Engineering news

Engineering

Autonomous robots gain high-resolution radar that avoids 88% of unnecessary computations

Radar, a key sensor for autonomous mobile robots, uses radio waves to determine the distance, speed and direction of surrounding obstacles. Because it operates reliably even under adverse weather conditions, such as rain, ...

Engineering

From lab to living room: Bionic arm enters first home trial

At age 16, Alexander "Avi" Davidson fell 35 feet (11 meters) from the top of a telephone pole, an accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down and led to the amputation of his left arm below the elbow. Today, 17 years ...

Engineering

Carbon imperfections could replace scarce metals in future clean-hydrogen production

The global transition toward carbon-free, clean and sustainable energy has accelerated the search for new hydrogen-producing technologies. However, making clean hydrogen by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen is expensive ...

Engineering

Construction exoskeletons may help workers spot hazards by reducing fatigue

Taking some of the physical strain off construction workers could do more than reduce fatigue. New research from Texas A&M University suggests it may also help them recognize hazards around them.

Engineering

NASA's X-59 aircraft flies supersonic for first time

NASA's experimental X-59 aircraft marked a major milestone Friday, June 5, when it flew faster than the speed of sound for the first time, setting the stage for demonstrating its quiet supersonic capabilities later this year.

Engineering

Jumping spiders inspire ultra-efficient 3D camera

By borrowing a trick from tiny jumping spiders, Northwestern University engineers have developed an extremely energy-efficient 3D camera. Called SpiderCam, the new device senses depth the same way that jumping spiders judge ...

Engineering

Supercharging the grid: How to free up 20% more power

Implementing effective monitoring measures could yield much more energy from the cable network—all without digging a single new trench. Just a dream scenario? No, it is entirely possible, say researchers.

Engineering

Dust-prone desert of the Southwest may be ideal for solar energy

Solar energy developers eyeing parts of southern New Mexico may have less to worry about than expected when it comes to dust. A new study led by University of Texas at El Paso researchers concludes that photovoltaic panels ...