software
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Accelerating SDV Programs Through Hardware-Software Alignment with Simulink
When building software-defined vehicle technologies, every decision influences delivery speed, system performance, and software longevity. But do engineering teams...

Webinars: Manufacturing & Prototyping
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Custom machinery projects often fall victim to "perfectionism tax." When equipment specifications exceed actual operational needs, capital costs skyrocket...
Application Briefs: Aerospace
U.K.-based Pulsar Fusion has tested the physical architecture of a nuclear fusion exhaust system for space travel.
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White Papers: Defense
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Engineering Electric Actuators for Extreme Environments
Modern industrial applications demand electric actuators that can thrive in unforgiving conditions. This technical brief outlines critical design considerations for extreme environments,...

Articles: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Digital innovations in hydraulic components, such as digitally enhanced high-response directional valves, are moving the needle for machine builders and raising performance standards for machine builders. As hydraulic systems evolve, smart technology is enabling deeper connectivity for more productive machines. Read on to learn more.
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Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
A team of roboticists at the University of California San Diego has developed a robot that can swim under the sand and dig itself out too, thanks to two front limbs that mimic the oversized flippers of turtle hatchlings. Read on to learn more about it.
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Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
For workers whose jobs involve hours of lifting and repetitive motion, even small innovations can make a big difference in preventing future musculoskeletal disorders. That’s why engineers at The University of Texas at Arlington have developed PASE (Pneumatically Actuated Soft Elbow Exoskeleton), a soft robotic exoskeleton that lightens the load — literally — by reducing strain on the arm and elbow. Read on to learn more.
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Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Imagine a tiny robot, no bigger than a leaf, gliding across a pond’s surface like a water strider. One day, devices like this could track pollutants, collect water samples, or scout flooded areas too risky for people. Baoxing Xu, Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Virginia’s School of Engineering and Applied Science, is pioneering a way to build them. Read on to learn more.
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Special Reports: Test & Measurement
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Space Technology - March 2026
Laser invention to steer the next generation of moon landers…why Mars rovers keep getting stuck in the sand…are nuclear micro reactors the future of spacecraft propulsion? Read all about it in this compendium...

Special Reports: AR/AI
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ADAS/Connected & Automated Vehicles - March 2026
How smart actuators are revolutionizing vehicle technology…Qualcomm's superbrains are here to help with automated driving…building smarter safety systems through sensor collaboration. Read...

INSIDER: Robotics, Automation & Control
Mechanical engineers at Duke University have demonstrated a proof-of-concept method for programming mechanical properties into solid Lego-like building blocks. By controlling the...
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Summits: Power
Increased demand for vehicle connectivity has led to cutting-edge developments in the automotive industry. However, the world of connected vehicles also requires designers to navigate...
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Quiz: Aerospace
How much do you know about jet engine parts and components? Find out with this quiz.
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White Papers: Automotive
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High Density Power Conversion: More Power in Less Space
This eBook includes application examples that show how high-density power conversion can optimize vehicle power from the high voltage battery to an efficient, lightweight 48V zonal...

Blog: AR/AI
The second annual SAE Media Group’s Women in Engineering: Rising Star Awards program proudly honors women engineers who are driving innovation and making significant contributions to the engineering profession across six key categories: Aerospace/Defense, Automotive, Electronics, Manufacturing, Medical, and Robotics & Automation/AI. Meet Rising Star Award Winner Sadiyah Sabah Chowdhury.
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White Papers: Automotive
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Real-Time Measurement Brings Robust Laser Weld Verification to EV Manufacturing
Real-time laser weld measurement, powered by a patented implementation of Inline Coherent Imaging (ICI), delivers micrometer-scale weld measurements during fiber...

Special Reports: Test & Measurement
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Test & Measurement - March 2026
Read about innovations in smart sensors, super‐resolution microscopy, ultra high‐temperature measurement, and more in this compendium of articles from the editors of Tech Briefs and Aerospace and Defense...

White Papers: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
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Meter/Mix Machine Types for Processing Plural Component Thermosets
Fluidic Systems metering and mixing machines are widely used in the Aerospace Industry for their accuracy in processing adhesive/sealants and coatings. This white paper compares...

INSIDER: Energy
In a cooperative project, Empa researchers investigated inductive charging of electric cars. This is not only similarly efficient to cable-based charging but could also simplify the integration...
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Briefs: AR/AI
Imagine simply telling your vehicle, “I’m in a hurry,” and it automatically takes you on the most efficient route to where you need to be. Purdue University engineers have found that an autonomous vehicle (AV) can do this with the help of ChatGPT or other chatbots made possible by artificial intelligence algorithms called large language models. Read on to learn more.
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