Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Briefs: AR/AI

“Stethoscope” Monitors Machine Quality and Functionality

This system provides low-cost monitoring for machine health with audio-based artificial intelligence.

INSIDER: Motion Control

Miniscule Machines Made of Metal and Plastic

Researchers have developed a technique for manufacturing micrometer-long machines by interlocking multiple materials in a complex way. The micromachines are made out of metal and plastic, in...

Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control

Human-Like Hands with Flexible, Hybrid Pneumatic Actuators

These hands, with a large grasping force, enable safer human-robot interactions.

Articles: Manufacturing & Prototyping

Executive Roundtable: Robotics Design

A panel of experts explains how robots are playing a larger role in manufacturing.

Articles: Test & Measurement

Machine Health & Asset Monitoring in Industrial Applications: A Look at Sensor Technologies

Learn about the sensors assessing and analyzing plant equipment.

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Compact, Long-Reach Robotic Arm

Applications include retractable covers and awnings, camera booms, and spacecraft and astronaut positioning.

Application Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Efficient Pump Protection for Large Pumps: The Control Valve Alternative

Automatic recirculation valves offer efficiency for critical pump protection in power or oil and gas applications.

Products: Motion Control

New Products: December 2020 Motion Design

Linear slides, electric motors, gears, and more.

Articles: Aerospace

20 Years of Science on the International Space Station

We explore the major scientific breakthroughs achieved during 20 years of human presence on the ISS.

Products: Motion Control

New on the Market: December 2020

Mixed-signal oscilloscopes, 3D printers, DC/DC converters, and more.

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

16-Atom Molecular Motor

The tiny motor can be powered by both thermal and electrical energy.

Briefs: Energy

High-Performance, Lightweight, Easy-to-Fabricate Heat Exchanger

This can be used in energy-recovery systems in industrial, space, automotive, and military applications.

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Multirotor Aircraft Noise Reduction

NASA's phase-locked rotors reduce noise.

Articles: RF & Microwave Electronics

2020 Create the Future Design Contest: Aerospace & Defense Category Winner — NiobiCon™

The NiobiCon™ underwater connector will not short out, corrode, or cause an electrical shock if touched while powered in harsh environments like saltwater.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Glove-Like Device Mimics Sense of Touch

The soft, wearable device simulates the sense of touch and has wide potential in medical and industrial applications.

Articles: Electronics & Computers

Facility Focus: Jacobs School of Engineering, University of California San Diego

Jacobs' scientists are helping to make contract-tracing apps, emergency-use ventilators, and even squid-bots.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Nanoscale Thermal Switches

These switches are key to thermal management of nanoscale devices, refrigeration, data storage, thermal computing, and heat management of buildings.

Briefs: Materials

Device Camouflages Wearer from Heat-Detecting Sensors

Researchers developed a wearable technology that can hide its wearer from heat-detecting sensors such as night vision goggles, even when the ambient temperature changes. The technology...

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

SpaceCube 2.0 Flight Card Mechanical System

Applications include mechanical aerospace manufacturing and thermal structure manufacturing.

Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control

Programmable Balloons for Shape-Morphing Devices

Kirigami balloons could be used in shape-changing actuators for soft robots, minimally invasive surgical devices, and macro structures for space exploration.

Articles: Motion Control

Raising the Ergonomics Bar with Smart Electric Actuators

Smart electric actuators not only enable fine position adjustments, but they also provide real-time feedback on the extent of those adjustments.

Articles: Manufacturing & Prototyping

2020 Create the Future Design Contest: Manufacturing/Robotics/Automation Category Winner — RadiBond

RadiBond technology, based on nanometer-thin coatings, provides ultra-strong and ultra-tight bonding between metals and plastics.

Briefs: Materials

3D-Printed Miniature Magnetic Pump

The magnetic, multi-material pump was 3D-printed all in one piece.

Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping

High-Efficiency Megawatt Motor

This partially superconducting machine can be used as a motor or generator.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Electricity-Free Radiative Cooling System

The system is effective in urban environments where there are tall buildings on all sides.

Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping

Nature-Inspired Sensors Could Help Autonomous Machines See Better

The sensors can be built into the shells of aircraft, cars, or other machines.

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Lab-On-Chip Flow and Temperature Sensor

The sensor provides accurate and real-time measurement of flow rates and temperature in next-generation microfluidic instruments.