The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

Creepy robot hand brings Thing from The Addams Family to life
The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

Creepy robot hand brings Thing from The Addams Family to life

This autonomous crawling hand has five fingers and can grasp multiple objects at the same time.
Flying cart takes grocery shopping to new heights — literally
The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

Flying cart takes grocery shopping to new heights — literally

Researchers at Seoul National University of Science and Technology have developed the Palletrone, an aerial cargo transportation solution, otherwise known as a flying cart.
Could robotic worms improve aircraft maintenance?
The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

Could robotic worms improve aircraft maintenance?

GE Aerospace's Sensiworm robot is set to enhance aircraft maintenance with its cutting-edge, minimally invasive inspection and repair capabilities.
Soft drone can grab and move objects, but can it make baseball more interesting?
The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

Soft drone can grab and move objects, but can it make baseball more interesting?

While it might seem impossible for a drone to be able to catch and throw a baseball, researchers have developed an innovative drone that can grasp and move objects at impressive...
Flamethrower-wielding robot dog is simultaneously fascinating and terrifying
The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

Flamethrower-wielding robot dog is simultaneously fascinating and terrifying

Throwflame’s Thermonator is the first-ever flamethrower robot dog that's designed for everything from wildfire management to special effects.
New coating allows everyday objects to generate solar energy
The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

New coating allows everyday objects to generate solar energy

The light-absorbing material is thin and flexible, making it possible to apply to almost any surface, including buildings.
World’s first chip-based 3D printer is smaller than a coin
The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

World’s first chip-based 3D printer is smaller than a coin

Researchers from the MIT and the University of Texas at Austin have teamed up to make big technological innovations on a small scale.
Vacuum-equipped robot dog hates trash, especially cigarette butts
The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

Vacuum-equipped robot dog hates trash, especially cigarette butts

VERO is a four-legged robot vacuum that can identify and suck up cigarette butts on a beach.
Transforming industrial waste heat into energy and clean drinking water
The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

Transforming industrial waste heat into energy and clean drinking water

Norwegian industry produces 20 TWh of waste heat each year. Most of this heat is released into the air or the ocean, but there might be a new way to utilize this resource.
AI-powered, car inspection scanner poised to revolutionize car rental industry
The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

AI-powered, car inspection scanner poised to revolutionize car rental industry

ProovStation has already sold 200 units worldwide and performed over 200,000 inspections per month.
3D printer + laser = next step in additive manufacturing innovation
The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

3D printer + laser = next step in additive manufacturing innovation

Unlike other processes, FMAP offers users the potential to print sensors embedded within a structure.
Robots are better than humans at everything, including solving Rubik's Cubes
The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

Robots are better than humans at everything, including solving Rubik's Cubes

Our robotic brethren are now able to solve these puzzles in an astonishing, blink-and-you’ll-miss it amount of time.
DIY robot can mimic and replicate your actions in just 40 hours
The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

DIY robot can mimic and replicate your actions in just 40 hours

Researchers have engineered a robot that, once shown a desired movement, will mimic and learn how to perform the action itself. It’s equal parts ingenious and creepy.
AI built a better motor (but I still don’t trust it)
The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

AI built a better motor (but I still don’t trust it)

Materials Nexus recently used its AI platform to create a new rare earth-free permanent magnet called MagNex.
Uncork the answer to better, greener footwear
The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

Uncork the answer to better, greener footwear

ReCORK, a company that creates carbon-negative composite materials using natural recycled corks, is setting out to change the footwear industry.