Breakthrough could see robots with ‘fingertips’ as sensitive as humans

Researchers have overcome a major challenge in biomimetic robotics by developing a sensor that, assisted by AI, can slide over braille text, accurately reading it at twice human speed. The tech could be incorporated into robot hands and prosthetics, pr… Continue reading Breakthrough could see robots with ‘fingertips’ as sensitive as humans

Feather-inspired material could be used in batteries & water filters

The unique microscopic structure of the feathers of the eastern bluebird, a type of North American thrush, has inspired the creation of a simple-to-produce, scalable and robust novel synthetic material that could be used in batteries and water filters…. Continue reading Feather-inspired material could be used in batteries & water filters

Novel spider-inspired surface material stays dry for months underwater

Inspired by a water-dwelling spider, researchers have created a novel surface material that stays dry for months underwater, and also greatly resists adhesion by bacteria and marine organisms like barnacles. They say the surface is easy to produce, sca… Continue reading Novel spider-inspired surface material stays dry for months underwater

Mineral-building lozenge offers long-term fix for tooth sensitivity

There are few things worse than having to avoid eating your favorite ice cream because you don’t want to experience the pain caused by sensitive teeth. That may soon be a thing of the past, with researchers developing a novel way of rebuilding lost too… Continue reading Mineral-building lozenge offers long-term fix for tooth sensitivity

Flexible robot centipede takes cues from nature, navigates via instability

Once again, technology has been inspired by nature. After examining how centipedes traverse rough terrain, researchers created a multi-legged robot that mimics their curved, side-to-side movement, providing greater stability and maneuverability.Continu… Continue reading Flexible robot centipede takes cues from nature, navigates via instability

Bug-inspired coating could make for better bone and joint implants

Inspired by the wings of dragonflies and cicadas, researchers have developed a new coating for orthopedic implants. It not only shreds harmful bacteria, but also monitors stress on the system, meaning it could warn of impending implant failure.Continue… Continue reading Bug-inspired coating could make for better bone and joint implants

First 4D-printed, shape-changing ‘seed robot’ to monitor the environment

Italian researchers have created a novel 4D-printed biodegradable soft robot shaped like a seed that changes shape in response to changes in humidity and can navigate through the soil. The device has great potential as a new way of monitoring the envir… Continue reading First 4D-printed, shape-changing ‘seed robot’ to monitor the environment

Nature’s strongest known material inspires green alternative to Kevlar

Nature is capable of producing materials of incredible strength, with spider silk one of the most celebrated examples. In 2015, a group of scientists made a game-changing discovery in this area, demonstrating that the teeth of clingy molluscs called li… Continue reading Nature’s strongest known material inspires green alternative to Kevlar

Nature-inspired nanotextures pop superbugs, help ships cut through water

Researchers at Imperial College London have developed a simple new way to make materials with intricate nanoscale textures on their surfaces, all inspired by nature. Different patterns can have a range of applications, like making antimicrobial surface… Continue reading Nature-inspired nanotextures pop superbugs, help ships cut through water