Mechanical/​Mechatronics

Mechanical & Fluid Systems

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Access the latest news and technical advancements impacting Mechanical and Fluid systems. Explore articles and technical briefs about fastening, joining, mechanical components, fluid handling, and micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMs).

CES 2020: NASA Arrives, Ready to Partner Up
Blog: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
CES 2020: NASA Arrives, Ready to Partner Up
A 'DEAnsect' Robot Takes 10 Hits from a Fly Swatter – And Survives
Blog: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
A 'DEAnsect' Robot Takes 10 Hits from a Fly Swatter – And Survives
New Products: January 2020 Photonics & Imaging Technology
Products: Photonics/Optics
New Products: January 2020 Photonics & Imaging Technology
Flow Disruption Devices for the Reduction of High Lift System Noise
Briefs: Aerospace
Flow Disruption Devices for the Reduction of High Lift System Noise
Shape Sensing Innovations Dramatically Improve Structural Design Tools
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Shape Sensing Innovations Dramatically Improve Structural Design Tools
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Top Stories

CES 2020: The Pegasus Flying Car Takes Off…Quietly
Blog: Aerospace

CES 2020: The Pegasus Flying Car Takes Off…Quietly

CES 2020: NASA Arrives, Ready to Partner Up
Blog: Aerospace

CES 2020: NASA Arrives, Ready to Partner Up

3D Printing and Space Exploration: How NASA Will Use Additive Manufacturing
Blog: Materials

3D Printing and Space Exploration: How NASA Will Use Additive Manufacturing

A Boost for Aqueous Lithium Ion-Batteries: Adding an Oxide
Blog: Electronics & Computers

A Boost for Aqueous Lithium Ion-Batteries: Adding an Oxide

'Bionic Flaps' Move in Response to Driver's Decisions
Videos: Manufacturing & Prototyping

'Bionic Flaps' Move in Response to Driver's Decisions

CES 2020: A High-Tech Wine Dispenser and More Arrivals to the Smart Home
Blog: Internet of Things

CES 2020: A High-Tech Wine Dispenser and More Arrivals to the Smart Home

Latest Briefs & News

Question of the Week : Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Would You Cook with ‘Julia?’

Last week, we highlighted five CES 2020 technologies that are adding intelligence to everyday aspects of the home. One featured “Smart Home” technology included “Julia,” an all-in-one cooker that performs a variety of kitchen tasks: chopping, whisking, steaming, weighing ingredients, and even kneading...

Application Briefs : Manufacturing & Prototyping
NASA's Thirst for Water on Mars Quenched by Student Innovators
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.
NASA's Thirst for Water on Mars Quenched by Student Innovators
Briefs : Robotics, Automation & Control
Robotic “Cockroach” Explores Underwater Environments
Robotic “Cockroach” Explores Underwater Environments
This microbot can walk on land, swim, and walk underwater.
Robotic “Cockroach” Explores Underwater Environments
Briefs : Green Design & Manufacturing
Catalysis Approach Reduces Carbon Dioxide to Methane
Catalysis Approach Reduces Carbon Dioxide to Methane
This approach is a cost-effective way to convert carbon dioxide gas into methane.
Catalysis Approach Reduces Carbon Dioxide to Methane
Briefs : Green Design & Manufacturing
Recovery of Mercury and Rare Earth Elements from Fluorescent Lamp Phosphors
Recovery of Mercury and Rare Earth Elements from Fluorescent Lamp Phosphors
This method will enable safer fluorescent light recycling.
Recovery of Mercury and Rare Earth Elements from Fluorescent Lamp Phosphors
Products : Connectivity
New on the Market: January 2020
New on the Market: January 2020
Processors, imaging sensors, dimensioning systems, and more.
New on the Market: January 2020
Articles : Manufacturing & Prototyping
In-House PCB Prototyping with Additive Manufacturing
In-House PCB Prototyping with Additive Manufacturing
If you want to pursue in-house PCB prototyping and testing, there are several routes you can take.
In-House PCB Prototyping with Additive Manufacturing
Briefs : Mechanical & Fluid Systems
SiC-Based Microstructures for Sensors
SiC-Based Microstructures for Sensors
Ultra-thin SiC microstructures enable batch fabrication of MEMS, NEMS, pressure sensors, and biosensors.
SiC-Based Microstructures for Sensors
Briefs : Robotics, Automation & Control
Modular Toolbox Builds Safe Robots
Modular Toolbox Builds Safe Robots
Various components are used to assemble robots that are more aware of their surroundings.
Modular Toolbox Builds Safe Robots
Briefs : Green Design & Manufacturing
Process Turns Sand and Plant Materials into a Water Filtration Tool
Process Turns Sand and Plant Materials into a Water Filtration Tool

According to the United Nations, 2.1 billion people lack access to safely managed drinking water services and the majority live in developing nations. A process was...

