Articles tagged with "mechanical-engineering"
Robots now rewrite their stiffness to swim, bend, and adapt
Mechanical engineers at Duke University have created programmable solid building blocks whose mechanical properties—such as stiffness, damping, and movement—can be dynamically altered without changing their overall shape. These Lego-like cubes contain 27 internal cells filled with a gallium-iron composite that can switch between solid and liquid states at room temperature when heated via electrical current. By selectively liquefying specific cells, the researchers can encode different mechanical behaviors into the blocks. Demonstrations showed that beams and columns made from these cubes could vary from soft rubber-like to stiff plastic-like responses, and a robotic fish equipped with a column of these cubes altered its swimming paths solely through internal reconfiguration. This technology represents a shift from traditional shape-shifting materials by enabling real-time changes in mechanical response while maintaining geometry. The modular cubes can be assembled or detached like Lego bricks, allowing for customizable 3D structures with tunable mechanical properties. Additionally, freezing the blocks at zero degrees Celsius resets all cells to solid, enabling repeated reprogramming cycles
roboticsprogrammable-materialsadaptive-stiffnesssoft-roboticsgallium-iron-compositemechanical-engineeringshape-shifting-materialsRobotic joints mimic human knees and grip 3× more weight efficiently
Engineers at Harvard have developed a novel method for designing robotic joints that closely mimic the human knee by using rolling contact joints—pairs of curved surfaces that roll and slide against each other, connected with flexible elements. This design approach optimizes the shape of each joint component based on the specific forces and tasks it must perform, enabling the joint to direct energy efficiently. As a result, robots can use smaller actuators and simpler control systems, improving overall efficiency. In tests, a knee-like joint designed with this method corrected misalignment by 99 percent compared to standard joints, and a two-finger robotic gripper using these optimized joints could hold over three times the weight of a conventional gripper for the same actuator input. The innovation stems from efforts to enhance soft robotic grippers, combining rigid links with flexible joints to emulate human limb mechanics. Unlike traditional rolling contact joints that use simple circular surfaces, the Harvard team’s method creates irregular shapes tailored to follow specific trajectories and force transmission ratios, allowing joints to
robotroboticsrobotic-jointssoft-roboticsrobotic-grippersbiomechanicsmechanical-engineeringFrance's wild 1940s centipede tank that stayed on paper
The article discusses an unusual and largely forgotten French armored vehicle concept from the 1940s known as the Train d’Assaut (Assault Train), designed by Victor-Barthélemy Jacquet during the final years of World War II. Unlike conventional tanks, this design featured a modular, articulated multi-segment structure resembling a mechanical centipede, with three fully tracked and hydraulically linked armored cabins. The front cabin was narrow and angled for obstacle engagement, the middle housed the engine and crew, and the rear contained secondary weapons and acted as a counterbalance. Each segment had independent suspension, tracks, and turrets, connected by hydraulic spherical joints that allowed semi-independent movement and multi-axis articulation. Jacquet’s innovative design aimed to address key challenges faced by tanks of the era, such as crossing difficult terrain and maintaining traction. The hydraulic articulation theoretically enabled the vehicle to climb vertical obstacles, flex horizontally over uneven ground, and lock joints to bridge anti-tank ditches. This three-se
robotroboticsarmored-vehiclemechanical-engineeringhydraulic-systemsmilitary-technologymodular-designRobotic fins mimic stingrays for stable, precise underwater movement
Researchers at the University of California, Riverside, have developed robotic fins that mimic stingray swimming to better understand how these animals achieve stable and precise underwater movement. Stingrays, which dwell near the seabed, use undulatory, wave-like fin motions, while pelagic rays like manta rays flap their fins in smooth, oscillatory motions suited for open water. By testing robotic fins in a water tunnel simulating ocean flow, the team discovered an unexpected "unsteady ground effect": near the seafloor, rays experience negative lift that pulls them downward, unlike birds or airplanes that gain lift near the ground. However, a slight upward tilt of the fins, as observed in real rays, counteracts this negative lift, enabling stable swimming close to the seabed. The study also found that undulatory swimming provides better ground clearance and stability than purely oscillatory fin motions, helping benthic rays avoid collisions with the ocean floor. These insights suggest that the distinct swimming styles of rays are evolutionary adaptations for maintaining
