Mechanical/​Mechatronics

Transportation

Stay updated on the innovations in transportation technologies. Explore the articles and technical briefs on electrification and autonomous driving that have impacted transportation design and engineering.

White Papers: Automotive
Mastering Tolerances for Machined Parts

Mastering CNC tolerances can be challenging, even for experienced engineers, designers, and machinists. Are general tolerances good enough? When does it make sense to call out for tighter tolerances?...

Blog: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Self-Driving Model Navigates a Tough Traffic Problem: Narrow Streets
A self-driving algorithm guides an autonomous vehicle through a traffic scenario that many of us know well: navigating traffic on a crowded, narrow street.
Question of the Week: Transportation
Will Interstate Power Coils Charge Electric Vehicles as They Drive?

Our “Q&A” article in the July issue of Tech Briefs highlighted the work of Dr. Burak Ozpineci from Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Ozpineci and his team are building a wireless power-transmission system that charges an electric vehicle as it drives along the road.

Special Reports: Software
Vehicle Electrification - July 2021

GM electrifies the new Corvette...a French nanomaterials company aims for a 5-minute EV recharge...Triumph unveils a radical new electric sportbike design. These are just a few of the innovations you'll...

Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
Ultra-Thin, Energy-Efficient Photodetector Integrated with Gorilla Glass
This could lead to the commercial development of smart glass, with applications ranging from imaging to advanced robotics.
Briefs: Transportation
Carbon Fiber Structural Battery for “Mass-Less” Energy Storage in Vehicles
The carbon fiber serves as the electrode, conductor, and load-bearing material.
Q&A: Energy
Q&A: Wireless Charging for Electric Vehicles
Dr. Burak Ozpineci is developing a system that charges electric vehicles while driving.
Briefs: Materials
Pyroelectric Sandwich Thermal Energy Harvester
The technology harvests electrical energy from waste heat sources.
On-Demand Webinars: Transportation
Commercial Vehicles: The Real Home for High-Level Autonomy

The realization that commercial vehicles and off-road equipment – not passenger vehicles – are the logical starting point for implementing higher levels of automation is setting in. Established routes along long stretches of highway, and easily geofenced areas such as ports...

Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
3D Motion Tracking System for Autonomous Technology
The system could one day replace LiDAR and cameras in automated manufacturing, biomedical imaging, and autonomous driving.
Articles: Manufacturing & Prototyping
Automated X-Ray Inspection
Faster inline CT inspections makes it possible to inspect far greater numbers of circuit boards.
Application Briefs: Transportation
Next-Generation MEMS IMUs — High Performance, Scalable
Editor Ed Brown explores what’s ahead for MEMS automobile navigation systems.
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Sensors Eliminate Sparking Risk in Hydrogen Vehicles
One of the final hurdles to hydrogen power is securing a safe method for detecting hydrogen leaks.
Products: Electronics & Computers
New Products: June 2021 Sensor Technology
High-precision medical sensors, battery-cell mappers, signal conditioners, and more.
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
A Better Way to Measure Acceleration
Researchers have developed a millimeter-thick accelerometer.
Briefs: Data Acquisition
3D Holographic Head-Up Display Could Improve Road Safety
The LiDAR-based system could “see through” objects to warn of potential hazards without distracting the driver.
Briefs: Nanotechnology
Nanotransistors Stay Cool at High Voltages
The transistors enable power converters to perform at substantially improved efficiencies, especially in high-power applications.
Technology Leaders: Electronics & Computers
Machine Control Power Quality and Surge Protection
You may not be able to see them, but power anomalies that originate within your automated control system are costing you expensive downtime.
Briefs: Automotive
Vision System Sees Through Clouds and Fog
Movements of individual particles of light are reconstructed to see through clouds, fog, and other obstructions.
Application Briefs: Automotive
Airless Alloy Tire Has NASA Roots
The SuperElastic Tire — a NASA Glenn innovation — can be used on both Earth and Mars.
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Synapse-Like Phototransistor
The technology could help computers process visual information more like the human brain.
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Quantum-Dot Infrared Cameras for Electronics and Self-Driving Cars
The inexpensive cameras are easy to produce.
Articles: Software
Simulation Applications Streamline the Development of Electric Vehicle Motors
See how simulation software is being used to is automate the test process for vehicle rotors.
Special Reports: Communications
ADAS/Connected Car - June 2021

Today's Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and connected cars are paving the way for tomorrow's automated vehicles. To help you keep pace with the latest technology developments, we present this...

Blog: Power
How to Simulate Powertrain Systems: What is Toughest to Model?
A reader asks: "What are the main challenges in simulating powertrain systems? What do we struggle to model now?"
White Papers: Automotive
Your Guide to Custom Cap and Plug Solution

Download this engineering guide to learn more about the different caps and plugs offered, and to ensure your products are safe and functional from damage and contamination.

White Papers: Manufacturing & Prototyping
Automotive Industry: Appearance Control and Management

Once considered the favorites of the industry, TCE and nPB cleaning solvents are now under regulatory scrutiny and could be phased out in the U.S. soon. This paper outlines the top 10...

Articles: Electronics & Computers
Accelerated Degradation of Li-Ion Batteries for High-Rate Discharge Applications
As the vehicle platform size decreases, the pulse power discharge rates of the Energy Storage System (ESS) increase.
Articles: Materials
Range-Doubling Lithium-Metal Batteries “Build Themselves” in Li-Ion Manufacturing Method
Lithium-metal solid-state batteries can provide a safer, more energy-dense alternative to current technology.

Top Stories

Blog: Software

How to Bring Digital Twins to 'Any System'

Podcasts: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Here's an Idea: Hearing Aids

Blog: RF & Microwave Electronics

Self-Driving Model Navigates a Tough Traffic Problem: Narrow Streets

INSIDER: Motion Control

“Sound Tweezers” Pick Up Objects Without Contact

Videos: Lighting

Bendy Ice Uncurls Without Breaking

Blog: Software

How to Contain Thermal Runaway

Webcasts

On-Demand Webinars: Electronics & Computers

Maximizing Power in High-Reliability Applications – Applying SWaP to...

On-Demand Webinars: Automotive

New Frontiers in Dynamic Gesture Sensing for Automotive Applications

Upcoming Webinars: Medical

The Pathway to Successful Device Development

Upcoming Webinars: Test & Measurement

How to Protect Your Projects from Moisture and Pressure: 5 Common...

Upcoming Webinars: Motion Control

Crucial Considerations When Choosing the Right Enclosure for Your...

Upcoming Webinars: Photonics/Optics

Advanced Components to Enhance Laser System Performance

Trending Stories

Technology Leaders: Materials

The Heat Is On: A Guide to Specifying Insulation Materials

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Flywheel Energy Storage Continues to Advance Green Initiatives

Articles: Automotive

New SAE Wireless Charging Standard is EV Game-Changer

INSIDER: Nanotechnology

Infrared Imaging by Ultrathin Nanocrystal Layers

NASA Spinoff: Aerospace

Modified Monitor Provides Glasses-Free 3D for Pilots and Gamers

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Inflatable Wing Leading Edges for High Lift and Deicing

Videos