Teaching robots to think like us
Advances in physical reservoir computing could contribute to creating artificial intelligence machines that think like us.
Bionics & Robotics
The fields of robotics and bionics have witnessed several advancements in recent years. We cover the latest technology breakthroughs of surgical robotics, bionic hearing and vision, of smart prosthetics, of micro-robots that travel through bodily fluids to deliver medication exactly to where it’s needed and the development of exoskeletons that help paralyzed people to walk again.
Exosuit helps with awkward lifts
In the last few years, mechanically assistive exosuits have started to see commercial deployment.
How 5 upper body exoskeletons support natural movements
We present five upper body exoskeletons that might help restore natural hand or limb movements.
Exoskeleton allows amputees to walk with less effort
A lightweight powered exoskeleton helps lower-limb amputees walk with much less effort.
Blockchain could provide secure communications for robots
The use of blockchain technology as a communication tool for a team of robots could provide security and safeguard against deception.
Social robot improves hospitalized children's outlook
Findings suggest robot telepresence, more than a tablet, provides comfort to young patients.
Exoskeleton research demonstrates importance of training
The benefits people could reap from exoskeletons rely heavily on having time to train with the device.
Remote assessment of health by robots
Intelligent sensing and tele-presence robotic technology, enabling health practitioners to remotely assess a person's physical and cognitive health.
Understanding human-robot interaction critical for rehabilitation systems
Robotic body-weight support devices can play a key role in helping people with neurological disorders to improve their walking.
BCI decodes movement from brain signals
The intention of a continuous movement was able to be read out from non-invasive brain signals.
How robots can tell how clean is ‘clean’
A sensor for autonomous cleaning robots can quantify the cleanliness of a given area.
Microrobots propelled by air bubbles and ultrasound
Researchers have developed microrobots that can be powered and steered by ultrasound waves.
How social robots get more persuasive
Humanoid robots get more persuasive if they project less authority.
Do Alexa and Siri make kids bossier?
Researchers studied whether hanging out with conversational agents, such as Alexa or Siri, could affect the way children communicate with their fellow humans.
Drones will transport samples in Norway soon
Drones are set to transport medical samples between them two Norwegian towns that are about 100 kilometers apart.
New material could help robots flex their muscles
Researchers have developed a shape memory polymer that stores almost six times more energy than previous versions.
Robotic cane brings navigation assistance to 21st century
Robotic cane with 3D camera can accurately guide user to chosen location, avoiding obstacles.
Components for the next generation of soft robotics
Scientists have developed a soft that valve paves the way for fully soft robots.
Robotics expands in spinal surgery
Increasing numbers of hospitals and spine surgeons are adopting robotics and computer navigation, which aim to enhance precision, accuracy and predictability.
Humans delay decisions when robot looks at them
Researchers investigated whether a humanoid robot's gaze influences the way people reason in a social decision-making context.
Bionic arm restores natural behaviors in patients
A first-of-its-kind bionic arm for patients with upper-limb amputations allows wearers to think, behave and function like a person without an amputation.
How do people emotionally respond to cloned faces?
Researchers examined people’s emotional response to cloned faces, which could soon become the norm in robotics.
Expanding human-robot collaboration in manufacturing
To enhance human-robot collaboration, researchers at Loughborough University have trained an AI to detect human intention.
Robot-assisted therapy can help treat stroke survivors
Exoskeleton-assisted rehabilitation can be beneficial in treating stroke survivors.
Navigation the brain's arteries with a steerable catheter
For the first time, a steerable catheter will give neurosurgeons the ability to steer the device in any direction they want while navigating the brain's arteries and blood vessels.
Controlling prosthetic limbs with the help of magnets
Researchers have inserted small magnetic beads into muscle tissue within an amputated residuum for more precise control of prosthetic limbs.
Swimming robot gives insights into locomotion after a spinal cord lesion
Thanks to their swimming robot modeled after a lamprey, EPFL scientists may have discovered why some vertebrates are able to retain their locomotor capabilities after a spinal cord lesion.
Can we trust robots who goofed?
When robots make mistakes, reestablishing trust with human co-workers depends on how the machines own up to the errors and how human-like they appear.
Microrobots deliver drugs to central nervous system
A study shows that magnetic millirobots can climb slopes, move against fluid flow and precisely deliver substances to neural tissue.
