News tagged with smart materials and structures

Jellyfish inspires latest ocean-powered robot (w/ video)

American researchers have created a robotic jellyfish, named Robojelly, which not only exhibits characteristics ideal to use in underwater search and rescue operations, but could, theoretically at least, never ...

Technology / Engineering

created Mar 20, 2012 | popularity 5 / 5 (4) | comments 3 | with audio podcast

Shear stiffness and friction mechanics of single-layer graphene measured for the first time

Researchers from the University of Bristol have measured and identified for the first time the stress and strain shear modulus and internal friction of graphene sheets. Graphene is a material that has many ...

Nanotechnology / Nanomaterials

created Feb 14, 2012 | popularity 4.7 / 5 (3) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Scientists reach the heights with gecko-inspired tank robot (w/ video)

(PhysOrg.com) -- Researchers have developed a tank-like robot that has the ability to scale smooth walls, opening up a series of applications ranging from inspecting pipes, buildings, aircraft and nuclear ...

Electronics / Robotics

created Oct 31, 2011 | popularity 4.6 / 5 (14) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Trains’ vibrations could provide power for monitoring tunnels

(PhysOrg.com) -- Traffic tunnels are often built in some of the most rugged and remote areas, which subjects them to extreme environmental forces while making them difficult to access. Ideally, the structural ...

Technology / Engineering

created Aug 08, 2011 | popularity 3.8 / 5 (6) | comments 4 | with audio podcast feature

Robotic hand nearly identical to a human one (w/ Video)

(PhysOrg.com) -- When it comes to finding the single best tool for building, digging, grasping, drawing, writing, and many other tasks, nothing beats the human hand. Human hands have evolved over millions ...

Technology / Hi Tech & Innovation

created Feb 18, 2011 | popularity 4.5 / 5 (30) | comments 8 | with audio podcast feature

Network expands to 256 times its original size to bridge the micro and macro worlds

(PhysOrg.com) -- Now that scientists have developed a diverse assortment of nano- and micro-sized devices and materials, one of the biggest challenges is finding a practical way to incorporate them into macroscale ...

Nanotechnology / Nanomaterials

created Apr 15, 2010 | popularity 4.8 / 5 (28) | comments 3 | with audio podcast feature