Briefs: Motion Control
Collision Detector Mimics Locust Swarms
This detector could help robots, drones, and self-driving cars avoid collisions.
Briefs: Power
High-Efficiency Megawatt Motor
This partially superconducting machine can be used as a motor or generator.
Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
Human-Like Hands with Flexible, Hybrid Pneumatic Actuators
These hands, with a large grasping force, enable safer human-robot interactions.
Articles: Test & Measurement
Executive Roundtable: Robotics Design
A panel of experts explains how robots are playing a larger role in manufacturing.
Articles: Test & Measurement
Machine Health & Asset Monitoring in Industrial Applications: A Look at Sensor Technologies
Learn about the sensors assessing and analyzing plant equipment.
Briefs: Motion Control
Compact, Long-Reach Robotic Arm
Applications include retractable covers and awnings, camera booms, and spacecraft and astronaut positioning.
Articles: Electronics & Computers
Selecting the Best Power Supply for Your Stepper or Servo Motor Application
We review three of your power-supply choices.
Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
3D-Printed Miniature Magnetic Pump
The magnetic, multi-material pump was 3D-printed all in one piece.
Application Briefs: Power
Efficient Pump Protection for Large Pumps: The Control Valve Alternative
Automatic recirculation valves offer efficiency for critical pump protection in power or oil and gas applications.
Articles: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Raising the Ergonomics Bar with Smart Electric Actuators
Smart electric actuators not only enable fine position adjustments, but they also provide real-time feedback on the extent of those adjustments.
Products: Sensors/Data Acquisition
New Products: December 2020 Motion Design
Linear slides, electric motors, gears, and more.
Products: Software
New on the Market: December 2020
Mixed-signal oscilloscopes, 3D printers, DC/DC converters, and more.
Briefs: Motion Control
Multirotor Aircraft Noise Reduction
NASA's phase-locked rotors reduce noise.
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
16-Atom Molecular Motor
The tiny motor can be powered by both thermal and electrical energy.
Articles: Photonics/Optics
2020 Create the Future Design Contest: Automotive/Transportation Category Winner — Low-Noise Laser for Lidar
Compact lasers now offer precise colors.
Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
Robot Takes Contact-Free Measurements of Patients’ Vital Signs
The mobile system could reduce healthcare workers’ exposure to the COVID-19 virus.
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Upper Body Robotic Exoskeleton
This lightweight, portable garment is designed for active shoulder and elbow positioning.
Briefs: Data Acquisition
Tethered Drones Improve Cellular and Internet Networks
Wire-connected drones may complement or replace the fixed base stations of cellular communications networks.
Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
Tactile Robot Finger with No Blind Spots
This robotic finger has a highly precise sense of touch over a complex, multi-curved surface.
Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
Flexible, Sturdy Robot “Grows” Like a Plant
The robot’s extendable appendage can wind through tight spaces and then lift heavy loads.
Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
Technology Aids Surgeon-Guided Robotic Hands
This method enables users to control their robotic fingers precisely enough to gently land on fragile surfaces.
Articles: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
2020 Create the Future Design Contest: Aerospace & Defense Category Winner — NiobiCon™
The NiobiCon™ underwater connector will not short out, corrode, or cause an electrical shock if touched while powered in harsh environments like saltwater.
Articles: Materials
Vote for Tech Briefs Product of the Year 2020
These 12 products are the nominees for the 2020 Tech Briefs Readers’ Choice Product of the Year.
Articles: Robotics, Automation & Control
Facility Focus: Jacobs School of Engineering, University of California San Diego
Jacobs' scientists are helping to make contract-tracing apps, emergency-use ventilators, and even squid-bots.
Briefs: Unmanned Systems
Modular, In-Air, Multi-UAV Docking
This system can be used for long-range or high-payload deliveries as well as search and rescue.
Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics
Miniature Antenna Enables Robotic Teaming in Complex Environments
A low-frequency antenna with enhanced bandwidth will enable robust networking among compact, mobile robots.
Articles: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Products of Tomorrow: December 2020
Robotic exoskeletons, a breath-test for cancer, and plastic-eating enzymes are Products of Tomorrow.
Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
Glove-Like Device Mimics Sense of Touch
The soft, wearable device simulates the sense of touch and has wide potential in medical and industrial applications.
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Programmable Balloons for Shape-Morphing Devices
Kirigami balloons could be used in shape-changing actuators for soft robots, minimally invasive surgical devices, and macro structures for space exploration.
Top Stories
Articles: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Nano Diamond Battery Provides Universal Applicability
Blog: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
A Former NASA Mission Manager Reflects on a 'Flawless' Mars Landing
Videos: Sensors/Data Acquisition
'LaserFactory' Manufactures Fully Functional Devices & Drones
Podcasts: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Here's an Idea: Hospital Robots
Articles: Transportation
Modeling & Simulation for Battery Development
Blog: Materials
How Smashing Nanoparticles Together Led to Super-Strength Metal 'Coins'
Webcasts
On-Demand Webinars: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Developing Standards for Odor Sensors and Data
Upcoming Webinars: Automotive
Transforming Automotive Engineering by Tackling Complexity
Upcoming Webinars: Electronics & Computers
Contactless Position, Torque, and Force Sensing for Today’s and...
Upcoming Webinars: Automotive
How to Achieve Multidisciplinary, Collaborative, Concurrent...
Upcoming Webinars: Materials
Ultra-High Purity Silicone in Aerospace and Defense Product Design
Upcoming Webinars: Automotive
A Four-Pillar Approach to Driving Greater Efficiency ePowertrain...
Trending Stories
Application Briefs: Software
Using the IoT for Predictive Maintenance
Articles: Transportation
Modeling & Simulation for Battery Development
Podcasts: Robotics, Automation & Control
Here's an Idea: Hospital Robots
Application Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
System for Continuous Deaeration of Hydraulic Oil
