Engineers building a jet-powered flying humanoid for disaster response

Imagine that you’re injured on a remote mountain path but have managed to contact emergency rescue. The first to arrive on the scene could be a small humanoid robot wearing a jetpack if Italian research bears fruit.Continue ReadingCategory: Robotics, T… Continue reading Engineers building a jet-powered flying humanoid for disaster response

Better-performing prosthetic foot replicates the bones of the real thing

Imagine if one (or both) of your feet couldn’t conform to uneven walking surfaces, or flex to spring you forward with each step. That’s what it’s like for most people who have prosthetic feet, although an experimental new foot could change that.Continu… Continue reading Better-performing prosthetic foot replicates the bones of the real thing

Video: Self-planting bio-hybrid “robotic seeds” inspired by wild oats

Scientists have replicated the ingenious seed-delivery system used by wild oats, resulting in a seed-carrying bio-hybrid “robot.” Scores of the tiny devices could one day be utilized for much easier, more effective aerial seeding of crops or even new f… Continue reading Video: Self-planting bio-hybrid “robotic seeds” inspired by wild oats

Italian exoskeleton gets disabled users walking and standing

A new robotic exoskeleton could allow people who have lost the use of their legs to stand up and even walk. It may also help get them walking unaided again, by guiding their movements and holding them up as they take part in rehabilitative therapy.Cont… Continue reading Italian exoskeleton gets disabled users walking and standing

Vine-inspired FiloBot “growing” robot 3D-prints its own body

When it comes to tasks like the exploration of unstructured environments, traditional robots may be stymied by obstacles such as uncrossable gaps. That’s where the FiloBot comes in, as it grows like a self-supporting vine.Continue ReadingCategory: Robo… Continue reading Vine-inspired FiloBot “growing” robot 3D-prints its own body

Ultrathin electronic tattoo puts haptic feedback at users fingertips

Researchers have developed an ultrathin electronic tattoo capable of reproducing the localized sensation of touch in its wearer. The device has the potential to be used to manufacture lightweight, portable haptic displays and devices for healthcare and… Continue reading Ultrathin electronic tattoo puts haptic feedback at users fingertips

Airdropped spinning-seed-inspired sensors could monitor soil moisture

Trees such as maples have “fruits” known as samaras, which consist of a seed joined to a papery wing. Scientists have now created artificial samaras, which could be used to quickly and easily monitor soil temperature from the air.Continue ReadingCatego… Continue reading Airdropped spinning-seed-inspired sensors could monitor soil moisture

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

Hungry for power? Scientists create an edible rechargeable battery

Although it’s generally not a good idea to swallow batteries, ingestible medical electronic devices often have batteries in them. A new type of battery could make such devices safer to use, as it’s made entirely of edible ingredients.Continue ReadingCa… Continue reading Hungry for power? Scientists create an edible rechargeable battery

Earthworm-inspired robot moves by doing the wave

Earthworms move through the soil not just by wriggling around, but by sending peristaltic waves down their bodies. A new bio-inspired robot, which employs that same strategy, could one day be used in underground exploration or even search-and-rescue mi… Continue reading Earthworm-inspired robot moves by doing the wave