Robotics, AI and SmartTech News – Latest Headlines

Hydrogel material shows unexpected learning abilities

Researchers demonstrated that a simple hydrogel - a type of soft, flexible material - can learn to play the simple 1970s computer game 'Pong'.

August 22, 2024 Read more

Self-improving AI method increases 3D-printing efficiency

An artificial intelligence algorithm can allow researchers to more efficiently use 3D printing to manufacture intricate structures.

August 22, 2024 Read more

Engineers design tiny batteries for powering cell-sized robots

These zinc-air batteries, smaller than a grain of sand, could help miniscule robots sense and respond to their environment.

August 16, 2024 Read more

AI enhances chemical analysis at the nanoscale

Scientists have developed an AI-based technique to improve chemical analysis of nanomaterials, overcoming challenges of noisy data and mixed signals.

August 13, 2024 Read more

Electrically powered artificial muscle fibers: The new power for soft actuation

Electrically powered artificial muscle fibers, with excellent mechanical performance, flexibility, and scalability, are becoming a new power system for intelligent devices.

August 2, 2024 Read more

Self-powered 'bugs' can skim across water to detect environmental data

Devices could run on ocean bacteria and revolutionize aquatic robotics.

July 30, 2024 Read more

Shape-shifting 'transformer bots' inspired by origami

Inspired by the paper-folding art of origami, engineers have discovered a way to make a single plastic cubed structure transform into more than 1,000 configurations using only three active motors.

July 29, 2024 Read more

Foam-based pneumatic circuits enable new capabilities in soft robotics and wearable devices

Researchers develop flexible pneumatic circuits using porous foam, advancing control systems for soft robots and wearables with innovative fluidic logic and sensing capabilities.

July 24, 2024 Read more

OptoGPT for improving solar cells, smart windows, telescopes and more

Taking advantage of the transformer neural networks that power large language models, engineers can get recipes for materials with the optical properties they need.

July 18, 2024 Read more

AI method radically speeds predictions of materials' thermal properties

The approach could help engineers design more efficient energy-conversion systems and faster microelectronic devices, reducing waste heat.

July 18, 2024 Read more

Ant insights lead to robot navigation breakthrough (w/video)

Drone researchers used ant-inspired methods of visual recognition and step counting to create an autonomous navigation strategy for tiny, lightweight robots.

July 18, 2024 Read more

Neural networks made of light

Scientists propose a new way of implementing a neural network with an optical system which could make machine learning more sustainable in the future.

July 11, 2024 Read more

A new twist on artificial muscles for safer, softer robots

Simplified, low-cost soft actuators enable worm-like crawling, bicep-like lifting and more.

July 10, 2024 Read more

Artificial intelligence for studying twisted van der Waals magnets

Innovative techniques enable a streamlined and reliable analysis of these complex systems, eliminating the need for previous resource-intensive simulations and marking a significant advancement in the field.

July 3, 2024 Read more

Self-assembling, highly conductive sensors could improve wearable devices

To advance soft robotics, skin-integrated electronics and biomedical devices, researchers at have developed a 3D-printed material that is soft and stretchable - traits needed for matching the properties of tissues and organs - and that self-assembles.

July 1, 2024 Read more

Soft, stretchy electrode simulates touch sensations using electrical signals

Researchers developed a soft, stretchy electronic device that simulates pressure or vibration on the skin, advancing haptic technologies for realistic touch sensations.

June 28, 2024 Read more

Light-controlled artificial maple seeds could monitor the environment even in hard-to-reach locations

Researchers have developed a tiny robot replicating the aerial dance of falling maple seeds. In the future, this robot could be used for real-time environmental monitoring or delivery of small samples even in inaccessible terrain such as deserts, mountains or cliffs, or the open sea.

June 27, 2024 Read more

Microrobot-packed pill shows promise for treating inflammatory bowel disease in mice

Engineers developed a pill that releases microrobots into the colon to treat IBD. In mice, it reduced symptoms and healed tissue without toxic side effects.

June 26, 2024 Read more