Remote Control

Augmental’s new invention is more than just another experiment with computer mouse design. It is a tongue-controlled touchpad that gives people with limited mobility a new way to interact with computers and smart devices hands-free.

What sounds more terrifying than a part-cockroach, part-robot cyborg? Definitely one that can also breathe underwater. Yet, this is exactly what researchers have just created, except they are replacing “terrifying” with “useful.” Scientists from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore and Waseda University in Japan have created a soft, flexible diving suit for cyborg cockroaches. The suits are equipped with miniature oxygen generators that allow the cockroaches to survive for up to three hours underwater or in low-oxygen conditions.

MIT researchers have developed an ultrasound wristband that uses AI to translate wrist movements into precise, real-time robotic actions. So far, this is one of the most effective methods for teaching robots to move like humans.

An armband-mounted electronic patch uses motion and muscle sensors, a Bluetooth controller, and a stretchable battery to control tech. Thanks to AI-screening of data-noise, a shaky controller no longer means shaky control.

Instead of going to the trouble of building tiny robots from scratch, some scientists are now turning insects into remote-control cyborgs. A new "assembly line" could help, by converting cockroaches into cyborgs far faster than can be done by hand.

Unless you're some boring, unimaginative schmuck, chances are you've sometimes wondered what the world looks like from a tiny creature's point of view. Well, the Goby robot will show you, as you remotely control it via a simple online dashboard.

You wanna drive a Mars rover? Well sorry, but you can't. You could, however, buy and drive a li'l four-wheel-drive rover that can be controlled from anywhere in the world via 4G cellular networks. Appropriately enough, it's called the EarthRover.

There are wireless computer mice, touchpads, TV remotes, and laser pointers … and then there's the Xring D13. It combines all of those tools in one wireless device, which could be yours for US$109.

Stormwater culverts can be dangerous places, due to hazards such as crumbling concrete ceilings and toxic gas accumulations. The PIPE-i robot was designed with that fact in mind, as it takes the place of a human when inspecting such structures.

Unlike most other ROVs, the Boxfish Luna is designed specifically for underwater filmmaking. It records video at a resolution of 8K/30fps and can descend as deep as 1,000 m (3,281 ft) – so all you giant squids out there, get ready for your close-up.

The Chasing X brings a new form factor to mini ROVs, looking a bit like a submersible quadcopter. It's designed mainly for the underwater inspection of things like ship hulls and aquaculture operations, although it can also grab stuff if need be.

An experimental new undersea robot shows great promise for use in the upkeep of offshore renewable energy platforms. Because it has the ability to climb vertical underwater surfaces – and paint them – it's known as the Crawfish.