Scientists find way to navigate a heavy uphill climb
Scientists have uncovered how heavy, motorized objects climb steep slopes--a newly discovered mechanism that also mimics how rock climbers navigate inclines.
The findings, which appear...
Need help building IKEA furniture? This robot learns your preferences and lends a hand.
As robots increasingly join forces to work with humans—from nursing care homes to warehouses to factories—they must be able to proactively offer support.
But first,...
Insect-sized robot could solve Lego maze in seconds
Many insects and spiders get their uncanny ability to scurry up walls and walk upside down on ceilings with the help of specialized sticky...
This robot could smile back to you
While our facial expressions play a huge role in building trust, most robots still sport the blank and static visage of a professional poker...
This robot could help you untangle your hair
With rapidly growing demands on health care systems, nurses typically spend 18 to 40 percent of their time performing direct patient care tasks, oftentimes...
New law of physics could help robots grip wet objects
Researchers have discovered a new law of physics that accounts for the friction that occurs when robots grip wet objects.
Although robotic devices are part...
This snakebot takes a dive to go where other robots can’t
A snake-like robot can now slither its way through water, allowing it to inspect ships, submarines, and underwater infrastructure for damage.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon...
This robot could sense hidden objects
In recent years, robots have gained artificial vision, touch, and even smell.
"Researchers have been giving robots human-like perception," says MIT Associate Professor Fadel Adib.
In...
This metal-eating robot could search for food, even without a brain
When it comes to powering mobile robots, batteries present a problematic paradox:
The more energy they contain, the more they weigh, and thus the more...
These small swimming robots could heal themselves from damage
Small, swimming robots can magnetically heal themselves after breaking into two or three pieces.
Living tissue can heal itself from many injuries, but giving similar...