A new study led by researchers at Cornell University has approached the question of whether healthcare robots actually make care easier for the people who give and receive it by inviting healthcare workers, long-term care residents and community members to help design the robots themselves. The research documents a 14‑week ‘co-design’ project in which nurses, doctors, … [Read more...] about New approach designs healthcare robots with, not for, the people who use them
Nature-inspired bamboo-bone composites resist cracking better
Researchers at National Taiwan University have developed bioinspired composites that mimic bone and bamboo structures to improve strength and toughness simultaneously. Using artificial intelligence, simulations and 3D printing, the team discovered how soft layers near cracks can prevent catastrophic failure. Nature has spent millions of years developing materials that are … [Read more...] about Nature-inspired bamboo-bone composites resist cracking better
Robots and AI to help shipbuilding stay on track
An international team is working to develop a system within which autonomous robots and AI models could help shipyard workers catch when a ship’s built structure differs from design drawings, allowing workers to fix problems or adapt sooner. With funding from a US$6.2million grant from the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the collaboration … [Read more...] about Robots and AI to help shipbuilding stay on track
Schoolchildren gain insights into railway engineering
Engineers from Thameslink and Great Northern have visited nine primary school classrooms across Stevenage to help 100 primary school students design model trains. The trains were then put to the test by an expert panel of judges as part of a programme to encourage the nation’s future engineers. The activities formed part of the Primary Engineer programme, funded by the train … [Read more...] about Schoolchildren gain insights into railway engineering
Scientists take step towards building a ChatGPT for metamaterials
Researchers from Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands and ETH Zürich have developed an AI model – dubbed DiffuMeta – that works in a similar way to ChatGPT, but instead of generating text, it designs 3D materials. By representing shapes as mathematical sentences, the model can generate entirely new metamaterials that meet specific mechanical goals, such as how they … [Read more...] about Scientists take step towards building a ChatGPT for metamaterials