Robotic ‘finger’ could perform your next intimate physical exam

Researchers have developed an ultrasensitive, human-like robotic ‘finger’ capable of safely performing routine physical examinations like a medical doctor would. They say the ‘robodoctor’ could be seen in medical clinics soon.Continue ReadingCategory: … Continue reading Robotic ‘finger’ could perform your next intimate physical exam

Fungus learns to drive in “biohybrid” robots

Autonomous vehicles are said to be safer than human drivers – but would you trust a mushroom behind the wheel? A new kind of “biohybrid” robot moves in response to signals from the nervous system of a fungus.Continue ReadingCategory: Robotics, Technolo… Continue reading Fungus learns to drive in “biohybrid” robots

Shape-shifting slime robots: How to control something with no set form?

The world was introduced to the concept of shape-changing robots in 1991, with the T-1000 featured in the cult movie Terminator 2: Judgment Day. Since then (if not before), many a scientist has dreamed of creating a robot with the ability to change its… Continue reading Shape-shifting slime robots: How to control something with no set form?

Soft caterpillar robot moves its body by origami-power

If a soft-bodied robot uses rigid actuators to move its body, then it isn’t really soft now, is it? An experimental new caterpillar-inspired bot gets around that conundrum by using soft, collapsible origami segments to squirm and steer its way into our… Continue reading Soft caterpillar robot moves its body by origami-power

Toyota’s new soft humanoid picks things up with its whole body

Most humanoid robots pick things up with their hands – but that’s not how we humans do it, particularly when we’re carrying something bulky. We use our chests, hips and arms as well – and that’s the idea behind Toyota’s new soft robot.Continue ReadingC… Continue reading Toyota’s new soft humanoid picks things up with its whole body

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

Smart sensor uses color to monitor deformation and temperature

Soft robotic devices often need to sense both mechanical deformation and changes in temperature, requiring multiple integrated sensors. ChromoSense technology, however, combines both functions in one simple, robust, color-changing device.Continue Readi… Continue reading Smart sensor uses color to monitor deformation and temperature

Prehistoric sea creature gets reborn as a soft-bodied robot

Pleurocystitid was a marine organism that existed almost 450 million years ago, long before the first dinosaurs. Scientists have now built a soft-bodied robotic replica of it, which could inspire new methods of locomotion for future robots.Continue Rea… Continue reading Prehistoric sea creature gets reborn as a soft-bodied robot