Collaborate Disseminate
When lightweight composite materials are used in fields such as aerospace, it’s vitally important to know if they’re experiencing mechanical stress – before they fail. A new composite is able to do so, simply by fluorescing under UV light.Continue Read… Continue reading Lightweight composite changes color to warn that it’s been stressed
While we have seen eel-like swimming robots before, they’ve tended to simply copy the movements of their biological counterparts. AgnathaX is different, in that it utilizes simulated central and peripheral nervous systems for more robust performance.Co… Continue reading Robotic lamprey shows how two nervous systems are better than one
Given that they’re such naturally proficient swimmers, the physical structure of fish is increasingly being copied in the design of underwater robots. Scientists have now discovered that by adjusting the stiffness of their tails, those bots can swim mu… Continue reading Robotic tuna uses variable-stiffness tail for more efficient swimming
If you were a bird, chances are that you’d want to minimize the number of times you had to land and rest on the potentially treacherous ocean. A new study now suggests that multiple seabird species have thus evolved dark-colored wings, in order to stay… Continue reading Study suggests seabirds’ black wings allow them to fly longer
As if the ray fishes weren’t unusual enough already, it turns out that their sperm is also unique within the animal kingdom. Scientists have now created a robot inspired by those sperm, which may someday lead to smaller descendants that swim within the… Continue reading “All-wheel-drive” ray sperm inspire a better swimming robot
As honeybees collect pollen and nectar from flowers, they repeatedly bend and straighten their abdomens – yet with a minimal amount of friction. Scientists have now discovered what makes this possible, and it could have applications in human technology… Continue reading Friction-reducing honeybee hairs may inspire longer-lasting devices
The old saying “like water off a duck’s back” is well-earned – the water-loving birds have specialized feathers that keep them from getting too wet. Now, engineers at Virginia Tech have investigated the physics behind how they work and developed synthe… Continue reading Synthetic duck feathers could help ships glide through the water
Paramecium and certain other microbes move through liquid by whipping back and forth hairlike appendages known as cilia. Scientists have now developed a new type of synthetic cilia, which could find use in micro-robots and more.Continue ReadingCategory… Continue reading Synthetic cilia allow tiny soft-bodied robot to pump and scuttle
As anyone with arthritis will know, cartilage plays a vital role in allowing our joints to move freely. Scientists have now replicated its qualities in a synthetic self-lubricating material, that only needs occasional infusions of water.Continue Readin… Continue reading Cartilage-inspired material may find use in self-lubricating bearings
Scientists at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) have spent a number of years developing modular snake-like robots for all kinds of purposes, and the latest adaptation sees its serpent-inspired tech headed underwater. The team has developed a submersible… Continue reading Submersible snake-inspired robot can inspect ships and infrastructure