Discussions
Flexible Robotic Hand Shows Off Dexterity
In this 2007 video, a researcher controls the flexible, soft robotic SDM hand to demonstrate the variety of items it can grasp, even if holding them imprecisely. It can also pick up a glass of wine without spilling it, and remove a CD from a CD stack.
A Simpler, Gentler Robotic Grip
In this more recent video, the SDM hand now has sensors embedded in it, so that it can detect and grasp objects with its flexible fingers on its own and figure out the best grasp for an object.
GE's Risky Energy Research
Michael Idelchik, VP of Advanced Technologies, discusses energy research.
Craig Mundie's Cloud Vision
Microsoft’s chief research and strategy officer discusses ways to transform personal computing.
Building a Self-Assembling Stomach-Bot
The team at ETH Zurich tested a single and double magnet setup to see which works better for robotic capsule self-assembly. The hope is to eventually construct a self-assembling, surgical robot that can investigate the intestines.
Stomach-Bot in Action
The modules stay securely linked by the magnets at the ends of the capsules.
Laser-Triggered Chemical Reactions
Nylon microcapsules containing carbon nanotubes heat up and then burst when illuminated with a near-infrared laser. These photo-triggered capsules can release chemicals on demand, allowing for precise control of chemical reactions.
Intelligent, Chatty Machines
A startup hopes to help computers have meaningful conversations with people.
NASA Road-Tests New Moon Rover
A NASA-led team of researchers called the Desert Research and Technology Studies (D-RATS) field test their new lunar rover and human-exploration robotic systems in Black Point Lava Flow, AZ.
Color-Blind Monkeys Get Full Color Vision
Dalton, a squirrel monkey who used to be red-green colorblind, can now see those colors, thanks to a novel gene therapy treatment. Scientists test his color vision by showing him a circle of red dots within a grey-green background. When Dalton touches the correct location of the red spot, he is rewarded with a drop of juice.