Mechanical/Mechatronics

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.

Stories

Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control

Modular Toolbox Builds Safe Robots

Various components are used to assemble robots that are more aware of their surroundings.

Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping

SiC-Based Microstructures for Sensors

Ultra-thin SiC microstructures enable batch fabrication of MEMS, NEMS, pressure sensors, and biosensors.

Articles: Photonics/Optics

In-House PCB Prototyping with Additive Manufacturing

If you want to pursue in-house PCB prototyping and testing, there are several routes you can take.

Briefs: Energy

In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU): Methylotrophic Microorganisms Expressing Soluble Methane Monooxygenase Proteins

This technology enables methane metabolism by yeast.

Briefs: Automotive

Dynamic Mechanical Strain-Induced Temperature Gradient Coating

The non-destructive coating has applications in structural health monitoring, aerospace, automotive, and military/defense.

Products: Communications

New on the Market: January 2020

Processors, imaging sensors, dimensioning systems, and more.

Briefs: Propulsion

Power System for Hybrid Heavy-Duty Trucks

Electric motors and gas-alcohol engines could slash pollution levels and greenhouse gases from long-haul trucks.

Briefs: Lighting

Recovery of Mercury and Rare Earth Elements from Fluorescent Lamp Phosphors

This method will enable safer fluorescent light recycling.

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Micro Device Detects Ebola Virus Using Bio-Sensors

The device can be used to pre-screen for the virus using gene-editing assays before those infected can travel and expose others.

Briefs: Energy

Catalysis Approach Reduces Carbon Dioxide to Methane

This approach is a cost-effective way to convert carbon dioxide gas into methane.

Briefs: Motion Control

Robotic “Cockroach” Explores Underwater Environments

This microbot can walk on land, swim, and walk underwater.

Application Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping

NASA's Thirst for Water on Mars Quenched by Student Innovators

NASA and universities from across the country are teaming up to support a continued human presence on the Moon and ultimately Mars.

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

Shape Sensing Innovations Dramatically Improve Structural Design Tools

These advances are useful for transportation, infrastructure, and aerospace.

Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics

Flow Disruption Devices for the Reduction of High Lift System Noise

This technique lowers airstream noise generated at the side edges of deployed flaps, elevons, or slats.

Briefs: Aerospace

Thin Heat Shield for Superfast Aircraft

A carbon nanotube heat shield can better protect extremely fast aircraft.

Q&A: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Q&A: A Shape-Morphing, Self-Healing Soft Composite

Have you heard of "Thubber?"

Briefs: Test & Measurement

The Planetary Tides Simulation Facility for Simulation Tidal Strain in Planetary Ice Analogs

Applications include modeling of tidal stress response of icy satellites as well as fatigue of terrestrial ice shelves.

Articles: Materials

Blue Lasers: Leveraging Fundamental Physics for High Performance

Increased laser capacity has enabled, and will continue to enable, new manufacturing possibilities.

Products: Test & Measurement

New Products

Photopolymer films, LED light engines, measurement systems, and more.

Blog: Sensors/Data Acquisition

How to Fix Satellites — With Satellites

If a satellite breaks in orbit, there's not much that can be done. A professor envisions a new idea for refueling and repair.

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.

Special Reports: Internet of Things

ADAS/Connected Car - December 2019

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...