Robotics News – Latest Headlines

'Tree-on-a-chip' device may be used to make small robots move

Engineers have designed a microfluidic device they call a 'tree-on-a-chip', which mimics the pumping mechanism of trees and plants. Like its natural counterparts, the chip operates passively, requiring no moving parts or external pumps. It is able to pump water and sugars through the chip at a steady flow rate for several days.

Mar 20th, 2017

Security for multirobot systems

New technique could protect robot teams' communication networks from malicious hackers.

Mar 17th, 2017

Songs that make robots cry

Machine learning writes songs that elicits emotions from its listeners.

Mar 9th, 2017

Artificial intelligence in quantum systems, too

Scientists use quantum simulators to imitate life, natural selection, learning and memory.

Mar 7th, 2017

Robot uses social feedback to fetch objects intelligently

Robotics researchers have developed an algorithm that lets robots ask for clarification when they're not sure what a person wants.

Mar 6th, 2017

Six-legged robots faster than nature-inspired gait (w/video)

Researchers revealed that there is in fact a faster way for robots to locomote on flat ground, provided they don't have the adhesive pads used by insects to climb walls and ceilings.

Feb 17th, 2017

Ground-breaking robotic arms that could transform your weekly food shop

Robotics researchers have developed versatile robotic grippers to pick thousands of supermarket items.

Feb 16th, 2017

In pursuit of artificial intelligence with a human mind (w/video)

Getting to the heart of human-like action with robots and computer models.

Feb 14th, 2017

Now you can 'build your own' bio-bot

Researchers have been developing a class of walking 'bio-bots' powered by muscle cells and controlled with electrical and optical pulses. Now, they are sharing the recipe for the current generation of bio-bots.

Feb 13th, 2017

Transparent gel-based robots can catch and release live fish (w/video)

Made from hydrogel, robots may one day assist in surgical operations, evade underwater detection.

Feb 1st, 2017

Engineers create artificial skin that 'feels' temperature changes

A team of engineers and scientists have developed an artificial skin capable of detecting temperature changes using a mechanism similar to the one used by the organ that allows pit vipers to sense their prey.

Jan 30th, 2017

'Knitted muscles' provide power

Researchers have coated normal fabric with an electroactive material, and in this way given it the ability to actuate in the same way as muscle fibres.

Jan 26th, 2017

Swarm of underwater robots mimics ocean life

Underwater robots offer scientists an extraordinary new tool to study ocean currents and the tiny creatures they transport. Swarms of these underwater robots helped answer some basic questions about the most abundant life forms in the ocean - plankton.