roboticsunderwater-robotsbio-inspired-roboticsrobotic-finsunderwater-vehiclesmechanical-engineeringaquatic-roboticsVideo: NYU invents water-driven gears for machines that resist wear
Engineers at New York University have developed an innovative gear mechanism that uses fluid dynamics instead of traditional interlocking teeth to transmit motion. This new design replaces the conventional solid gear teeth, which have been used for thousands of years, with precisely directed fluid flows that engage without physical contact. Experiments involving cylinders submerged in a water-glycerol mixture demonstrated that the fluid can mimic gear teeth behavior by either pushing a second cylinder to spin in the opposite direction when close or pulling it along in the same direction when farther apart. This fluid-based approach allows for control over rotation speed and direction in ways not possible with mechanical gears. The fluid-driven gears offer significant advantages over standard gears, which are prone to jamming, breaking, or failing due to misalignment or debris. Since the fluid gears do not involve direct contact between parts, they are resistant to damage from grit or imperfections, as the fluid simply flows around obstacles. This durability and flexibility make them promising for applications such as soft robotics, where replacing hard metal
materialsmechanical-engineeringfluid-dynamicsgear-technologywear-resistancemachine-componentsNYU-researchHow watchmaker David Candaux re-engineers time at the mechanical level
David Candaux, an independent Swiss watchmaker based in Vallée de Joux, has spent over 20 years re-engineering the fundamental mechanics of watch energy transmission. Rather than focusing on adding complications, Candaux approaches watchmaking as a physics and engineering challenge, emphasizing the management of mechanical constraints and long-term coherence. He identifies key energy losses in watch movements at points of directional change, multiple gear engagements, and especially during mechanical opposition when two regulating organs share energy. To address these, he developed patented systems like the flying satellite planetary differential, which introduces an additional degree of freedom to eliminate blockages and enable smoother, more stable energy flow by guiding rather than forcing energy transmission. Candaux’s DC12 MaveriK movement exemplifies his innovative approach, employing a multi-level titanium architecture instead of the traditional plate-and-bridge layout. This three-dimensional structural design enhances rigidity, tolerance control, and mechanical stability, allowing the movement to better withstand aging and maintain coherence over time. Additionally, Candaux’s
energymechanical-engineeringtitanium-materialswatchmaking-innovationenergy-transmissionmechanical-designmaterials-scienceEngineAI releases raw humanoid robot demo after fake-video claims
Chinese robotics firm EngineAI faced widespread skepticism after unveiling its T800 humanoid robot in a dramatic launch video showcasing fluid, powerful movements such as breaking down doors and delivering swift kicks. Many viewers suspected the footage was computer-generated due to the stylized editing and lighting effects. To counter these claims, EngineAI released behind-the-scenes footage filmed in a plain studio without color grading or dramatic effects, demonstrating the robot performing the same actions with visible mechanical detail. The company attributes the robot’s realistic motions to its engineering specifications, including 450 newton-meters of joint torque and 29 degrees of freedom, emphasizing that the performance is driven by physical capabilities rather than digital enhancements. EngineAI’s experience reflects a broader trend in the humanoid robotics industry, where increasingly sophisticated robot motions and cinematic marketing have led to doubts about authenticity. Other Chinese firms like Xpeng and UBTECH Robotics have faced similar accusations and responded by releasing raw footage to prove their robots’ capabilities. These controversies highlight how humanoid robot movements,
roboticshumanoid-robotEngineAIrobot-demonstrationrobotics-technologymechanical-engineeringrobot-authenticityAI copies human CAD moves to turn sketches into fast 3D models
MIT engineers have developed an AI model that mimics human interactions within CAD software to convert 2D sketches into 3D models by performing precise user interface actions such as clicking buttons, dragging, and selecting tools. This approach aims to reduce the steep learning curve of CAD design, making it faster and more accessible, especially for beginners. Central to this effort is the creation of VideoCAD, a dataset containing over 41,000 videos that capture every detailed UI action taken by designers during the modeling process. By training on this data, the AI learns to replicate the exact sequences of interactions needed to build 3D objects from sketches. The innovation builds on advances in AI-driven user interface agents but addresses the greater complexity of CAD tasks, which require fine control over tool selection, region specification, and shape manipulation. The system translates high-level design commands into pixel-level UI operations, enabling it to operate CAD software autonomously. Initial tests show the AI can successfully create both simple and complex 3D models
