robotics : Science World Report

Apr 01, 2015 01:32 PM EDT

New Software May Allow Hector the Robot to Develop Self-Awareness

Scientists are continuing their work on the walking robot, named Hector, and have developed a software architecture that could enable Hector to see himself as others see him.

Mar 25, 2015 06:47 AM EDT

New Robotic Hand Can Respond Sensitively with Muscles Created with Smart Wires

Scientists may have taken a giant leap forward in prosthetics. They've created an artificial hand with muscles made from shape-memory wire.

Feb 25, 2015 11:42 AM EST

New Robotic Prosthetic Hands are Controlled by Patients' Minds

Robotic hands may not just be for Luke Skywalker anymore. Three Austrian men have become the first in the world to undergo a new technique called "bionic reconstruction," which enables them to use a robotic prosthetic hand controlled by their minds.

Aug 08, 2014 09:04 AM EDT

Self-Folding Origami Robots Fold Up and Then Walk Away

It sounds like something out of a science fiction movie--a robot that can fold itself up and walk away. But that's exactly what a team of engineers have created.

Jan 27, 2014 02:50 PM EST

Robotic Operation for Heart Valve Reconstruction Encourages New Tissue Growth

Infective Endocarditis is a potentially fatal bacterial disease that affects the heart's tricuspid valve. Now, though, a new reconstructive technique is currently being implemented in order to formulate the growth of new tissue, avoiding permanent tissue damage on the right dorsal side of the heart.

Jan 27, 2014 01:49 PM EST

Increased Mobility for Stroke Patients Thanks to Robotic Rehab

Researchers examined whether robot-assisted therapy can help stroke patients. This form of therapy proved successful particularly with the most severely affected persons with arm paresis.

Dec 27, 2013 08:09 AM EST

New Robot Effortlessly Picks Up Wheels: Implications for Production

It's a huge leap forward for robotic science. Researchers have created a robot that can effortlessly pick up castors no matter who the wheels are located. The findings could have implications for production processes, which could potentially be more effective and less costly.

Dec 26, 2013 05:31 PM EST

Fish-Like Underwater Robots Developed to Protect the Environment

Teams of robotic fish are drawing on the intelligence of swarms of social insects and other organisms in new ways to help protect the environment.

Dec 16, 2013 05:11 PM EST

Integrating Smart Robots Into Society

Should we have special laws to govern robots? The question isn’t being debated in parliaments and newspaper columns yet, but robots currently under development are becoming so astute at learning to interact like humans that it’s only a matter of time.

Nov 24, 2013 11:31 PM EST

Self-Driving Cars and Autonomous Robots: Where to Now?

A recent report released by the McKinsey Institute predicts the potential economic contribution of new technologies such as advanced robotics, mobile internet and 3D printing are expected to return between US$14 trillion and US$33 trillion globally per year by 2025.

Oct 22, 2013 08:49 PM EDT

Next Generation of Robots Will Have a Gentle Touch

The new field of soft robotics aims to produce robots made of materials which are more adaptable, flexible and less hazardous than traditional steel and hard plastic. Swiss institutions are at the forefront of research in this novel field.

Aug 16, 2013 11:48 PM EDT

How China Plans to Become a Leader in Robotics

With rapid economic development in the past 20 years, China urgently feels the need to move from a manufacturing-driven to an innovation-driven economy. As a result, the state is supporting many bold research initiatives to develop and attract highly skilled individuals who will be needed to lead th...