Using origami folding techniques as inspiration, researchers in the Department of Aerospace Engineering in the Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have developed several design concepts for flexible, lightweight waveguides that can be launched in a compact, folded state, then expanded to full size after being deployed into … [Read more...] about Origami-inspired space structure is compact when launched, expanded in space
Machine learning designs mirrors for high-power lasers
Plasma mirrors capable of withstanding the intensity of powerful lasers are being designed by researchers in physics and computer science at the University of Strathclyde using an emerging machine learning framework. The researchers have pooled their knowledge of lasers and artificial intelligence to produce a technology that can dramatically reduce the time it takes to … [Read more...] about Machine learning designs mirrors for high-power lasers
Optimising robotic joints
Researchers in Harvard University’s John A Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) have devised a new way to design knee-like joints in robots. Called rolling contact joints, they could lead to better robotic grippers, more tailored assistive devices for humans and robots that move as gracefully as animals. The new design approach optimises how rolling … [Read more...] about Optimising robotic joints
Sensor gloves could help robots get to grips with human tasks
Researchers from the University of Edinburgh have developed new sensor glove technology that could help robots use their hands in more human-like ways. The low-cost gloves detect hand gestures and subtle movements more accurately than existing technologies, the researchers said. According to the team, data collected using the gloves – which cost around £50 to make – could be … [Read more...] about Sensor gloves could help robots get to grips with human tasks
Turning seawater into drinking water via sunlight – without electricity
A research team, affiliated with the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) in South Korea has unveiled a new technology that can convert seawater into clean drinking water using only sunlight, without any external power source. The breakthrough could play a crucial role in solving water shortages in developing countries and remote island communities, where … [Read more...] about Turning seawater into drinking water via sunlight – without electricity