http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/robotics/ Robots and Artificial Intelligence. From babybots to surprisingly accomplished robots, read all the latest news and research in robotics here. Full-text, images, free. en-us Wed, 15 Feb 2012 21:05:01 EST Wed, 15 Feb 2012 21:05:01 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/robotics/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120215155313.htm The electrostatic motor, used more than 200 years ago by Benjamin Franklin to rotisserie a turkey, is making a comeback in a promising new design for motors that is light, soft, and operates without external electronic controllers. Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:53:53 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120215155313.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120215155309.htm A new technique inspired by elegant pop-up books and origami will soon allow clones of robotic insects to be mass-produced by the sheet. Devised by engineers, the ingenious layering and folding process enables the rapid fabrication of not just microrobots, but a broad range of electromechanical devices. Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:53:53 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120215155309.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120215083025.htm Engineers have developed an optical accessory that turns an ordinary camera phone into a high-resolution microscope. The device is accurate to one hundredth of a millimeter. Among those who will benefit from the device are the printing industry, consumers, the security business, and even health care professionals. Wed, 15 Feb 2012 08:30:30 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120215083025.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120203101153.htm Understanding the human mind is the key to social robotics, and researchers describe what we can expect from this field in the future. Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:11:11 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120203101153.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125132822.htm Chemists have taken an important step in making artificial life forms from scratch. Using a novel chemical reaction, they have created self-assembling cell membranes, the structural envelopes that contain and support the reactions required for life. Instead of complex enzymes embedded in membranes, they used a simple metal ion as the catalyst. By assembling an essential component of earthly life with no biological precursors, they hope to illuminate life's origins. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:28:28 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125132822.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120119133757.htm The northern goshawk is one of nature's diehard thrill-seekers. The formidable raptor preys on birds and small mammals, speeding through tree canopies and underbrush to catch its quarry. While speed is a goshawk's greatest asset, researchers say the bird must observe a theoretical speed limit if it wants to avoid a crash. The researchers found that, given a certain density of obstacles, there exists a speed below which a bird -- and any other flying object -- has a fair chance of flying collision-free. Any faster, and a bird or aircraft is sure to smack into something, no matter how much information it has about its environment. Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120119133757.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120119101237.htm Researchers have studied the movements of snakes to create more efficient search-and-rescue robots. Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:12:12 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120119101237.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112134328.htm Robotics experts have completed a set of seven advanced robotic surgery systems for use by major medical research laboratories throughout the United States. Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:43:43 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112134328.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104134800.htm A new study of how lizards use their tails when leaping through the trees shows that they swing the tail upward to avoid pitching forward after a stumble. Theropod dinosaurs -- the ancestors of birds -- may have done the same. A robot model confirms the value of an actively controlled tail, demonstrating that adding a tail can stabilize robots on uneven terrain and after unexpected falls -- critical to successful search and rescue operations. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:48:48 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104134800.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215232548.htm Adding robotic assistance to standard rehab was more effective than traditional methods in helping severely impaired stroke survivors regain the ability to walk. The additional therapy was not beneficial for those with less impairment. Thu, 15 Dec 2011 23:25:25 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215232548.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111125161025.htm Researchers have designed a network proxy that can cut the power consumption of 3G smart phones up to 74 percent. This device enhances performance and significantly reduces power usage by serving as a middleman for mobile devices to connect to the Internet and handling the majority of the data transfer for the smart phone. Historically, the high energy requirements of mobile phones have slowed the adoption of mobile Internet services in developing countries. Fri, 25 Nov 2011 16:10:10 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111125161025.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111122113209.htm Engineers have developed a robot that mimics the graceful motions of jellyfish so precisely that it has been named Robojelly. Developed for the U.S. Office of Naval Research in 2009, this vehicle was designed to conduct ocean underwater surveillance, enabling it potentially to detect chemical spills, monitor the presence of ships and submarines, and observe the migration of schools of fish. Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:32:32 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111122113209.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111122112020.htm The Kilobots are coming. Computer scientists and engineers have developed and licensed technology that will make it easy to test collective algorithms on hundreds, or even thousands, of tiny robots. Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111122112020.