https://techxplore.com/rss-feed/hi-tech-news/ en-us The latest news on hi-tech, innovation and new inventions technology, computer news and information Over the past two decades, a powerful but highly specialized branch of control engineering—known as negative imaginary (NI) systems theory—has quietly evolved into a key tool for stabilizing complex, vibration-prone systems, from flexible structures to advanced robotics. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-08-negative-imaginary-theory-math-niche.html Engineering Fri, 07 Aug 2026 12:20:03 EDT news705323042 Improving the efficiency of solar cells is key to reducing the cost of solar power. Now, scientists have developed a new synergistic metallization strategy for tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) solar cells. The approach achieved a certified power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 26.31%, among the highest reported for this technology. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-08-laser-strategy-topcon-solar-cells.html Energy & Green Tech Thu, 06 Aug 2026 11:00:08 EDT news705159302 For more than 10 years, atomically thin semiconductors have been considered among the most promising alternatives to silicon. Only a single atom thick, these materials possess strong electrical characteristics and could facilitate the development of faster, smaller and more energy-efficient transistors that surpass the limits of current chip technology. However, despite significant advances in discovering new two-dimensional semiconductors, one persistent engineering obstacle continues to hinder progress. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-08-atomic-interface-path-atomically-thin.html Electronics & Semiconductors Wed, 05 Aug 2026 16:20:07 EDT news705165154 Imagine a bottle of hazardous chemicals sitting on a laboratory shelf that changes its appearance to alert scientists that its lid is not properly secured, potentially preventing a dangerous spill. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-08-3d-theyre-properly.html Engineering Wed, 05 Aug 2026 14:00:09 EDT news705155390 Research in the International Journal of Materials and Product Technology describes a responsive printing system designed to make anti-counterfeit labels more durable, easier to produce at scale and simpler to verify with a smartphone. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-08-anti-counterfeit-easier.html Hi Tech & Innovation Wed, 05 Aug 2026 13:20:05 EDT news705154737 The explosive growth of AI data centers has brought the commercialization of "giant batteries" one step closer. A KAIST research team has developed a process that cuts the production time for a core material used in large-capacity batteries by 67%, resolving the largest production bottleneck standing in the way of commercialization. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-08-giant-batteries-closer-commercialization-ai.html Energy & Green Tech Wed, 05 Aug 2026 13:20:03 EDT news705153961 A research team led by Professor Kang Bosoek of the SKKU Advanced Institute of Nano Technology (SAINT), Department of Nano Engineering and Department of Semiconductor Convergence Engineering at Sungkyunkwan University has developed two new molecular design technologies to enhance the electrical conductivity of organic electronic materials. One technology generates a greater number of charge carriers within a polymer, while the other connects transport pathways so that charge can move without interruption. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-08-polar-molecules-polymer-bridges-key.html Electronics & Semiconductors Tue, 04 Aug 2026 14:52:50 EDT news705073895 Semiconductors such as silicon are the cornerstone of today's essential technologies, but the variety of materials available to power devices is limited. While metal oxides are durable, only a small subset are semiconducting because they are naturally insulating. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-08-resilient-semiconductor-materials.html Electronics & Semiconductors Tue, 04 Aug 2026 14:20:06 EDT news705071342 The emerging technology of advanced nuclear microreactors offers solutions to many modern energy challenges. The ZiaCore design, a low-enriched uranium dioxide-fueled microreactor developed by Los Alamos National Laboratory, now joins several developing concepts for fission-based nuclear power microreactors that have achieved initial criticality. The ZiaCore design reached this milestone through a proof-of-principle experiment—a high-temperature, zero-power criticality demonstration at the National Criticality Experiments Research Center (NCERC) in Nevada. