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.

Blog: Manufacturing & Prototyping
How the Scalable 'Coventor' Stacks Up to a Traditional Ventilator
Learn how a low-cost machine known as the 'Coventor' stacks up to a traditional ventilator.
White Papers: Manufacturing & Prototyping
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: Electronics & Computers
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.

White Papers: Robotics, Automation & Control
Fiber Optic Emergency Stops for Harsh Environment Applications

Fiber optic emergency stops provide immunity to EMI, RFI, and lightning; are inherently safe; and can operate at extremely long distances up to 10 kilometers. This whitepaper...

Blog: Robotics, Automation & Control
A Robot That Moves Like a Bug (and a Cheetah)
UC Berkeley engineers have created a lightweight and durable robot that achieves exquisite control and agility by modulating the electrostatic forces between its feet and surfaces.
Special Reports: Transportation
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: Motion Control
Algorithm Gives Robots a Faster Grasp
The algorithm speeds up the planning process robots use to adjust their grip on objects for picking and sorting or tool use.
Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
In-Line, Automated CT Scan Data Inspection of Electronic Connectors
A production-based X-ray solution performs product quality evaluation directly on the manufacturing line.
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Designing Soft Materials that Mimic Biological Functions
The soft material demonstrates autonomous, heartbeat-like oscillating properties.
Briefs: Aerospace
International Space Station Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED)
Terrestrial uses include physical therapy, clinical diagnosis, athletic training and performance, and robust exercise equipment.
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Electronic Tattoo Enables Uninterrupted Heart Monitoring for Extended Periods
This wearable device is placed on the skin to measure a variety of body responses, from electrical to biomechanical signals.
Briefs: Nanotechnology
Light-Based “Tractor Beam” Assembles Materials at the Nanoscale
The size and shape of the nanostructure can be controlled as it is assembled piece by piece.
Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
Insect-Sized Agile Drones
These tiny aerial robots can operate in cramped spaces and withstand collisions.
Briefs: Semiconductors & ICs
Magnet-Controlled Bioelectronic Implant for Relieving Pain
This could make possible embedded devices like a spinal cord-stimulating unit with a battery-powered magnetic transmitter on a wearable belt.
Briefs: Energy
Winglet with Injected Flow
Injection of air at the trailing edge of a winglet further reduces drag.
Products: Electronics & Computers
New on the Market: July 2021
Temperature transmitters, robotic tool changers, epoxy adhesives, and more.
Articles: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Products of Tomorrow: July 2021
Battery recycling, NASA's water treatment, and a wireless wearable transmitter.
Briefs: Lighting
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: Semiconductors & ICs
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: Transportation
Q&A: Wireless Charging for Electric Vehicles
Dr. Burak Ozpineci is developing a system that charges electric vehicles while driving.
Briefs: Energy
Pyroelectric Sandwich Thermal Energy Harvester
The technology harvests electrical energy from waste heat sources.
On-Demand Webinars: Automotive
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...

White Papers: Aerospace
Magnet Valves for Rapid Decompression

When transporting sealed containers by air, protecting against rapid decompression is a constant concern. Traditionally, spring-actuated valves have been used to address this design challenge....

White Papers: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
RESOLUTE™ Encoders Make RF Antenna Positioning Accuracy and Resolution 100 Times Better

Pacific Antenna Systems (PAS) designs, fabricates, and manufactures antenna systems that use radio frequency (RF) ranging from 1 to 110 GHz....

Blog: Sensors/Data Acquisition
A Robotic 'Digger Finger' Senses Buried Items
The technology uses tactile sensing to identify objects underground.
Special Reports: Data Acquisition
Smart Factory/IIoT - June 2021

Factories are getting "smarter" and more automated by the day, thanks to advances in AI, connectivity, controls, and sensors. In this compendium of recent articles from the editors of Tech Briefs and Sensor...

Application Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
New Hybrid Concept for Actuating Subsea Valves
A valve actuator has deep-sea applications.
Articles: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Linear Bearings: What You Need to Know
Learn the distinct forms that linear bearings take, and where the bearings are being used today.

Top Stories

Blog: Software

How to Bring Digital Twins to 'Any System'

INSIDER: Photonics/Optics

Infrared Imaging by Ultrathin Nanocrystal Layers

Blog: Transportation

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

Videos: Automotive

Structural Battery for Lighter Aircraft and Electric Cars

Blog: Test & Measurement

How to Contain Thermal Runaway

Videos: Lighting

Bendy Ice Uncurls Without Breaking

Webcasts

On-Demand Webinars: Automotive

Making Cost an Attribute in Electric Vehicle Development

Upcoming Webinars: Electronics & Computers

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

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

Articles: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

A Guide to Collaborative Robot Safety

NASA Spinoff: Aerospace

Nanotechnology Repairs Engine Damage in Cars

INSIDER: Physical Sciences

This Advance May Enable 2D Transistors for Tinier Microchip Components

INSIDER: Photonics/Optics

Infrared Imaging by Ultrathin Nanocrystal Layers

Articles: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Comparison Between Wave Soldering and Reflow Soldering

Briefs: Medical

Specialized Dye Enables Medical Information to be Stored Below the Skin

Videos