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111121192410.htm NASA successfully completed the final flight in a series of tests of a new robotic lander prototype at the Redstone Test Center's propulsion test facility on the U.S. Army Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Ala. Data from this test series will aid in the design and development of a new generation of small, smart, versatile robotic landers capable of performing science and exploration research on the surface of the moon or other airless bodies in the solar system, such as asteroids or the planet Mercury. Mon, 21 Nov 2011 19:24:24 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111121192410.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111121135804.htm Two NASA California centers have been selected to develop new space-aged technologies that could be game-changers in the way we look at planets from above and how we safely transport robots or humans through space and bring them safely back to Earth. Mon, 21 Nov 2011 13:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111121135804.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111117144043.htm Scientists have now discovered how bacteria collectively gather information to learn about their environment and find an optimal path to growth. This research will allow scientists to design a new generation of "smart robots" that can form intelligent swarms and aid in the development of medical micro-robots used to treat diseases in the human body. Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:40:40 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111117144043.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111114111718.htm Model by model, the electronics in a car are being moved closer to the engine block. This is why the materials used for the electronics must resist increasing heat – so the glass solder being used as glue must be continually optimized. For the first time ever, a robot takes on the task of developing new types of glass and examining their characteristics. Mon, 14 Nov 2011 11:17:17 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111114111718.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111107161758.htm Robotics researchers have developed an ingenious technical solution that gives robots a human face. By using a projector to beam the 3D image of a face onto the back of a plastic mask, and a computer to control voice and facial expressions, the researchers have succeeded in creating Mask-bot, a startlingly human-like plastic head. Mon, 07 Nov 2011 16:17:17 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111107161758.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111103155104.htm NASA will conduct a 100-foot robotic lander altitude test flight Friday, Nov. 4, to mature the technology needed to develop a new generation of small, smart, versatile robotic landers capable of achieving scientific and exploration goals on the surface of the moon, asteroids or other airless bodies. Thu, 03 Nov 2011 15:51:51 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111103155104.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111102093053.htm A flying robot as small as a dinner plate that can zoom to hard-to-reach places and a fleet of eco-friendly robotic farm-hands are just two of the exciting projects a robotics team in Australia is working on. Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111102093053.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111101095110.htm Researchers in Spain have designed a new type of TV remote control that is capable of measuring finger pressure and wrist rotation angle. It then transmits this information to the TV to change channel or adjust the volume to the preferred level. Tue, 01 Nov 2011 09:51:51 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111101095110.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031220604.htm Boys do better on tests of technical aptitude (for example, mechanical aptitude tests) than girls. The same is true for adults. A new study describes a theory explaining how the difference comes about: the root cause is that boys are just more interested in technical things, like taking apart a bike, than girls are. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 22:06:06 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031220604.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031220251.htm Researchers have developed a tank-like robot that has the ability to scale smooth walls, opening up a series of applications ranging from inspecting pipes, buildings, aircraft and nuclear power plants to deployment in search and rescue operations. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 22:02:02 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031220251.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111027082951.htm Having an operation always places strain on patients, and this is especially true of complicated operations. Surgeons use 3-D X-rays to check the results before the patient has left the operating room. This does help to avoid possible complications, but it also means interrupting the surgery. Researchers are now developing a 3-D X-ray system that can be integrated seamlessly into operating procedure – with no more forced interruptions. Thu, 27 Oct 2011 08:29:29 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111027082951.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111027082753.htm A researcher in The Netherlands has developed a smart eye-surgery robot that allows eye surgeons to operate with increased ease and greater precision on the retina and the vitreous humor of the eye. The system also extends the effective period during which ophthalmologists can carry out these intricate procedures. Thu, 27 Oct 2011 08:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111027082753.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017214919.htm When engineers outfitted a six-legged robotic bug with wings in an effort to improve its mobility, they unexpectedly shed some light on the evolution of flight. The wings nearly doubled the running speed of the 25-gram robot, but was that good enough for takeoff? Mon, 17 Oct 2011 21:49:49 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017214919.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017214917.htm A six-legged, 25 gram robot has been fitted with flapping wings in order to gain an insight into the evolution of early birds and insects. Mon, 17 Oct 2011 21:49:49 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017214917.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017124255.htm Earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes -- natural disasters always catch us by surprise, no matter how many early warning systems are in place. This makes it all the more important for rescue teams to get a quick overview of the situation at hand. Researchers in Germany are working to network the various robots and sensor systems first responders use so that they can react more quickly and efficiently in the case of an emergency to search for victims and survivors. Mon, 17 Oct 2011 12:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017124255.