Mechanical and Mechatronics | Technical Briefs, Design Engineering News

Mechanical/Mechatronics

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Stay updated on advancements in mechanical components and mechatronics systems. New technologies in MEMs, fluid systems, and propulsion are driving breakthroughs in transportation, electrification, autonomous driving, and manufacturing.

Question of the Week : Electronics & Computers

Will ‘Unbreakable Batteries’ Find a Place in Electronics and Vehicles?

Increasingly, lithium-ion batteries are supporting portable electronics, electric vehicles, and grid storage.

Articles : Mechanical & Fluid Systems

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.

Briefs : Transportation

Self-Contained Wheel Unit

Researchers have developed a self-contained wheel unit that combines a wheel and an electric motor.

Briefs : Transportation

Precision Low-Speed Motor Controller

The technology can be used in commercial motors, robotic systems, and hybrid and electric vehicles.

Application Briefs : Motion Control

Docking System Enables Safe Rendezvous in Space

The ESA has commissioned its industry partners to design a new docking system called the International Berthing and Docking Mechanism (IBDM).

Briefs : Sensors/Data Acquisition

Algorithm Gives Robots a Faster Grasp

The algorithm speeds up the planning process that robots use to adjust their grip on objects.

Briefs : Sensors/Data Acquisition

Artificial Skin Provides Haptic Feedback

The skin could help rehabilitation and enhance virtual reality by instantaneously adapting to a wearer's movements.

Application Briefs : Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Valve Position Sensor Protects Switch Boxes from Salt Environment

Salty air the Dutch city of Harlingen causes exposed metal parts to corrode.

5 Ws : Manufacturing & Prototyping

5 Ws of EarEcho

The biometric tool uses modified wireless earbuds to authenticate smartphone users

Briefs : Aerospace

Continuous Fiber Composite for Use in Gears

This lightweight material brings strength and durability to complex shapes.

Facility Focus : Semiconductors & ICs

Facility Focus: NASA John H. Glenn Research Center

Glenn's research facilities have contributed to decades of technology advances.

Briefs : Semiconductors & ICs

Shape Memory Alloy Art (SMArt)

This hands-on, educational tool highlights the properties of SMA wire.

Briefs : Mechanical & Fluid Systems

De-Orbit Device for SmallSats

This retractable de-orbit device facilitates targeted re-entry, attitude and orbital control, and collision avoidance.

Briefs : Imaging

Human Torso Simulator

The simulator could help in the development of new back braces.

Articles : Electronics & Computers

Products of Tomorrow: December 2019

Products include an aerosol scattering sensor; metal foam; and a new coated drug capsule.

Briefs : Materials

Aerogel-Fiber Layered Laminate System

This multifunctional hybrid laminate composite can be used for residential and commercial construction.

Briefs : Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Shape Memory Alloy with Adjustable, Wide-Ranging Actuation Temperatures

This invention is a highly stable, heat-treatable, and tunable material.

Q&A : Electronics & Computers

Q&A: Refrigeration by Twisting Fibers

Changing directions of twist and coiling changes whether a material cools or heats.

Briefs : Defense

Unpowered, Lightweight Ankle Exoskeleton

This low-profile ankle exoskeleton integrates into a shoe and fits under clothing.

Articles : Electronics & Computers

Innovators Recognized for Creating the Future 2019

Top prizes in the 2019 contest were awarded on November 8 in New York City.

Briefs : Electronics & Computers

Transport Method Boosts Capacity of Heat Exchangers

A simple modification can improve the capability of turbulent heat exchangers by 500%.

Briefs : Energy

Macro-Fiber Composite (MFC) Actuator

This technology has applications in sonar, range measuring, directional-force sensors, flow meters, and vibration/noise sensing and control.

Briefs : Sensors/Data Acquisition

WiFi-Based Technique Measures Speed and Distance of Indoor Movement

A technology uses a combination of WiFi signals and accelerometer technology to track devices in near-real-time.

Briefs : Aerospace

Packaging for SiC Sensors and Electronics

This packaging provides protection for SiC sensors and electronics in harsh, hightemperature environments.

Briefs : Electronics & Computers

Durable Polyimide Aerogels

Stronger and flexible, polyimide aerogels provide insulation and structural support.

Briefs : Defense

Low-Bandwidth Radar Technology Provides Improved Detection of Objects

Radar technologies were originally designed to identify and track airborne military targets. Today, they're more often used to detect motor vehicles, weather formations,...