New Atlas

Robotics

Jumping cockroach robot leaps tall obstacles in a single bound

Nick Lavars May 29, 2016

Researchers have developed a new springing mechanism for robots that enables them to jump many times their own height at just the right time, a technology they have demonstrated in their so-called JumpRoACH leaping micro-bot.

The JumpRoACH can spring up to 1.6 m (5.24 ft) into the air

Robotics

Pine cones inspire microbots powered by changes in humidity

Eric Mack November 25, 2015

As strange as it sounds, the future of skin care could involve tiny robots powered by changes in humidity. This week, a group of researchers shared their research into creating such devices, inspired by the slow motions of plants.

Biology

Bioelectronic nose sniffs out bacteria in water

Ben Coxworth September 11, 2015

Researchers from Seoul National University have developed a "bioelectronic nose" that could be used on location to detect bacteria in water. It is reportedly more sensitive than existing techniques.

Is there bacteria in that water? The bioelectronic nose knows

Robotics

Insect-inspired amphibious robot jumps like a water strider

Stanley Goodner July 31, 2015

Researchers have created an insect-inspired robot that can exert 16 times its body weight on the water's surface and jump off of it.

Scientists at Seoul National University examine their robot's extreme form of locomotion

Materials

Graphene used to create world's thinnest light bulb

Colin Jeffrey June 15, 2015

A team of scientists and engineers have used graphene just one atom thick mounted on a microchip, to create what they claim is the world's thinnest incandescent light-bulb

Researchers have created an on-chip incandescent light source using graphene, making it the world's thinnest light-bulb

Health & Wellbeing

New Samsung app aims to aid social development for children with autism

Chris Wood December 30, 2014

A new app released by Samsung aims to improve the lives of children suffering from autism by presenting a fun, smartphone or tablet-based developmental aide. It's designed to improve the quality of life for those growing up with autism by aiding in the development of basic social skills.

The Look At Me app is designed to improve the quality of life for those growing ...

Environment

Cigarette butts transformed into high-performance supercapacitor component

Nick Lavars August 6, 2014

Billions of cigarette butts are discarded around the world each year, but new research suggests they could be set for a new lease on life with scientists demonstrating that used filters can be transformed into a high-performance supercapacitor component.