Month: December 2017

The invention of a robot made to adapt to unexpected physical damage is a significant breakthrough for machines made to function in tough environments.
Brittle Stars inspire new generation of robots able to adapt to physical damage

While human-made devices inspired by gecko feet have emerged in recent years, enabling their wearers to slowly scale a glass wall, the possible applications of gecko-adhesion technology go far beyond Spiderman-esque antics. A researcher is looking into how the technology could be applied in a high-precision industrial setting, such as in robot arms used in manufacturing computer chips.
Gecko adhesion technology moves closer to industrial uses

An international study on glass could lead to the development of shatter-proof mobile phone screens.
Shatter-proof mobile phone screens a step closer

Luke Skywalker’s bionic hand is a step closer to reality for amputees in this galaxy. Researchers have created an ultrasonic sensor that allows amputees to control each of their prosthetic fingers individually. It provides fine motor hand gestures that aren’t possible with current commercially available devices.
The force is strong: Amputee controls individual prosthetic fingers

Researchers have developed a tool that uses artificial intelligence to recognize objects in raw traffic camera footage and characterize how those objects move and interact. This information can then be analyzed and queried by traffic engineers and officials to improve the safety and performance of the city’s transportation network.
Artificial intelligence and supercomputers to help alleviate urban traffic problems

Scientists show for the first time that fast insects can change their gait — like a mammal’s transition from trot to gallop. These new insights could contribute to making the locomotion of robots more energy efficient.
Insights on fast cockroaches can help teach robots to walk