Robotics

Novel robot mimics insects' optics-to-neurons pathway

With a brain the size of a pinhead, insects perform fantastic navigational feats. They avoid obstacles and move through small openings. How do they do this with their limited brain power? Understanding the inner workings ...

Engineering

Improved algorithm plots faster escape routes

Research in the International Journal of Simulation and Process Modelling has looked at fire escape routes in complex buildings with a view to designing in improvements to help a building's occupants during a potentially ...

Automotive

Public transport: AI assesses resilience of timetables

A brief traffic jam, a stuck door, or many passengers getting on and off at a stop—even small delays in the timetables of trains and busses can lead to major problems. A new artificial intelligence (AI) could help designing ...

Energy & Green Tech

Solar and wind power are key to decarbonising Switzerland

How can we reduce the carbon footprint of electricity consumption in Switzerland? The country relies on electricity imports from fossil fuel power plants, which are major emitters of greenhouse gases. A team of researchers ...

Energy & Green Tech

Seeing both sides of light collection

Two types of materials are better than one when it comes to solar cells, as revealed by an international team that has tested a new combination of materials and architecture to improve solar-cell efficiency.