Over the course of their lives, some humans can partly or fully lose the ability to move their limbs because of damage to their cartilage, the flexible connective tissues cushioning the bones. This can be due to degenerative diseases, such as osteoarthritis, or...
Engineering
Team creates modular continuous robot based on origami-folded tubes
In recent years, roboticists have created a growing number of autonomous systems based on different structures and designs. Among these are modular robots, which are composed of different elements or "modules" that can be reconfigured to carry out specific tasks more...
A plant-inspired controller that could facilitate the operation of robotic arms in real-world environments
Many existing robotics systems draw inspiration from nature, artificially reproducing biological processes, natural structures or animal behaviors to achieve specific goals. This is because animals and plants are innately equipped with abilities that help them to...
Study demonstrates the potential of ferroelectric hafnia for developing low-power logic devices
Transistors, semiconducting devices that regulate, amplify and generate the flow of electrical current, are central components of most electronics. Electronics engineers have been trying to develop increasingly smaller transistors, as this could support the...
An adaptive artificial cochlea that could enhance the performance of hearing aids
In recent years, electronics engineers have developed a wide range of systems inspired by human and animal biology. By closely replicating complex biological processes, these systems could ultimately tackle numerous real-world problems more reliably and effectively.
A strategy to induce the formation of a stable salt-derived solid electrolyte interphase in lithium metal batteries
Lithium metal batteries are promising battery solutions that use metallic lithium as an anode. Instead of containing electrode materials that store lithium ions, like commonly employed lithium-ion batteries (LiBs), they use a single layer of lithium near the anode,...
Self-healable and crack-resistant hydrogel microfibers inspired by spider silk
In recent years, material scientists have been creating new materials with a variety of advantageous properties that could enhance the performance of different technologies and devices. This includes hydrogel-based fibers and artificial skins, which could help to...
New design strategies to improve the stability and efficiency of bifacial perovskite solar cells
Solar cells based on perovskites, calcium titanium oxide minerals or compounds with similar structures, are among the most promising emerging energy solutions. Over the past few years, engineers and material scientists have been exploring the potential of solar...
Study observes the interactions between live fish and fish-like robots
In recent decades, engineers have created a wide range of robotic systems inspired by animals, including four legged robots, as well as systems inspired by snakes, insects, squid and fish. Studies exploring the interactions between these robots and their biological...
3D printed elastic conductors for stretchable electronics
Three-dimensional (3D) printing has become increasingly advanced over the past few years and has been successfully used to create countless items, including toys, furniture and electronic components. As 3D printing equipment becomes more affordable, it could...