Mechanical/Mechatronics

Mechanical & Fluid Systems

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).

Stories

Question of the Week: Electronics & Computers

Will a Breath-Like Approach Cool Down Machinery?

University of Central Florida researchers are developing a human-like way for large machines to cool off: Letting the machines "breathe." (See our January issue of Tech Briefs to learn more.)

Briefs: Software

Smart Laser Cutter System Detects Different Materials

SensiCut, a smart material-sensing platform for laser cutters, can differentiate among 30 materials commonly found in makerspaces.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Small and Dexterous Cockroach-Inspired Robot

This robot can run, jump, carry heavy payloads, and turn on a dime.

Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control

Soft Components for Soft Robotics

An electrically driven soft valve paves the way for fully soft robots.

Briefs: Aerospace

Calibration System for Automated Fiber Placement

The system creates accurate defect standards for in-situ inspection systems.

Briefs: Energy

Implantable Stimulator Speeds Tendon Healing

The device combines with body power to treat tendon disease and damage, and sports injuries.

Briefs: Energy

Engine Made as a Single Calcium Ion

The engine is approximately 10 billion times smaller than a car engine.

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

On/Off Functionality for Fast, Sensitive, Ultra-Small Technologies

An ultra-small actuator has nanometer-scale precision.

Briefs: Medical

Mask Prototype Can Detect COVID-19 Infection

The sensor technology could also be used to create clothing that detects a variety of pathogens and other threats.

Articles: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Products of Tomorrow

Breath-regulating garments, humidity sensors, thin-film antennas, and more.

Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control

Wearable Exosuit Lessens Back Muscle Fatigue

The suit can be controlled with a double tap to the chest or via an app.

Products: Imaging

New on the Market: January 2022

Microwave measurement receivers, oscilloscopes, longwave infrared cameras, and more.

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Cheetah-Inspired Soft Robots

The robots move more quickly on solid surfaces or in the water than previous generations of soft robots.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Self-Healing, Highly Adhesive Elastomers

These elastomers have a wide range of uses for the building, automotive, and electronics industries.

Application Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Compact and Robust Connectors Prove Pivotal in CubeSat Deployment

Learn about the interconnects that are supporting today's miniature satellites.

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Process Enables Machines to Thermally “Breathe”

Large machines can breathe in and out cooling blasts of water to keep their systems from overheating.

Products: Manufacturing & Prototyping

New Products

Fiber laser machinery, polishing pitch, beam collimators, and more.

INSIDER: Automotive

Tractor Efficiency Increased, Thanks to Hydraulics Research

Modern agricultural tractors contain so much cutting-edge technology, they rival even the latest spacecraft. But the back end is still old-school, relying largely on fossil fuels....