Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Briefs : Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Dynamic Gripper Mimics Adjustable Grip of the Human Hand

Such grippers would be suited for human-robot partnership in assembly lines in the automotive, electronic packaging, and other industries.

Products : Mechanical & Fluid Systems

New Products: February 2020 Motion Design

Encoder

The AI25 hazardous series AI25 encoder from Dynapar (Gurnee, IL) is suited for Class 1 Division 2 applications where a Zone 1 or Division 1 encoder may have previously been...

Briefs : Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Flexure for Self-Assembly

Conventional fastening mechanisms like nails, bolts, and welds are subject to manufacturing and inspection tolerances, differential thermal growth, and other sources of error that lead to over-constraint, among...

Briefs : Wearables

Soft, Skin-Like Structures for Robotic Locomotion and Transportation

These soft robots can be rolled up and carried in a pocket.

Application Briefs : Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Modified Fittings Enhance Industrial Safety

NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida is home to one of the largest buildings in the world — the massive Vehicle Assembly Building — and also hosts a number of one-of-a-kind facilities. The...

Articles : Communications

Going Beyond the Basics: Innovative Step Motor Designs Give Machine Designers More Options for Motion Control

Machine and system designers now have greater options in choosing a motor to meet motion control requirements.

Articles : Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Valves for Pneumatic Cylinders and Actuators

Know your valve options.

Briefs : Manufacturing & Prototyping

Portable Sample Preparation for Chemical and Biological Analysis

This system autonomously prepares samples for online automated analysis.

Briefs : Materials

Welding Ceramics with Lasers

This technology could be used to create smartphones that don't scratch or shatter, metal-free pacemakers, and electronics for space and other harsh environments.

Articles : Software

Smart Manufacturing Control

Today's advanced smart CNC controls allow manufacturers to optimize the manufacturing process right on the factory floor

Briefs : Robotics, Automation & Control

Robots Assemble Large Structures from Little Pieces

Systems of tiny robots could build high-performance structures, from airplanes to space settlements.

Briefs : Materials

Thermally Conductive Polymer Films

These materials may replace metals as lightweight, flexible heat dissipators in cars, computers, cellphones, and refrigerators.

Briefs : Materials

Intelligent Microrobots

Such machines, only a few tens of micrometers across, could be used in the human body to perform small operations.

Blog : Mechanical & Fluid Systems

CES 2020: NASA Arrives, Ready to Partner Up

NASA came to CES with a message: We're going back to the Moon, and we'll need help from industry to do it.

Blog : Mechanical & Fluid Systems

A 'DEAnsect' Robot Takes 10 Hits from a Fly Swatter – And Survives

A fun way to show the robustness of a soft robot? Swat it.

Products : Lighting

New Products: January 2020 Photonics & Imaging Technology

Photopolymer films, LED light engines, measurement systems, and more.

Briefs : Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Flow Disruption Devices for the Reduction of High Lift System Noise

This technique lowers airstream noise generated at the side edges of deployed flaps, elevons, or slats.

Briefs : Photonics/Optics

Shape Sensing Innovations Dramatically Improve Structural Design Tools

These advances are useful for transportation, infrastructure, and aerospace.

Application Briefs : Manufacturing & Prototyping

NASA's Thirst for Water on Mars Quenched by Student Innovators

NASA and universities from across the country are teaming up to support a continued human presence on the Moon and ultimately Mars.

Briefs : Materials

Robotic “Cockroach” Explores Underwater Environments

This microbot can walk on land, swim, and walk underwater.