Mechanical Components

Briefs: Energy

Stretchable Micro-Supercapacitors Self-Power Wearable Devices

A stretchable system can harvest energy from human breathing and motion.

Facility Focus: Test & Measurement

Facility Focus: University of Texas Cockrell School of Engineering

Some of the technologies coming from the UT labs include COVID antibody tests, self-watering soil, and the "DRACO" robot.

Briefs: Transportation

3D-Printed Composites for High-Temperature Uses

The polyimide composites have uses in aerospace, automotive, construction, electronics, mechanical systems, and industrial machinery.

Products: Electronics & Computers

New on the Market: February 2021

Disconnect terminal blocks, oscillioscope probes, test modules, and more.

Products: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

New Products: February 2021 Motion Design

Industrial robots, motor disconnect switches, position sensors, and more.

Application Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping

Online Tools Reduce Time and Expense in Selecting, Configuring, and Ordering Motion Control Components

New online tools — coupled with online libraries of pre-selected and tested component specifications — simplify machine design.

Briefs: Motion Control

Locking Side Pull Hoist Ring

The integrated tool eliminates the need for manual operators or additional custom fixtures.

Articles: Electronics & Computers

Electronic Device Manufacturers Shouldn’t Fear Custom Connector Solutions — They Should Embrace Them

As 5G arrives, devices will need to expand I/O counts at the controller, as well as overall networking capabilities.

Briefs: Aerospace

New Capabilities for Grasp-Assisting Gloves

Applications include aiding patients with impaired hand muscle strength and in manufacturing for operating tools for extended periods of time.

Products: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Product of the Month: February 2021 Tech Briefs

The Agile Engineering Design System® is an integrated suite of software modules for CAE/CAM of turbomachinery.

INSIDER: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Chemically Driven Wheels “Morph” Into Gears

University of Pittsburgh researchers have utilized a catalytic reaction that causes a two-dimensional, chemically coated sheet to spontaneously “morph” into a three-dimensional...

Facility Focus: Aerospace

Facility Focus: Stanford University School of Engineering

Stanford University’s School of Engineering has been at the forefront of innovation for nearly a century

Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping

Biocontainment Unit for Virus-Sized Particles

The unit could help healthcare workers caring for COVID-19 patients.

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Liquid Sorbent Carbon Dioxide Removal System

Applications include aerospace, automotive, commercial spaceflight, scuba diving equipment, and for first responders.

Briefs: AR/AI

“Stethoscope” Monitors Machine Quality and Functionality

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

Briefs: Packaging & Sterilization

Inexpensive Method Decontaminates Personal Protective Equipment

The system uses off-the-shelf materials combined with ultraviolet lights to decontaminate N95 masks.

Blog: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

A Spiraling Robotic Gripper 'Twines' Like a Plant

As engineering professor Mable Fok saw how the pole beans in her garden wrapped tightly around any objects nearby, she had an idea:

What if a robotic gripper could do the same...

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: Unmanned Systems

Executive Roundtable: Robotics Design

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

Articles: Manufacturing & Prototyping

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

Learn about the sensors assessing and analyzing plant equipment.

Briefs: Motion Control

Compact, Long-Reach Robotic Arm

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

Application Briefs: Motion Control

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: Sensors/Data Acquisition

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.