Georgia Tech Research Institute

Novel Solar Cells Arrive at International Space Station for Testing

Five different types of solar cells have arrived at the International Space Station to be tested for their power conversion rate and ability to operate in the harsh space environment as part of the MISSE-12 mission. One type of cell, made of low-cost organic materials, has not been extensively tested in space before.

Piezoelectric tiles light the way

New technology that could be used in self-powered smart cities of the future will soon be demonstrated at the NASA Kennedy Space Center's Visitor Complex at Cape Canaveral, Florida.

Swarms of autonomous aerial vehicles test new dogfighting skills

Aerial dogfighting began more than a century ago in the skies over Europe with propeller-driven fighter aircraft carried aloft on wings of fabric and wood. An event held recently in southern California could mark the beginning of a new chapter in this form of aerial combat.

Tarzan robot hangs above crops to inspect plants as they grow

With robots dangling over the field, researchers will be able to get more frequent measurements and to avoid some laborious field work. Someday, they may be able to stay at their laptops miles away, in the air conditioning, scanning a steady stream of images and data sent back from the robots.

Printed wireless sensor could detect explosives

Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a prototype wireless sensor capable of detecting trace amounts of a key ingredient found in many explosives.

Taking the heat: silver-diamond composite offers unique capabilities

Researchers at the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) are developing a solid composite material to help cool small, powerful microelectronics used in defense systems. The material, composed of silver and diamond, promises an exceptional degree of thermal conductivity compared to materials currently used for this application.