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111014080041.htm Researchers have demonstrated that several mobile electrons can be produced by the absorption of a single light particle in films of coupled quantum dots. These multiple electrons can be harvested in solar cells with increased efficiency. Fri, 14 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111014080041.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111013185008.htm An international team of researchers has invented new artificial muscles strong enough to rotate objects a thousand times their own weight, but with the same flexibility of an elephant's trunk or octopus limbs. Thu, 13 Oct 2011 18:50:50 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111013185008.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111013162937.htm Scientists have taken a major step toward developing robot biologists. They have shown that their system, the Automated Biology Explorer, can solve a complicated biology problem from scratch. Thu, 13 Oct 2011 16:29:29 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111013162937.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111012083623.htm A new ultra-sensitive technology which can monitor leaks from underwater gas pipelines has been developed by scientists in the UK. Wed, 12 Oct 2011 08:36:36 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111012083623.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111012083446.htm The world's smallest autofocus lens for mobile devices is ready, and Apple and Nokia are among the companies interested in introducing it. Wed, 12 Oct 2011 08:34:34 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111012083446.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111011074632.htm Researchers in the UK have a goal to build over 30 more KASPAR robots to help children with autism. Tue, 11 Oct 2011 07:46:46 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111011074632.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111003132456.htm With new cutting-edge technology aimed at providing amputees with robotic limbs, a researcher has successfully implanted a robotic cerebellum into the skull of a rodent with brain damage, restoring its capacity for movement. Mon, 03 Oct 2011 13:24:24 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111003132456.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111002185956.htm A new study now reports that there is an alternative to the conventional CyberKnife treatment delivery system. This new technique uses a multileaf collimator (MLC) and can flexibly sculpt a single radiation beam to match the exact contour of a tumor -- significantly reducing the treatment time and minimizing the amount of radiation to the neighboring tissues. Sun, 02 Oct 2011 18:59:59 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111002185956.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110919113641.htm Up to now, aircraft have been put together in huge assembly cells, but to build the necessary facilities is expensive and time-consuming. That is why researchers have come up with a flexible assembly-line concept that features robots working in the same way they do in automotive production. One of this future assembly line's elements is a versatile component gripper made of lightweight CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic). Mon, 19 Sep 2011 11:36:36 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110919113641.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110919103743.htm A farmer rising at the crack of dawn to till his fields in a tractor all day? This could soon become a thing of the past. Scientists have now engineered a fully automated, self-steering robotic tractor. Mon, 19 Sep 2011 10:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110919103743.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110913103213.htm Developing self-learning, self aware cyber security technologies, protecting smart utility grids and enhancing the security of mobile networks are among the top research priorities needed to safeguard the internet of tomorrow, according to a new report. Tue, 13 Sep 2011 10:32:32 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110913103213.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110912143550.htm Researchers have developed SAFEPED, a computer simulation that integrates robots and driver statistics to identify traffic "black spots" and allows traffic planners to analyze and fix dangerous intersections. Based on a theory of human cognition, SAFEPED is far more true-to-life than other computer traffic models. Mon, 12 Sep 2011 14:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110912143550.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110906121248.htm The U.S. Navy's robotic materials testing system, NRL66.3, has achieved, to date, the highest industrial rates of fully-automated production mode functionality known to NRL researchers, yielding a total of 216 specimen tests at a rate of 26 per hour under six-degrees of freedom (6-DoF -- three translations and three rotations) multiaxiality conditions. Tue, 06 Sep 2011 12:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110906121248.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110903143032.htm Infants spend their first few months learning to find their way around and manipulating objects, and they are very flexible about it: Cups can come in different shapes and sizes, but they all have handles. So do pitchers, so we pick them up the same way. Now researchers are teaching robots to manipulate objects and find their way around in new environments. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 14:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110903143032.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110830193840.htm Mobile phone positioning data can be used to monitor population movements during disasters and outbreaks, according to a new study. The study finds that reports on the location of populations affected and in need of assistance can be generated within hours of receiving data. Tue, 30 Aug 2011 19:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110830193840.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110823115139.htm In a new paper, researchers describe a new energy-harvesting technology that promises to dramatically reduce our dependence on batteries and instead capture the energy of human motion to power portable electronics. Tue, 23 Aug 2011 11:51:51 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110823115139.