Mechanical/​Mechatronics

Blog: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

With Water Jets, Machines 'Breathe' to Cool Down

University of Central Florida researchers are developing a human-like way for large machines to cool off and keep from overheating: Letting the machines "breathe."

Blog: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Is the Public Ready for a Level-4 Autonomous Vehicle?

A reader asks, "Will the public feel safe enough in an autonomous vehicle?"

Blog: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Researchers Prove Their Elastic Exosuit Eases Back Stress

Vanderbilt University engineers are proving that their elastic exosuit can provide relief for people doing the heavy lifting.

Products: Communications

New on the Market: October 2020

Tubing plugs, displacement measurements, CAM software, and more.

Briefs: Semiconductors & ICs

Using Silicon for Battery Anodes

A nanostructure design lends extraordinary strength to a promising storage ingredient.

Briefs: Imaging

Nanocardboard Aircraft with No Moving Parts

Tiny aircraft that weigh as much as a fruit fly could serve as Martian atmospheric probes.

Briefs: Energy

Bio-Inspired Wing Design for Small Drones

Taking a cue from birds and insects, the wing design helps drones fly more efficiently and makes them more robust to atmospheric turbulence.

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

Laser Spark Distribution and Ignition System

Traditional spark plugs are replaced by an optical pumping source.

Articles: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Open Controllers Simplify Automation Systems

By consolidating tasks traditionally performed by multiple devices into a single, high-performing controller, manufacturers can improve operations.

Articles: Software

Rapid Prototyping of Cable and Connectors for Unique Applications

Standard commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) connectors continue to be a great resource for quick prototypes and reference designs.

Application Briefs: Imaging

Custom Gimbal for JHU-APL Shows Promise for Others

See how Blue Joule developed and delivered the Mini Mount (MM) Gimbal to Johns Hopkins University.

Products: Sensors/Data Acquisition

New Products: October 2020 Motion Design

Accelerometers, actuators, hexapods, and more.

Articles: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Torque Limiters 101: Benefits, Types, and Comparisons

Torque limiters protect against damage and downtime caused by machine overloads.

Articles: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Products of Tomorrow: October 2020

Nanowire masks, underwater imaging, and tiny 3D-printed block that repair bone breaks.

Articles: Manufacturing & Prototyping

Simple Robot Vision Tools Support Complex Applications

New collaborative robot-based vision systems are changing how manufacturers can inspect their parts.

Facility Focus: Automotive

Facility Focus: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

In 2020, the EPA marks 50 years of preparing for, responding to, preventing, and mitigating natural and manmade disasters.

Briefs: Imaging

AI Software Enables Real-Time 3D Printing Quality Assessment

The software assesses the quality of parts in real time, without the need for expensive characterization equipment.

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

Wavy Surfaces for Better Light Control

This method could impact optical technologies such as smartphone cameras, biosensors, or autonomous vision for robots and self-driving cars.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Self-Heating Battery Enables Quick Recharging of Electric Vehicles

This battery would enable a 10-minute electrical vehicle recharge.

Blog: Transportation

New Composite Energizes the Electric Vehicle Market

A new composite from Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) increases the electrical current capacity of copper wires, providing a new material that can be scaled for use in ultra-efficient, power-dense electric vehicle traction motors.

On-Demand Webinars: Transportation

High-Voltage Arteries: How Connectivity Gives Life to Electric Vehicles

Experts predict that by 2040, most forms of transportation will leverage electric motors and/or cleaner sources of fuel to meet heightened emissions standards....

Blog: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

NASA's 'VITAL' Ventilator: A Choice Between Licensing and Open-Source

As Brazil begins mass-producing a NASA-developed ventilator, a Tech Briefs reader asks why NASA didn't go open-source.

Blog: Automotive

Breakthrough Model Offers Better Look Inside Rechargeable Batteries

The new approach could help pave the way for smaller battery packs and greater driving range in electric vehicles.

Blog: Imaging

What's Best for Autonomous Cars: LiDAR vs Radar vs Cameras

A reader asks our expert: When it comes to autonomous vehicles, what’s best: Radar, LiDAR, or cameras?