Process Turns Sand and Plant Materials into a Water Filtration Tool
Briefs : Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Particle Robot Works as a Cluster of Simple Units
Particle Robot Works as a Cluster of Simple Units
Loosely connected disc-shaped “particles” can push and pull one another, moving together to transport objects.
Particle Robot Works as a Cluster of Simple Units
Articles : Materials
Five Techniques for Lightweighting: Doing More With Less
Five Techniques for Lightweighting: Doing More With Less
Manufacturers in almost every industry are looking to design lighter parts. Here are five lightweighting strategies.
Five Techniques for Lightweighting: Doing More With Less
Briefs : RF & Microwave Electronics
Robot Performs Complex Maneuvers
Robot Performs Complex Maneuvers
An upgraded mini robot can leap over obstacles with ease.
Robot Performs Complex Maneuvers
Briefs : Test & Measurement
The Planetary Tides Simulation Facility for Simulation Tidal Strain in Planetary Ice Analogs
The Planetary Tides Simulation Facility for Simulation Tidal Strain in Planetary Ice Analogs
Applications include modeling of tidal stress response of icy satellites as well as fatigue of terrestrial ice shelves.
The Planetary Tides Simulation Facility for Simulation Tidal Strain in Planetary Ice Analogs
Q&A : Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Q&A: A Shape-Morphing, Self-Healing Soft Composite
Q&A: A Shape-Morphing, Self-Healing Soft Composite
Have you heard of "Thubber?"
Q&A: A Shape-Morphing, Self-Healing Soft Composite
Briefs : Robotics, Automation & Control
Microrobot Powered by Soft Muscles
Microrobot Powered by Soft Muscles
This microrobot with soft actuators can crash, fall, and collide without being damaged.
Microrobot Powered by Soft Muscles
Articles : Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Blue Lasers: Leveraging Fundamental Physics for High Performance
Blue Lasers: Leveraging Fundamental Physics for High Performance
Increased laser capacity has enabled, and will continue to enable, new manufacturing possibilities.
Blue Lasers: Leveraging Fundamental Physics for High Performance
Briefs : Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Micro Device Detects Ebola Virus Using Bio-Sensors
Micro Device Detects Ebola Virus Using Bio-Sensors
The device can be used to pre-screen for the virus using gene-editing assays before those infected can travel and expose others.
Micro Device Detects Ebola Virus Using Bio-Sensors
Briefs : Aerospace
Pinpointing Consumption “Sweet Spot” Makes Formation Flight More Fuel-Efficient
Pinpointing Consumption “Sweet Spot” Makes Formation Flight More Fuel-Efficient
A new method of estimating the optimal trailing aircraft position in a formation increases fuel savings.
Pinpointing Consumption “Sweet Spot” Makes Formation Flight More Fuel-Efficient
Briefs : Sensors/Data Acquisition
Magneto-Optic Biosensor Using Bio-Functionalized Magnetic Nanoparticles
Magneto-Optic Biosensor Using Bio-Functionalized Magnetic Nanoparticles
This technology is a novel, rugged, and economic diagnostic and sensor platform technology.
Magneto-Optic Biosensor Using Bio-Functionalized Magnetic Nanoparticles
Briefs : Aerospace
Thin Heat Shield for Superfast Aircraft
Thin Heat Shield for Superfast Aircraft
A carbon nanotube heat shield can better protect extremely fast aircraft.
Thin Heat Shield for Superfast Aircraft
Blog : Sensors/Data Acquisition
How to Fix Satellites — With Satellites
How to Fix Satellites — With Satellites
If a satellite breaks in orbit, there's not much that can be done. A professor envisions a new idea for refueling and repair.
How to Fix Satellites — With Satellites
Articles : Manufacturing & Prototyping
Collaborative Automation: It's More Than Just the Cobot
Collaborative Automation: It's More Than Just the Cobot
“Cobots” allow companies of almost any size to automate processes that were previously out of reach.
Collaborative Automation: It's More Than Just the Cobot
Briefs : Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Self-Contained Wheel Unit
Self-Contained Wheel Unit
Researchers have developed a self-contained wheel unit that combines a wheel and an electric motor.
Self-Contained Wheel Unit
Briefs : Aerospace
Precision Low-Speed Motor Controller
Precision Low-Speed Motor Controller
The technology can be used in commercial motors, robotic systems, and hybrid and electric vehicles.
Precision Low-Speed Motor Controller

Webcasts

Upcoming Webinars: Software

Modeling Interactions in Energy-Based Medical Devices Using...

Webinars: Medical

A Review of Ionizing Radiation Sterilization Modalities

Upcoming Webinars: Materials

Maximize Productivity and Minimize Costs with New Aerospace...

Upcoming Webinars: Manufacturing & Prototyping

Testing and Inspecting 3D-Printed Parts

Tech Talks: Materials

Cassette-S4: Advanced Sealing for Extreme Off-Highway Conditions

Tech Talks: Automotive

An Advanced Solution for Hydrodynamic Film Challenges

TRENDING STORIES

3D Printing and Space Exploration: How NASA Will Use Additive Manufacturing
Blog: Aerospace

3D Printing and Space Exploration: How NASA Will Use Additive Manufacturing

A 'DEAnsect' Robot Takes 10 Hits from a Fly Swatter – And Survives
Blog: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

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

CES 2020: The Pegasus Flying Car Takes Off…Quietly
Blog: Aerospace

CES 2020: The Pegasus Flying Car Takes Off…Quietly

CES 2020: NASA Arrives, Ready to Partner Up
Blog: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

CES 2020: NASA Arrives, Ready to Partner Up

Answering Your Questions: How is a Parylene Conformal Coating Used?
Blog: Materials

Answering Your Questions: How is a Parylene Conformal Coating Used?

Answering Your Questions: How to Confirm Metal 3D Printing Accuracy and Quality
Blog: Materials

Answering Your Questions: How to Confirm Metal 3D Printing Accuracy and Quality