Wall-climbing Magnecko robot is like a cross between a gecko and a spider

Inspections of tall metal structures or machines can be difficult for people to perform up-close and in person, and while aerial drones may help, their limited battery life is a problem. That’s where the magnetic-footed Magnecko robot is intended to co… Continue reading Wall-climbing Magnecko robot is like a cross between a gecko and a spider

Rose-inspired robotic gripper gently plucks up fragile items

When handling fragile objects, robots need to have a delicate touch. And while some previous efforts to give them that touch have involved things like soft rubbery fingers, an experimental new one was inspired by a blooming rose.Continue ReadingCategor… Continue reading Rose-inspired robotic gripper gently plucks up fragile items

Bioinspired color-changing material could warn of damaged goods

Imagine if there were inexpensive 3D-printed sensors that changed color to show us if something had gotten too warm or was subjected to too much stress. Well, there soon could be – and they’ll biodegrade once discarded, to boot.Continue ReadingCategory… Continue reading Bioinspired color-changing material could warn of damaged goods

Scientists copy krill to develop swarms of aquatic robots

While most of us may just think of krill as baleen whale food, the tiny crustaceans are also very adept swimmers … enough so that scientists have now developed a krill-inspired robotic platform in hopes of one day creating swarms of ocean-exploring swi… Continue reading Scientists copy krill to develop swarms of aquatic robots

Bee-inspired flying robot gains yaw control via angled wings

Robotic versions of flying insects hold a lot of promise for numerous applications, but controlling their yaw axis while in flight has proven challenging. A new bee robot, however, addresses that problem with a clever design.Continue ReadingCategory: D… Continue reading Bee-inspired flying robot gains yaw control via angled wings

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

Robo-centipede overcomes obstacles by throwing lotsa legs at the problem

Although biped and quadruped robots may excel at traversing uneven terrain, they require multiple sensors and complex algorithms in order to do so. Scientists have now taken a “simpler” approach, by creating a robotic centipede.Continue ReadingCategory… Continue reading Robo-centipede overcomes obstacles by throwing lotsa legs at the problem

Mussel-based glue helps stem cells stick to their job site

The utility of the humble mussel in the world of medicine has expanded once again. This time, researchers figured out how to use a mussel-based glue to hold stem cells in place long enough to repair cartilage inside a rabbit’s body.Continue ReadingCate… Continue reading Mussel-based glue helps stem cells stick to their job site

Groundbreaking robotic fish has a twisted method of propulsion

When designing fish-like underwater robots, you want a means of propulsion which is both energy-efficient and reasonably speedy. A new tail-flapping system may fit the bill, paving the way for wider usage of such bots.Continue ReadingCategory: Robotics… Continue reading Groundbreaking robotic fish has a twisted method of propulsion