Industrial & Military

DARPA’s X-Plane Can Carry 100 Tons

Artist's concept of the Liberty LifterAurora Flight ScienceAurora Flight Sciences has revised the design of its Liberty Lifter, a maritime military heavy-lift transport being developed for DARPA. This efficient X-plane achieves substantial lift through the utilization of the wing-in-ground effect.Since 2022, DARPA has been working on the Liberty Lifter project, aiming to create a...

Raytheon Chosen by DARPA for Airborne Wireless Energy Internet

Raytheon has scored a $10 million contract to develop DARPA's airborne wireless energy gridAI generated by DALL-EDARPA has selected Raytheon to design and build an airborne relay system for the Energy Web Dominance program, aiming to provide energy in contested environments, enabling power supply from various locations.Raytheon has secured a two-year, $10 million contract...

This 3D Printer Self-Monitors During Printing

Credit: MIT NewsEngineers can create complex structures using 3D inkjet printing, crafting robotic grippers that blend softness and strength for safe human interaction. Traditionally, these printers use UV-cured resin, but slower-curing materials could get squished during the smoothing process.MIT, Inkbit, and ETH Zurich researchers devised an innovative 3D inkjet system. It employs computer vision...

A New Robotic System Evaluates Post-Stroke Mobility

Credit: Harvard GazetteStroke stands as a major contributor to long-term disability on a global scale. Annually, over 15 million individuals worldwide suffer strokes, with three-quarters of survivors encountering arm and hand impairments, weakness, or paralysis.Post-stroke, many rely predominantly on their stronger arm for everyday activities, even when their weaker arm could regain function. This...

Use of Cosmetic Ingredients for Battery Protection

Credit: UnsplashShielding Batteries with Cosmetics. Xanthan gum, sourced from plants like cabbage and renowned for its carbohydrate makeup, traditionally acts as a natural barrier in beauty products. In a recent innovation, this substance has been repurposed to create a protective layer for battery electrodes, deviating from its typical skincare application.Shielding Batteries with Cosmetics: a...

The US Marines Quickly Armed a Robot Dog with a Rocket Launcher

The robot dog armed and readyUS Marine CorpsIf you find the concept of robot dogs equipped with flamethrowers impressive, consider the idea of a robot dog carrying an anti-tank rocket launcher on its back. This unique research concept was put to the test at the US Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in California...

Cutting-Edge Technology Enables Precise Remote Monitoring for Nuclear Disarmament Verification

The method can accurately detect shifts in the barrel's position, as minute as a few millimeters. Credit: RUB, MarquardAn international research team has developed an innovative method for capturing highly secure and precise snapshots of room contents using radio antennas and mirrors. This groundbreaking technology has a wide range of potential applications, with a...

Revolutionizing Object Interaction: StructCode’s Novel Approach

In a world where innovation often centers around entirely new materials and manufacturing techniques, StructCode presents a novel approach to unlocking hidden potential within everyday objects. Crafted by researchers at MIT, this ingenious concept combines laser-cutting techniques with common materials like wood to store data discreetly within object joints and living hinges.The Superman Analogy: A...

The Air Force’s Latest Rescue Helicopter Achieves Unprecedented Range

Featuring enhancements such as seats that pivot between stretcher-equipped patients and machine guns aimed at potential threats, the Combat Rescue Helicopter is poised for potential service deployment as early as the coming year. Credit: LOCKHEED MARTIN.In the world of military aviation, the HH-60W, the US Air Force's latest helicopter, starkly contrasts many warbirds. While...

A Modern Traffic Light Designed for People and Robots

Credit: EVGENY ARININ.The traditional traffic light, a century-old design, is an iconic symbol for controlling road traffic. However, the evolving transportation landscape, including autonomous vehicles, demands an innovative approach to traffic signage.Russian industrial designer Evgeny Arinin has presented a concept that challenges conventional traffic signals by combining information from multiple signs into one intuitive signal....