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: Robotics
Microbots and Chemo…
Topics: Biology, Cancer, Chemotherapy, Robotics Chemotherapy disrupts cancer cells’ ability to reproduce by frustrating cell division and damaging the cells’ DNA. In response to the pharmaceutical onslaught, cancer cells acquire mutations that reduce the therapy’s effectiveness. Compounding the challenge of fighting cancer: Under chemical and other stresses, mutation rates increase. A team led by PrincetonContinue reading “Microbots and Chemo…”
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…”
Smart Foam…
Topics: Biology, Biotechnology, Materials Science, Polymer Science, Robotics SINGAPORE, July 6 (Reuters) – Singapore researchers have developed a smart foam material that allows robots to sense nearby objects, and repairs itself when damaged, just like human skin. Artificially innervated foam, or AiFoam, is a highly elastic polymer created by mixing fluoropolymer with a compound thatContinue reading “Smart Foam…”
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…”
Fit…
Topics: Applied Physics, NIST, Research, Robotics A shoddily tailored suit or a shrunken T-shirt may not be the most stylish, but wearing them is unlikely to hurt more than your reputation. An ill-fitting robotic exoskeleton on the battlefield or factory floor, however, could be a much bigger problem than a fashion faux pas. Exoskeletons, manyContinue reading “Fit…”