In recent years, research teams worldwide have developed new methods for simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM). These techniques can be used to construct or update maps of a given environment in real time, while simultaneously tracking an artificial agent or...
TECHXPLORE
A flexible sensor for biometric authentication and the measurement of vital signs
Conformable imagers are flexible electronic components that can be placed in direct contact with a human user's skin, recording his/her vital signs or other biological information. Over the past few years, these imagers have become widely used, particularly for...
A new design strategy to fabricate 2-D electronic devices using ultrathin dielectrics
2-D semiconductors could have very useful applications, particularly as channel materials for low-power transistors. These materials display very high mobility at extreme thicknesses, which makes them particularly promising alternatives to silicon in the fabrication...
Robotic architecture inspired by pelican eel: Origami unfolding and skin stretching mechanisms
Artificial intelligence and robotics architectures are often inspired by patterns occurring in nature, both in humans and animals. Patterns of movement observed in animals have been replicated in robots via a number of shape-changing mechanisms such as chemical...
ArguLens: a framework to help developers make sense of usability-related feedback
Evaluating the usability of open-source software (OSS), software that is made freely available to developers worldwide, generally entails analyzing the feedback and comments of those who used it. Processing and understanding the feedback provided in user discussions,...
A two-terminal floating-gate transistor for neuromorphic computing
Researchers at Technion and TowerJazz in Israel have recently built a low-power, two-terminal floating-gate transistor that could have useful applications in neuromorphic computing. This transistor, presented in a paper in Nature Electronics, was fabricated using...
AVID: a framework to enhance imitation learning in robots
In recent years, research teams worldwide have been using reinforcement learning (RL) to teach robots how to complete a variety of tasks. Training these algorithms, however, can be very challenging, as it also requires substantial human efforts in properly defining...
BlockPGP: A new blockchain-based PGP management framework
Pretty Good Privacy (PGP), one of the most widely used cryptographic standards, enables safe end-to-end encryption for emails, messages and other data sharing between users. Essentially, PGP works by implementing asymmetric encryption, in which certificates are shared...
Enhancing high-nickel layered oxide cathodes for lithium-ion batteries
Lithium-based batteries are used to power most existing electric vehicles, yet the amount of time they can keep a vehicle going before they need to be recharged is still somewhat limited. In the future, high-nickel layered oxide cathode materials could help to...
Gradient Li-rich oxide cathode particles for batteries with minimum oxygen release
Lithium-rich transition metal oxide (Li1+XM1-XO2) cathodes have potential for use in Li-ion batteries, powering electronic devices and electric vehicles. These cathodes have a high energy density, typically above 900 Wh kg-1, yet they currently also come with...