DARPA

Human-on-a-Chip: using tissue engineering to replicate the human body

An application of tissue engineering that is rapidly growing is the building of organ-on-a-chip devices.

Programming drones to fly in the face of uncertainty

Companies have big ideas for drones that can deliver packages right to your door. But even putting aside the policy issues, programming drones to fly through cluttered spaces like cities is difficult. Being able to avoid obstacles while traveling at high speeds is computationally complex, especially for small drones that are limited in how much they can carry onboard for real-time processing.

Engineering electronic medicine

Targeting a certain nerve very precisely with sound, light or electricity can modulate bleeding or inflammation. Ultrasound, for example, can go deep into tissue. Nerves can be stimulated with electricity via wires, but wires create a lot of problems: tugging and pulling and instability.

Self-driving rides in Las Vegas

Aptiv and Lyft announce a partnership to demonstrate a first-of-its-kind fully automated point-to-point ride-hailing experience in Las Vegas. Torc Robotics also offers autonomous rides.

Hesperos

IDTechEx analyst Nadia Tsao interviewed Hesperos President/CEO Dr Mike Shuler on August 24, 2017. Hesperos provides toxicology testing services using their proprietary organ-on-a-chip technology.

Vagus nerve stimulation shows progress against PTSD

Researchers are exploring how mild stimulation of the vagus nerve could help alleviate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Forget about it: A material that mimics the brain

Inspired by human forgetfulness - how our brains discard unnecessary data to make room for new information - scientists conducted a recent study that combined supercomputer simulation and X-ray characterization of a material that gradually 'forgets.' This could one day be used for advanced bio-inspired computing.

Snake robot used in search for Mexico quake survivors

Researchers deployed a snake-like robot to search for trapped survivors in a Mexico City apartment building that collapsed in the 7.1-magnitude earthquake that shook the city September 19.

A new wave in radio technology

There now is a need to apply machine learning to the invisible realm of radio frequency signals.

Navy partnership develops first 3D printed submersible

The Optionally Manned Technology Demonstrator is a prototype vessel that could be used to deploy logistics capabilities and sensors. In the future, vessels will need to be manufactured faster and incorporate new designs to support each Navy mission.

Building the safe genes toolkit

DARPA created the Safe Genes program to gain a fundamental understanding of how gene editing technologies function; devise means to safely, responsibly, and predictably harness them for beneficial ends; and address potential health and security concerns related to their accidental or intentional misuse.

Towards a high-resolution, implantable neural interface

The goal of The Neural Engineering System Design program is developing an implantable system able to provide precision communication between the brain and the digital world.

SRI International

James Hayward visited SRI International's robotics lab to learn about their latest developments, including active cooling in apparel, soft powered exoskeletons, electrolaminates/haptics and new motor designs.

Deep learning technique for trial and error robot skills

Researchers have developed algorithms that enable robots to learn motor tasks through trial and error using a process that more closely approximates the way humans learn, marking a major milestone in the field of artificial intelligence.

Teaching robots manners

Advances in artificial intelligence are making virtual and robotic assistants increasingly capable in performing complex tasks. For these "smart" machines to be considered safe and trustworthy collaborators with human partners, however, robots must be able to quickly assess a given situation and apply human social norms.

Research aims to make artificial intelligence explain itself

Eight computer science professors in Oregon State University's College of Engineering have received a $6.5 million grant from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency to make artificial-intelligence-based systems like autonomous vehicles and robots more trustworthy.

Sewbots brings manufacturing closer to home

The company's patented computer vision systems view fabric more accurately than the human eye, tracking exact needle placement to within half a millimeter of accuracy.

Giving robots a sense of touch

By mounting GelSight sensors on the grippers of robotic arms, teams have given robots greater sensitivity and dexterity.

World's first thin-silicon implantable chip for high-precision haptics

A prototype implantable chip that aims to give patients more intuitive control over their arm prosthetics.

Free Form Fibers

Free Form Fibers (FFF) have developed a platform technology for the manufacture of high performance fibers using Laser chemical vapor deposition. IDTechEx technology analyst Dr Richard Collins interviewed John Schneiter (CEO).