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110818132152.htm Computer scientists in the field of artificial intelligence have made an important advance that blends computer vision, machine learning and automated planning, and created a new system that may improve everything from factory efficiency to airport operation or nursing care. And it's based on watching the Oregon State University Beavers play football. Thu, 18 Aug 2011 13:21:21 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110818132152.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110817122124.htm NASA's groundbreaking Robotic Refueling Mission (RRM) will reach a key milestone in September when the International Space Station (ISS) robots transfer the module to its permanent home on space station's ExPRESS Logistics Carrier-4. Robotic operations for the technology demonstration are currently slated to begin soon afterwards. Wed, 17 Aug 2011 12:21:21 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110817122124.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110816133105.htm Robotics engineers have designed the Gemini-Scout Mine Rescue Robot, which finds dangers and can provide relief to trapped miners. Tue, 16 Aug 2011 13:31:31 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110816133105.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110815152044.htm Researchers have found that the goals of the Intelligence Reform and Prevention of Terrorism Act remain unfulfilled. Mon, 15 Aug 2011 15:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110815152044.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110815095733.htm A computer model that tests automobile components for crashworthiness could also be of use to the oil and gas industry, according to researchers, who are now using their simulations of material deformation in car crashes to predict how pipes may fracture in offshore drilling accidents. Mon, 15 Aug 2011 09:57:57 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110815095733.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110810215339.htm Robot-assisted therapy has measurable benefits for patients with a weaker arm following a stroke. Wed, 10 Aug 2011 21:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110810215339.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110808143001.htm Traditional motion capture techniques use cameras to meticulously record the movements of actors inside studios, enabling those movements to be translated into digital models. But by turning the cameras around -- mounting almost two dozen, outward-facing cameras on the actors themselves -- scientists have shown that motion capture can occur almost anywhere -- in natural environments, over large areas and outdoors. Mon, 08 Aug 2011 14:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110808143001.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110802162327.htm Researchers have made significant findings about the swimming and attachment of the microorganism Giardia. The findings can aid in designs for drug discovery and underwater vehicles. Tue, 02 Aug 2011 16:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110802162327.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110802085819.htm A new robot using high-precision tactile sensors and flexible motor control technology has taken Japan one step closer to its goal of providing high-quality care for its growing elderly population. The new robot can lift a patient up to 80 kilograms in weight off floor-level bedding and into a wheelchair, freeing care facility personnel of one of their most difficult and energy-consuming tasks. Tue, 02 Aug 2011 08:58:58 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110802085819.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110727161252.htm Children and adolescents who use mobile phones are not at a statistically significant increased risk of brain cancer compared to their peers who do not use mobile phones, according to a new study. Wed, 27 Jul 2011 16:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110727161252.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110727121653.htm Scientists are reporting development of a new aquatic microrobot that mimics the amazing water-walking abilities of the water strider -- the long-legged insect that scoots across the surface of ponds, lakes and other waterways. The bionic microrobot incorporates improvements over previous devices of this kind that position it as a prime candidate for military spy missions, water pollution monitoring, and other applications, the scientists say. Wed, 27 Jul 2011 12:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110727121653.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110727121555.htm "Brain cap" technology now being developed allows users to turn their thoughts into motion. Researchers have created a noninvasive, sensor-lined cap with neural interface software that soon could be used to control computers, robotic prosthetic limbs, motorized wheelchairs and even digital avatars. Wed, 27 Jul 2011 12:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110727121555.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110725091443.htm Engineers are developing bio-inspired integrated circuit technology which mimics the neuron structure and operation of the brain. Mon, 25 Jul 2011 09:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110725091443.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110721112624.htm Scientists have develop robots equipped with cameras that can navigate the underground pipes of a nuclear reactor to check for corrosion by propelling themselves with internal networks of valves and pumps. Thu, 21 Jul 2011 11:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110721112624.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110718151549.htm For the first time, scientists gathered oil and gas directly as it escaped from a deep ocean wellhead -- that of the damaged Deepwater Horizon oil rig. What they found allows a better understanding of how pollution is partitioned and transported in the depths of the Gulf of Mexico and permits superior estimation of the environmental impact of escaping oil, allowing for a more precise evaluation of previously estimated repercussions on seafloor life in the future. Mon, 18 Jul 2011 15:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110718151549.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110714191539.htm Cognitive scientist have taken a peek inside the brains of people viewing videos of a humanoid robot. The functional MRI study suggests that what may be going on in the "uncanny valley" phenomenon is due to a perceptual mismatch between appearance and motion. Thu, 14 Jul 2011 19:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110714191539.htm