Robotics, AI and SmartTech News – Latest Headlines

A robot that reads bacteria by touch

Researchers have developed a robotic platform that identifies Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria through touch-based electrical signals, without staining or chemical labels. The study achieved rapid classification within 0.62 seconds and 90.93% accuracy.

July 8, 2026 Read more

Large language model guides discovery of catalysts for clean energy tech

An AI assistant for high-entropy alloy (HEA) electrocatalysis named ChatHEA provided a helping hand not just to extract data from the literature, but provide suggestions for promising catalysts, design experiments, and analyze data.

July 8, 2026 Read more

Microscale robotics reveal motion reversal in bodylike fluids

Tests show microrobot swimmers reverse sideways motion in mucus- and bloodlike fluids, offering clues for steering future targeted drug-delivery systems.

July 7, 2026 Read more

Researchers identify the 'hidden energy cost' of AI agents for the first time

Researchers present the first quantitative analysis of AI agents’ computational cost, response latency, energy consumption, and data-center-scale power demand.

July 6, 2026 Read more

AI platform turns catalyst data into a discovery engine

A new AI-ready data framework could accelerate catalyst discovery, supporting cleaner energy and more sustainable chemical processes.

June 30, 2026 Read more

Machine learning points scientists to new superconductors- and possibly thousands more

Machine learning helped identify new superconductors and a process that could speed the discovery of thousands more energy-saving materials.

June 29, 2026 Read more

Shape-shifting surface adds touch to displays

A soft magnetic metasurface can morph into thousands of shapes, sense deformation, and show LED feedback, pointing to tactile interfaces, wearables, soft robotics, and AR/VR.

June 27, 2026 Read more

Building digital twins as decision infrastructure for a complex world

From healthcare to climate forecasting, digital twins are expanding rapidly, with uncertainty, interoperability, and user needs emerging as key priorities.

June 26, 2026 Read more

AI designs the ideal burger for taste, health, and planet

Researchers developed an AI tool that creates novel burger recipes optimized for individual preferences. The implications for science go well beyond food.

June 26, 2026 Read more

AI reveals the physics behind better hydrogen storage materials

AI-guided modeling identifies key traits that improve hydrogen uptake, helping narrow the search for materials that store fuel more safely and efficiently.

June 25, 2026 Read more

Swarm robots inspired by bees and ants could transform the future of mining

Researchers have developed a new type of robotic system inspired by bees and ants that could make mining safer, more efficient and more sustainable.

June 25, 2026 Read more

Self-driving chemistry lab discovers catalysts that can switch products on demand

A self-driving lab rapidly screened catalyst recipes, finding tunable systems that switch chemical products by changing reaction conditions

June 24, 2026 Read more

Cleanroom-free process brings electronic skin to curved robots and wearables

A UV laser and 3D printer create large flexible tactile sensor arrays directly on target surfaces, simplifying fabrication and rapid prototyping.

June 23, 2026 Read more

Flying robot rides the wind like a bird (w/video)

Scientists built a flying robot that is both easy to control and energy-efficient, especially in changing wind conditions. The robot can change its shape and uses wind to stay in the air, instead of relying on thrust-generating motors.

June 22, 2026 Read more

AI system monitors 2D semiconductor manufacturing at the atomic layer

Researchers combined low-temperature plasma processing with machine learning to synthesize and etch 6-inch MoS2 and WS2 wafers and predict film thickness in real time.

June 19, 2026 Read more

Intelligent, but not conscious: a warning about AI chatbots

As artificial-intelligence systems become more powerful and increasingly used for advice, comfort and psychological support, three neuroscientists sound the alarm.

June 19, 2026 Read more

AI speed up the use of optical tweezers

By teaching an AI to use optical tweezers, researchers have sped up the analysis of life’s smallest components. The AI platform captures particles, takes measurements and loads new samples, all without human intervention.

June 18, 2026 Read more

Fully implanted miniature radio controller boosts cyborg insect mobility in challenging terrains

Tiny onboard electronics guide insect movement without hindering agility, pointing to potential use in search-and-rescue work after disasters.

June 17, 2026 Read more