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-08-ziacore-microreactor-successfully-criticality.html Energy & Green Tech Tue, 04 Aug 2026 11:00:01 EDT news705059042 From parcel delivery routes and factory production schedules to hospital duty rosters, many real-world planning tasks require solutions that satisfy numerous operational constraints. KAIST researchers led by Professor Min-Soo Kim from the School of Computing have developed RL-SPH (Reinforcement Learning-based Start Primal Heuristic), a reinforcement learning technique that trains AI to independently produce feasible plans without relying on an external solver. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-08-ai-generates-feasible-delivery-production.html Hi Tech & Innovation Mon, 03 Aug 2026 16:40:06 EDT news704992921 Some physical injuries and neurological conditions can temporarily or permanently impair movement, leaving some people unable to speak, type on keyboards or use electronic devices. Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), systems that can decode brain activity patterns and convert them into computer commands or written text, could be of great value for paralyzed patients. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-08-noninvasive-ai-based-brain-written.html Hi Tech & Innovation Mon, 03 Aug 2026 15:40:04 EDT news704987420 Molecules are among the smallest building blocks available for making next-generation devices. Their unique, customizable properties enable promising applications in emerging computing, sensing, optical and quantum technologies. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-08-molecules-reliable-electronic-devices-fabrication.html Electronics & Semiconductors Mon, 03 Aug 2026 14:40:03 EDT news704985721 Wearable electronics are gradually evolving from simple sensors into feature-rich devices that can make basic decisions and support medical care in real time. To fully realize this vision, wearable systems must be soft and versatile enough to adapt naturally to the body while performing tasks without sacrificing comfort or reliability. Creating electronics that combine flexibility and computing in a single device remains a difficult challenge. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-08-transistor-wearable-electronics-roles-salt.html Electronics & Semiconductors Mon, 03 Aug 2026 12:40:04 EDT news704979241 The rapid progress in electric vehicles and high-power electronics has increased the demand for ultra-fast-charging lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. However, during fast charging, current Li-ion rechargeable batteries suffer from severe degradation in power and potential catastrophic failure, increasing safety risks. This is mainly due to electrochemical instability at the anode–electrolyte interface, causing hazardous Li metal plating on their surface and poor thermal stability. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-08-strategy-ultra-fast-batteries-hazardous.html Energy & Green Tech Mon, 03 Aug 2026 12:20:05 EDT news704978267 The human eye, as good as it is, misses out on so much of the world because it is limited in what it can perceive. It can't see X-rays, ultraviolet rays or infrared light. While X-ray goggles are still the stuff of science fiction, we may be moving closer to wearable glasses that make infrared light look almost like everyday vision. Scientists at the Beijing Institute of Technology have developed a device that transforms infrared light into a full-color visible image. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-08-prototype-glasses-infrared-vision.html Consumer & Gadgets Mon, 03 Aug 2026 10:00:04 EDT news704969949 Bridges are an important part of road systems. Monitoring them is essential for ensuring structural safety, as bridges develop cracks, concrete spalling and water leakage over time due to traffic loads, weather and environmental exposure. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-08-ai-framework-term-bridge.html Hi Tech & Innovation Mon, 03 Aug 2026 09:40:05 EDT news704967589 Drying is widely used across many sectors, including the paper, cement and chemical industries. It is a key step in the production, processing and treatment of minerals, food or detergents, for example. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-08-energy-efficient-electric-drying-superheated.html Energy & Green Tech Mon, 03 Aug 2026 09:20:06 EDT news704967565 Multimodal large language models (MLLMs), which process multiple types of sensory information, such as text, images and audio, at the same time, are rapidly expanding the range of applications for artificial intelligence (AI). However, in real-world environments, these models can misinterpret the physical characteristics of sensors, mistakenly identify objects or claim to hear sounds that are not actually present simply because a certain object appears in a video. These errors are known as hallucinations. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-07-ai-sensory-hallucinations-night.html Hi Tech & Innovation Sat, 01 Aug 2026 09:40:01 EDT news704715832 ANSTO researchers have developed a novel wasteform capable of safely immobilizing sulfate-bearing radioactive wastes, addressing a long-standing challenge in radioactive waste management and opening new opportunities for treating similar wastes internationally. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-07-glass-ceramic-method-sulfate-rich.html Energy & Green Tech Fri, 31 Jul 2026 11:40:03 EDT news704716501 Queues at sports events can be very long, even at large venues with many entrance gates. To speed things up, Geelong Football Club recently introduced an "express lane" option for club members. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-07-sports-venues-facial-recognition-people.html Hi Tech & Innovation Fri, 31 Jul 2026 07:20:02 EDT news704697901 Using neutrons at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, researchers from The Ohio State University are studying residual stress caused by friction stir welding (FSW) to reveal how to strengthen armor steel welds, like those used in military vehicles. Their findings were published in the Journal of Materials Processing Technology. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-07-neutrons-reveal-friction-welding-steel.html Energy & Green Tech Thu, 30 Jul 2026 17:20:08 EDT news704649661 University of Queensland researchers have developed new noninvasive sensors that measure muscle forces, unlocking new possibilities for wearable robotic mobility devices. Ultra-wideband radar sensors measure electromagnetic changes in muscles as they contract, allowing researchers to collect data in a way that's never been done before. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-07-muscle-radar-potential-future-robotic.html Robotics Thu, 30 Jul 2026 12:20:01 EDT news704631961 To improve pedestrian safety in urban areas, researchers are developing technologies that alert pedestrians to potential hazards via smartphones or earbuds. However, loud warning sounds and strong vibrations can induce stress, and repeated alerts may eventually be ignored. To address this challenge, the researchers proposed a method that uses auditory augmented reality, which overlays information onto environmental sounds through earbuds, to slightly modify the sound of an approaching vehicle and naturally draw attention to it. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-07-dynamic-pitch-shifts-vehicle-pedestrians.html Hi Tech & Innovation Thu, 30 Jul 2026 10:40:08 EDT news704626141 About 20 years ago, Yiannis Levendis, a professor of mechanical and industrial engineering at Northeastern University, was working on an experiment to find an alternative to coal—grinding up old car and truck tires and burning the crumbs. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-07-robot-snuff-wildfires-cryogenic-spray.html Robotics Thu, 30 Jul 2026 07:40:06 EDT news704614982 Breathing clean air is essential for human health, making air filters indispensable in homes, hospitals, workplaces and industrial settings. However, despite decades of advances in filter materials and design, a major challenge remains. Capturing airborne particles is only half the battle; keeping them securely trapped is equally important. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-07-spray-coating-particles-tightly-air.html Engineering Wed, 29 Jul 2026 13:40:01 EDT news704550421 Wireless charging is nothing new for our phones, watches, earbuds and other tech. Now, researchers want to bring wireless power to the skies—recharging drones in flight by beaming a laser under their wings. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-07-drones-mid-flight-lasers.html Engineering Wed, 29 Jul 2026 11:00:12 EDT news704447641 In an increasingly audio-driven world, the University of Houston's Product Experience Design (PXD) Lab is creating new pathways to Braille literacy for blind and low-vision learners. With a new two-device learning system called LUCID, PXD Lab designers aim to make tactile literacy more accessible, engaging and self-directed. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-07-ai-powered-braille.html Hi Tech & Innovation Tue, 28 Jul 2026 07:00:07 EDT news704439182 A total of 265 couples have married after meeting on an AI-powered dating app launched by the Tokyo government in 2024 to lift Japan's low birth rate, according to official data. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-07-appy-marriages-ai-hundreds-japanese.html Software Tue, 28 Jul 2026 05:20:03 EDT news704432786 IMDEA Materials Institute has developed an acoustic imaging method that overcomes some of the fundamental limitations of technologies like ultrasound imaging. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-07-ai-powered-method-enables-instant.html Hi Tech & Innovation Mon, 27 Jul 2026 15:00:11 EDT news704382301 A KAIST research team has developed a next-generation world model, an internal model an AI builds to understand and predict the world, that learns executable theories from observation alone. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-07-children-ai-framework-theorize-world.html Hi Tech & Innovation Mon, 27 Jul 2026 14:20:03 EDT news704380215