Cornell University researchers have created microscale robots less than a millimetre in size that are printed as a 2D hexagonal ‘metasheet’ but, with a jolt of electricity, morph into preprogrammed 3D shapes and crawl. The robots’ versatility is due to a novel design based on kirigami, a cousin of origami in which slices in the material enable it to fold, expand and … [Read more...] about Researchers design microscale robots capable of crawling
Floating solar design enters testing phase
Italy-based engineering service provider Saipem has launched the first full-scale prototype of XolarSurf, a modular solution for floating solar in harsh offshore conditions. Developed by Saipem’s Norwegian subsidiary Moss Maritime and created in collaboration with the Norwegian manufacturer Kystteknikk and other subcontractors, the prototype was launched at sea at Kystteknikk’s … [Read more...] about Floating solar design enters testing phase
New robot leg powered by artificial muscles
Researchers at ETH Zurich and the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems (MPI-IS) have developed a new muscle-powered robotic leg that is not only more energy efficient than a conventional one, but can also perform high jumps and fast movements as well as detect and react to obstacles – all without the need for complex sensors. Inventors and researchers have been … [Read more...] about New robot leg powered by artificial muscles
New 2D metamaterial has exciting 6G network satellite applications
A new cheap, easily manufactured device developed by a team of engineers led by researchers from the University of Glasgow could lead to improved satellite communication, high-speed data transmission and remote sensing. The ultrathin 2D surface harnesses the unique properties of metamaterials to manipulate and convert radio waves across the frequencies most commonly used by … [Read more...] about New 2D metamaterial has exciting 6G network satellite applications
Exeter climate research is key to modelling tool that aims to decarbonise buildings
Climate research carried out by scientists at the University of Exeter has been incorporated into a new weather modelling tool that demonstrates the crucial role of engineering and climate science in the buildings of the future. Met.box (Meteorological dataset Based On Climate Change Scenario) is a set of future meteorological data that allows builders and architects … [Read more...] about Exeter climate research is key to modelling tool that aims to decarbonise buildings