Mechanical/​Mechatronics

Briefs: Energy

Hardware Reduces Energy Draw of Artificial Intelligence

A quantum material could offset energy demand of artificial intelligence.

Briefs: Unmanned Systems

Autonomous Boats Automatically Target and Clasp Onto Each Other

A fleet of “roboats” could transport people, collect trash, and self-assemble into floating structures.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Nature-Inspired Green Energy Technology

A new design enables artificial photosynthesis to generate fuel that can power homes and vehicles.

Briefs: Software

Machine Learning Enables Rapid Rocket Engine Design

This method provides a fast way to assess rocket engine performance in a variety of operating conditions.

Blog: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Coffee Grounds Put a Pep in the Step of Flexible Robotic Feet

Traditional robotic feet are made of rigid components. A team of engineers at UCSD turned to coffee grounds to make legged robots more flexible and able to walk on a variety of rough terrain.

Articles: Manufacturing & Prototyping

Don’t Blame it on the Bearings

New measurement methodologies can save you time that would otherwise be wasted on returning and reordering bearing.

Articles: Materials

Boosting Performance in Hydraulic Systems with Alternative Coatings

Taking a holistic approach to sealing systems in hydraulic systems using chrome alternatives helps engineers achieve optimum function.

Application Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Magnetic Transmissions Increase Lifespan of Offshore Wind Farms

In places of limited accessibility and harsh conditions, replacing failed transmissions is a challenging and tremendously costly task.

Articles: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Advanced Sensing Solutions for Cost-Effective Machine Building

The right sensors can cut machine building costs, improve flexibility, and boost customer satisfaction.

Products: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

New Products: June 2020 Motion Design

Positioning System

H2W Technologies (Santa Clarita, CA) offers the SRT-030/360-026-01 two-axis X-Theta positioning system for motion control applications that require coordinated linear and rotary...

Application Briefs: Wearables

Seeables and Hearables for Fitness Feedback

Learn abut Bosch Sensortec's “Light Drive” system.

Technology Leaders: Electronics & Computers

MEMS — Smart Sensors for the IoT

Tim Brosnihan, Executive Director of SEMI’s MEMS & Sensors Industry Group (MSIG), talks about the current state of the MEMS industry and trends for the future,

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Cut-to-Length Electrical Cable Cuts Costs

Electrical cables are used in services such as power delivery, automation signaling, and communications.

Facility Focus: Robotics, Automation & Control

Facility Focus: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Rensselaer Engineering focuses on solving the “grand challenges” facing humanity.

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Device Modulates Light and Amplifies Tiny Signals

This system can amplify a faint signal from a neighboring system even when that signal’s amplitude is as small as ten trillionths of a meter.

NASA Spinoff: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Wool Mask Used to Fight Fires in Space Improves Fire Equipment on Earth

Wool from special sheep keeps astronauts and emergency responders safe.

Articles: Test & Measurement

Mars 2020 – Looking for Life

Tech Briefs spoke with NASA’s Ken Williford, Mars 2020 Deputy Project Scientist, to learn more about the science capabilities of Perseverance.

Articles: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Mars 2020 – Getting to Mars

Perseverance will have the ability to land in more challenging terrain than Curiosity, making more rugged sites eligible as safe landing candidates.

Q&A: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Q&A: Tactile Robot Finger with No Blind Spots

A robotic finger has a sense of touch that can be localized with high precision over a large, multi-curved surface.

Products: Motion Control

New on the Market: June 2020

Industrial PCs, power modules, processor blades, and more.

Briefs: Test & Measurement

Small, Precise, Affordable Gyroscope Navigates Without GPS

An inexpensive gyroscope could help drones and autonomous cars stay on track without a GPS signal.

Application Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Selecting Pressure Sensors for Autoclaves

Find the right pressure sensors for your sterilization applications.

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Fabric Allows Wearers to Control Electronic Devices Through Clothing

The rainproof, stainproof technology turns clothing into self-powered remotes while turning away bacteria.