Robotics, AI and SmartTech News – Latest Headlines

Aquatic microorganism could inspire soft robots able to move fast in narrow spaces

The elegant movements of Euglena, unicellular organisms that adapt their body deformations according to the environment, could be a model for robots that have to move in complex situations, such as soils, debris or even the human body.

February 21, 2019 Read more

Brain-inspired artificial intelligence in robots

Applying neuroscience in robotics, scientists proposed a case in which robots should be designed based on the principles of the human brain. They argue that robot intelligence can be significantly enhanced by mimicking strategies that the human brain uses during decision-making processes in everyday life.

February 20, 2019 Read more

Robots track moving objects with unprecedented precision

System uses RFID tags to home in on targets; could benefit robotic manufacturing, collaborative drones, and other applications.

February 19, 2019 Read more

See, think, predict: Engineers build a soft robotics perception system inspired by humans

An international team of researchers has developed a perception system for soft robots inspired by the way humans process information about their own bodies in space and in relation to other objects and people.

January 30, 2019 Read more

The first tendril-like soft robot able to climb

Researchers obtained the first artificial plant tendrils: it is a soft robot able to curl and climb, using the same physical principles of water transport in plants.

January 24, 2019 Read more

Robots can handle aircraft inspection

Successful field trials have proven that it is possible to have a robot climb on an airplane for inspection purposes.

January 23, 2019 Read more

Robots can go all the way to Mars, but they can't pick up the groceries

Researchers are studying the interaction between robots and humans - and teaching them how to do the very difficult things that we find easy.

January 18, 2019 Read more

How game theory can bring humans and robots closer together

Researchers have for the first time used game theory to enable robots to assist humans in a safe and versatile manner.

January 7, 2019 Read more

Helping robots learn new skills quickly and independently

A research project is looking to increase the capacity of robots to set themselves goals and develop skills autonomously.

January 7, 2019 Read more

3D-printed robot hand plays the piano

Scientists have developed a 3D-printed robotic hand which can play simple musical phrases on the piano by just moving its wrist. And while the robot is no virtuoso, it demonstrates just how challenging it is to replicate all the abilities of a human hand, and how much complex movement can still be achieved through design.

December 20, 2018 Read more

Plant roots inspire 3D-printed automotive sensors

A robot arm that encompasses sensors, motors, gears and a tiny 3D-printing module all within the tip can mimic root movements through the soil.

December 6, 2018 Read more

Rise of the robo-vegetal hybrid society

Plants can grow elaborate shapes for public spaces through a network of sensors and 3D-printed robotic nodes.

December 5, 2018 Read more

Insight into swimming fish could lead to robotics advances

The constant movement of fish that seems random is actually precisely deployed to provide them at any moment with the best sensory feedback they need to navigate the world.

November 29, 2018 Read more

Shape-shifting modular robot is more than the sum of its parts

Researchers have developed modular robots that can perceive their surroundings, make decisions and autonomously assume different shapes in order to perform various tasks - an accomplishment that brings the vision of adaptive, multipurpose robots a step closer to reality.

October 31, 2018 Read more

Artificial intelligence controls quantum computers

Neural networks enable learning of error correction strategies for computers based on quantum physics.

October 25, 2018 Read more

New technique reveals limb control in flies - and maybe robots

A new neural recording technique enables for the first time the comprehensive measurement of neural circuits that control limb movement. Tested on the fruit fly, results from the technique may inspire the development of more sophisticated robotic control approaches.

October 22, 2018 Read more

Artificial intelligence: Parking a car with only 12 neurons

Computer scientists are improving Artificial Intelligence by drawing inspiration from biology. The new approaches achieve amazing results with surprisingly little effort.

October 22, 2018 Read more

Researchers study Iron Man-like exoskeletons to improve worker productivity, safety, and well-being

Researchers are working on developing whole-body powered exoskeletons for augmenting human performance in industrial use and to understand the dramatic impacts they may have on the socio-technological landscape of jobs.

October 18, 2018 Read more