Octopus-inspired grasper gets it right by mimicking mucus

A new octopus-sucker-inspired suction cup could make it much easier and more energy-efficient for robots to lift and release rough-surfaced objects. The secret lies in using water to mimic octopus mucus.Continue ReadingCategory: ScienceTags: University… Continue reading Octopus-inspired grasper gets it right by mimicking mucus

Video: Bio-inspired aquatic robot shoots through the water like a penguin

Penguins are fast, fantastic swimmers, so why not make an underwater robot inspired by them? That’s just what German underwater tech company EvoLogics has done, with its new-and-improved Quadroin AUV (autonomous underwater vehicle).Continue ReadingCate… Continue reading Video: Bio-inspired aquatic robot shoots through the water like a penguin

Soft n’ supple adhesive gel makes for gentler tracking of squids

The tracking of squid and other soft-bodied sea creatures may soon be a lot more doable, thanks to a new bioadhesive interface. It’s claimed to be much gentler than current attachment methods, while still remaining up to the task.Continue ReadingCatego… Continue reading Soft n’ supple adhesive gel makes for gentler tracking of squids

Video: Boston Dynamics unveils stronger, more capable electric Atlas robot

Boston Dynamics has unveiled a stronger, more agile, fully electric version of its Atlas humanoid robot. The kinda creepy-looking thing is already slated to enter use on Hyundai’s automotive production line.Continue ReadingCategory: Robotics, Technolog… Continue reading Video: Boston Dynamics unveils stronger, more capable electric Atlas robot

Acoustic navigational tech gets scuba divers using GPS maps

Because GPS doesn’t work underwater, divers usually can’t track their real-time position on a digital map. The new Diver Navigation System (DNS) gets around that problem, however, using both floating and wearable acoustic transponders.Continue ReadingC… Continue reading Acoustic navigational tech gets scuba divers using GPS maps

Eco-friendly agricultural gel replaces toxic pesticides with worms

A worm-filled gel has been shown to protect crops from pests, without the use of environmentally-unfriendly pesticides. Its not-so-secret ingredient is scores of tiny nematodes, which ordinarily can’t survive outside of their underground habitat.Contin… Continue reading Eco-friendly agricultural gel replaces toxic pesticides with worms

Freaky ‘Leptanilla voldemort’ ant earns its name in the darkness

A newly discovered ant has been aptly named after the creepiest of all Harry Potter villains, Lord Voldemort. Like the lord, the ant is pale, slender, and it lives in the dark – unlike Mr. Voldemort, however, the ant did not give young Harry his lightn… Continue reading Freaky ‘Leptanilla voldemort’ ant earns its name in the darkness

Video: Multi-talented underwater robot uses fins to swim, walk and crawl

A new underwater robot can swim through the water with fins, and walk or crawl along the bottom when necessary. These capabilities could really give it a leg up – pun fully intended – at outperforming its traditional thruster-powered counterparts.Conti… Continue reading Video: Multi-talented underwater robot uses fins to swim, walk and crawl

Video: ultra-efficient Flying pogo robot bounces around on its tail

By hopping like a person on a pogo stick, a modified aerial drone can operate for almost an hour as opposed to several minutes if it simply flew. Descendants of the aircraft could one day find use in applications such as wildlife monitoring, crop inspe… Continue reading Video: ultra-efficient Flying pogo robot bounces around on its tail