Researchers will present a new lane-change algorithm that splits the difference. It allows for more aggressive lane changes than the simple models do but relies only on immediate information about other vehicles’ directions and velocities to make decisions.
Driverless cars change lanes more like humans do
When it comes to things that are ultrafast and lightweight, robots can’t hold a candle to the fastest-jumping insects and other small-but-powerful creatures.
In the world of robotics, soft robots are the new kids on the block. The unique capabilities of these automata are to bend, deform, stretch, twist or squeeze in all the ways that conventional rigid robots cannot. Today, it is easy to envision a world in which humans and robots collaborate — in close proximity — in many realms. Emerging soft robots may help to ensure that this can be done safely, and in a way that syncs to human environments or even interfaces with humans themselves.
Soft machines: Fast, low-voltage actuator for soft and wearable robotics
Many natural organisms have the ability to repair themselves. Now, manufactured machines will be able to mimic this property. Researchers have created a self-healing material that spontaneously repairs itself under extreme mechanical damage.
Self-healing material a breakthrough for bio-inspired robotics
Working on an offshore oil rig comes with significant risks. Explosions have caused employee deaths and resulted in
New Research Testing How Automation Could Make Offshore Oil Rigs Safer
Your weekly selection of awesome robot videos
Video Friday: Andy Rubin on Robotics, Dynamic Exoskeleton, and Two Robot Heads
A nanorobotics team has assembled a new microrobotics system that pushes forward the frontiers of optical nanotechnologies. Combining several existing technologies, the newly developed nanofactory builds microstructures in a large vacuum chamber and fixes components onto optical fiber tips with nanometer accuracy. The microhouse construction demonstrates how researchers can advance optical sensing technologies when they manipulate ion guns, electron beams and finely controlled robotic piloting.
Robotic assembly of the world's smallest house — Even a mite doesn't fit through the door!
Engineers have created a 3D-printed smart gel that walks underwater and grabs objects and moves them. The watery creation could lead to soft robots that mimic sea animals like the octopus, which can walk underwater and bump into things without damaging them. It may also lead to artificial heart, stomach and other muscles, along with devices for diagnosing diseases, detecting and delivering drugs and performing underwater inspections.
3D-printed smart gel that walks underwater, moves objects
Three soldiers in the British Army have used a Raspberry Pi to build an autonomous robot, as part
UK soldiers design Raspberry Pi bomb disposal robot
A robotic system has been developed to automate the production of human mini-organs derived from stem cells. The ability to rapidly, mass produce organoids promises to expand the use of mini-organs in basic research and drug discovery. The system was tested in producing kidney organoids, including models of polycystic kidney disease. The robots were also programmed to analyze the organoids they produced.
Robots grow mini-organs from human stem cells
