Leaping squirrels could help develop more agile robots
Understanding the split-second decisions squirrels make as they jump from tree branch to tree branch will help scientists develop more agile robots. Researchers at University...
This inflatable robotic hand gives amputees real-time tactile control
For the more than 5 million people in the world who have undergone an upper-limb amputation, prosthetics have come a long way. Beyond traditional mannequin-like...
Want to swim like a fish? Engineers uncover the secrets of fish fins
Peer into any fishbowl, and you'll see that pet goldfish and guppies have nimble fins. With a few flicks of these appendages, aquarium swimmers can...
How can robots regain human trust after a blunder?
When robots make mistakes—and they do from time to time—reestablishing trust with human co-workers depends on how the machines own up to the errors...
Do robots need clothes? Yes, for form and function
There’s no shortage of people who dress up their babies, bunnies or puppies. But what about robots? Besides a stray feline Roomba, very few people are...
This air-powered computer memory could help soft robot control movements
Engineers at UC Riverside have unveiled an air-powered computer memory that can be used to control soft robots. The innovation overcomes one of the biggest...
Scientists create rechargeable swimming microrobots with oil and water
By combining oil drops with water containing a detergent-like substance, the scientists found they could produce artificial swimmers that are able to swim independently...
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...