Mechanical/Mechatronics

Topics:

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.

Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control

Modular Toolbox Builds Safe Robots

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

Briefs: Green Design & Manufacturing

Process Turns Sand and Plant Materials into a Water Filtration Tool

According to the United Nations, 2.1 billion people lack access to safely managed drinking water services and the majority live in developing nations. A process was...

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Particle Robot Works as a Cluster of Simple Units

Loosely connected disc-shaped “particles” can push and pull one another, moving together to transport objects.

Articles: Software

Five Techniques for Lightweighting: Doing More With Less

Manufacturers in almost every industry are looking to design lighter parts. Here are five lightweighting strategies.

Briefs: Imaging

Robot Performs Complex Maneuvers

An upgraded mini robot can leap over obstacles with ease.

Special Reports: Transportation

CONEXPO/IFPE - January 2020

Coming to Las Vegas in March, CONEXPO-CON/AGG and IFPE are North America's largest events for the construction/commercial vehicle, fluid power, power transmission, and motion control industries. In this Special...

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.

Q&A: Photonics/Optics

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

Have you heard of "Thubber?"

Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control

Microrobot Powered by Soft Muscles

This microrobot with soft actuators can crash, fall, and collide without being damaged.

Articles: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Blue Lasers: Leveraging Fundamental Physics for High Performance

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

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

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: Test & Measurement

Pinpointing Consumption “Sweet Spot” Makes Formation Flight More Fuel-Efficient

A new method of estimating the optimal trailing aircraft position in a formation increases fuel savings.

Briefs: Test & Measurement

Magneto-Optic Biosensor Using Bio-Functionalized Magnetic Nanoparticles

This technology is a novel, rugged, and economic diagnostic and sensor platform technology.

Briefs: Nanotechnology

Thin Heat Shield for Superfast Aircraft

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

Briefs: Transportation

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: Transportation

Viable, Environmentally Friendly Alternative to Polystyrene Foam

This plant-based material can be manufactured using water as a solvent instead of other harmful solvents.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Hardening Lightweight Metal Foams with Nanocoating

Load-bearing structures in cars and airplanes could be manufactured from the metal foam.

Special Reports: Propulsion

Vehicle Electrification - January 2020

Demand for electric vehicles is accelerating, presenting new design, manufacturing, and infrastructure challenges. To help you keep pace with the rapid changes in vehicle electrification technology, we...