Hard Tech

Clean Energy

3D-printed “superalloy” could make power plants more efficient

The material is both stronger and lighter than those used to make conventional turbines.

Sam Jarman

a flat, clear piece of rubber in a spiral shape with thin wires running through it

Brain

This soft brain implant unfurls its arms under the skull

A soft brain implant that unfurls under the skull could make implantation surgeries less costly and risky.

Kristin Houser

a closeup of a tiny LED in the middle of a microchip

Computer Science

MIT breakthrough creates world’s smallest holographic microscope

The world’s smallest holographic microscope foreshadows a future in which smartphones could be used for high-res microscopy.

Kristin Houser

Robotics

Disney gives humanoid robot a “lifelike” gaze

To escape the uncanny valley, Disney created a humanoid robot that mimics the minor eye and head movements people make during interactions.

Kristin Houser

Robotics

Autonomous boats could move people and goods

MIT launches a new autonomous boat — a fleet of floating platforms that could come together to build bridges, taxi people across a river, or create a party platform.

Teresa Carey

Robotics

How synchronized fireflies could inspire robot swarms

A recent discovery about the synchronized fireflies' amazing light shows could help researchers acquire fresh insight into swarm robotics.

Teresa Carey

If you train robots like dogs, they learn faster

The dog-inspired SPOT framework effectively trains an AI robot more quickly than other reinforcement learning methods.

Kristin Houser

DIY

Cable companies won’t, so rural America is building its own broadband network

The pandemic revealed how essential the internet is. Now, electric cooperatives that once put rural America on the grid are installing fiber optics.

Teresa Carey

Transportation

Can a connected city stop car crashes?

5:45

In partnership with Ford

One of the largest automotive makers in the world is ushering in the future of mobility, using AI and machine learning to help cities prevent traffic collisions and build smart transportation systems.

Doug Dais

Engineering

The "Iron Man" of beetles could inspire super-durable cars and planes

The diabolical ironclad beetle could be the next big thing in biomimicry, inspiring the design of extra-durable planes, cars, and more.

Kristin Houser

Disaster Response

Firefighting robot helps battle blaze in Los Angeles

The U.S.’s first firefighting robot helped keep LAFD firefighters safe while they battled a blaze in downtown Los Angeles.

Kristin Houser

Education

Engageli challenges Zoom for best virtual classroom

Engageli, a new digital education platform launched this week, to provide a solution to remote learning woes.

Teresa Carey

Hacking

How hackers could take down the election… or save it

5:06

In an attempt to prepare government officials to manage threats on Election Day, one cybersecurity company has created an immersive simulation exercise called Operation Blackout.

Doug Dais

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