Last update

Robotics

Soft robotics redefined: Meet the light-driven toroidal micro-robot that navigates viscous liquids autonomously

Researchers from Tampere University in Finland and Anhui Jianzhu University in China have made a significant breakthrough in soft robotics. Their study introduces the first toroidal, light-driven micro-robot that can move ...

Hi Tech & Innovation

New apps aid blind people in navigating indoor spaces

Two new apps are set to assist blind individuals in navigating indoor spaces by providing spoken directions through a smartphone. This offers a safe solution for wayfinding in areas where GPS is ineffective.

Machine learning & AI

Neural networks, machine learning? Nobel-winning AI science explained

The Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to two scientists on Tuesday for discoveries that laid the groundwork for the artificial intelligence used by hugely popular tools such as ChatGPT.

Energy & Green Tech

Research highlights China's coal transition complexities

A new paper from the University of California San Diego details how China faces numerous political, economic and technological obstacles as it tries to transition away from coal—the country's primary energy source—while ...

Automotive

Will Tesla's robotaxi reveal live up to hype?

After years of talking up Tesla's prowess on autonomous driving, Elon Musk is set to host Thursday a much-hyped robotaxi event amid a mix of anticipation and skepticism.

Business

US industrial policy may strengthen EV battery supply chain

Vehicle electrification is an important pathway to reducing global greenhouse gas emissions. The supply chain for electric vehicle battery materials relies heavily on China, a dependency that can leave the US vulnerable to ...

Machine learning & AI

Meta's Movie Gen lets users animate photos into videos

Meta on Friday provided a look at a generative artificial intelligence model it is working on that lets people create short videos, complete with audio, from text prompts and photos.

Other

Best of Last Year: The top Tech Xplore articles of 2022

It was an interesting year for technology research, as a team at Stanford University found that the practice of charging cars in the evenings or at night will overstress the electric grid in the years to come. They suggested ...

Energy & Green Tech

Enhancing organic solar cells' green glow

Organic solar cells could be made even greener by switching the solvents used in their manufacture. Today's toxic chlorinated solvents can be replaced by plant-derived alternatives without affecting the resulting solar cells' ...

Engineering

'Google Earth on steroids' gives a boost to urban development

A new approach uses aerial imaging to generate 3D models of cities and regions with advanced precision, enabling urban planners to incorporate full-scale designs of all types of architectural and urban structures.

Energy & Green Tech

Producing 'green' energy from living plant 'bio-solar cells'

Though plants can serve as a source of food, oxygen and décor, they're not often considered to be a good source of electricity. But by collecting electrons naturally transported within plant cells, scientists can generate ...

Electronics & Semiconductors

Scientists enhance stability of new material for solar cells

New materials that can both harvest and emit light offer exciting potential for technologies that range from solar cells to TV and display screens. In a new study, researchers have developed a new way of enhancing the stability ...