Schematic diagram of the worm-inspired robot. Credit: Jin et al. Topics: Applied Physics, Biomimetics, Instrumentation, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics Bio-inspired robots, robotic systems that emulate the appearance, movements, and/or functions of specific biological systems, could help to tackle real-world problems more efficiently and reliably. Over the past two decades, roboticists have introduced a growing number ofContinue reading “As The Worm Turns…”
Category Archives: Mechanical Engineering
Like Mushrooms for Plastics…
Credit: VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Topics: Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering A research group from VTT Technical Research Center of Finland has unlocked the secret behind the extraordinary mechanical properties and ultra-light weight of certain fungi. The complex architectural design of mushrooms could be mimicked and used to create new materialsContinue reading “Like Mushrooms for Plastics…”
LCE…
Topics: Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Nanotechnology, Robotics A new artificial fiber spun from a polymer called liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) using high-voltage electricity replicates the strength, responsiveness, and power density of human muscle fibers, scientists report. When powered by heat or near-infrared light, the fibers pulled upward and downward or oscillated back and forth. “OurContinue reading “LCE…”
Quadrupedal Robots…
Topics: Autonomous Vehicles, Mechanical Engineering, Research, Robotics Abstract Legged locomotion can extend the operational domain of robots to some of the most challenging environments on Earth. However, conventional controllers for legged locomotion are based on elaborate state machines that explicitly trigger the execution of motion primitives and reflexes. These designs have increased in complexity butContinue reading “Quadrupedal Robots…”
Physics and Nano 