Scientists at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland have integrated discarded crustacean shells into robotic devices, leveraging the strength and flexibility of natural materials for robotic applications. Although many roboticists today turn to nature to inspire their designs, even bioinspired robots are usually fabricated from non-biological … [Read more...] about Bio-hybrid robots turn food waste into functional machines
Technology
Space shuttle development process offers blueprint for creating breakthrough products
A new study that examined NASA’s space shuttle development argues that the agency’s design approach offers a template for creating breakthrough products that combine numerous interdependent features. The study focused on how NASA generated internal knowledge for the shuttle programme between 1969 and 1971, when engineers had to balance performance, cost and reusability … [Read more...] about Space shuttle development process offers blueprint for creating breakthrough products
Better lifespan predictions for clean energy equipment
A new international study has developed a method for predicting the lifetime of mechanical equipment used in clean-energy systems. The research, led by Tohoku University and East China University of Science and Technology, is aimed at enhancing long-term performance and reducing material waste through better design. Technology, no matter how advanced, always comes with a … [Read more...] about Better lifespan predictions for clean energy equipment
New mattress design aims to be more inclusive
US mattress company Sleepmax has come up with a new design that moves away from traditional ‘one-size-fits-all’ ergonomics toward more inclusive engineering. A newcomer positioned in the mid-to-high-end segment, Sleepmax, has attracted attention for challenging the dominant paradigm of ‘zoned’ ergonomics. The company recently introduced two new ergonomics-driven mattress … [Read more...] about New mattress design aims to be more inclusive
Student designs and builds 3D-printed acoustic guitar
A mechanical engineering student at Binghamton University, State University of New York, has created a playable 3D-printed acoustic guitar. Unlike a traditional instrument, it’s made out of thermoplastic filament, but it works. ‘It wasn’t something that people had really looked into,’ Timothy Tran (pictured above) said. ‘People have made 3D-printed electric guitars – that’s … [Read more...] about Student designs and builds 3D-printed acoustic guitar