materialsAICAD3D-modelingdesign-automationmechanical-engineeringmanufacturing-technologyMeet the AI tool that thinks like a mechancial engineer
The article introduces the bananaz Design Agent, a pioneering AI tool specifically engineered for mechanical engineers. Unlike generic AI chatbots, this agent comprehends mechanical logic, CAD files, and engineering standards through advanced computer vision and specialized algorithms. It analyzes complex design elements such as 3D geometries, assembly hierarchies, material specifications, tolerance callouts, and company best practices, effectively synthesizing this data to provide a deep understanding of engineering intent. This enables engineers to interact with their designs conversationally, as if consulting a virtual expert with decades of experience, available around the clock. The Design Agent maintains full contextual awareness across entire projects, understanding how individual design decisions impact assemblies, manufacturability, and performance, while leveraging past work and collective company knowledge. It dramatically accelerates tasks that traditionally require hours, such as design-for-manufacturing (DFM) checks, tolerance analysis, and compliance with company standards. Additionally, it can identify opportunities to replace custom parts with standard shelf components,
robotAImechanical-engineeringCADmanufacturingdesign-automationmaterialsMeet the AI tool that thinks like a mechancial engineer
The article introduces the bananaz Design Agent, an AI-powered tool specifically developed for mechanical engineers to streamline design and manufacturing processes. Unlike generic AI chatbots, this agent comprehends mechanical logic, CAD files, engineering standards, and company-specific best practices. Founded in 2023 by experienced mechanical engineers, bananaz aims to reduce design errors and accelerate innovation across industries such as medical devices, aerospace, automotive, and oil & gas. The Design Agent uses advanced computer vision and specialized algorithms to analyze 3D geometries, annotations, assembly hierarchies, material specs, tolerances, and team communication, providing a comprehensive understanding of engineering designs. A key feature of the Design Agent is its context-aware analysis, allowing it to understand how individual design decisions affect the entire assembly and manufacturing outcomes. It maintains full project context, leveraging past work and collective design history to offer precise, relevant recommendations. Users can interact with their designs in plain language, asking questions about design-for-manufacturing (DF
robotAImechanical-engineeringCADmanufacturingautomationdesign-optimizationDrone lands on speeding truck with shock absorbers, reverse thrust
Researchers at Université de Sherbrooke in Canada have developed the DART (Direct Approach Rapid Touchdown) drone, capable of safely landing on a moving vehicle traveling up to 110 km/h (68 mph). In tests by the Createk Research Lab, DART completed 38 consecutive landings on a pickup truck’s flatbed at highway speeds. This breakthrough addresses a longstanding challenge in drone technology, where high-speed landings risk damage due to air drag and impact forces. The team’s novel system combines friction-based shock absorbers with reverse thrust control, enabling the drone to absorb impact energy and maintain secure contact without rebounding or sliding. DART’s landing process involves tracking the vehicle from above, performing a high-speed vertical dive to minimize wind interference, and executing a pitch-leveling maneuver just before touchdown to ensure even contact. The shock absorbers dissipate kinetic energy while reverse thrust presses the drone’s legs firmly against the surface, allowing stable attachment even on fast or uneven moving platforms. This
drone-technologyroboticsshock-absorbersreverse-thrustautonomous-landingUAV-innovationmechanical-engineeringNew kirigami parachute design stabilizes instantly in free fall
Engineers at Polytechnique Montréal have developed a novel parachute design inspired by kirigami, the Japanese art of folding and cutting. This parachute is created by laser-cutting a plastic sheet with a closed-loop kirigami pattern, which transforms the sheet into an inverted bell shape during free fall when weighted at its center. Unlike conventional parachutes, it stabilizes instantly, follows a straight ballistic descent without pitching, and uses a single suspension line, reducing tangling and enabling rapid deployment. The design’s seamless construction and predictable, pin-straight descent were confirmed through simulations, wind tunnel tests, laboratory experiments, and outdoor drone drops. The kirigami parachute’s unique structure allows air to pass through small slits formed by the cuts, preventing turbulent airflow that typically destabilizes traditional canopies. This results in smooth, steady descents that remain consistent across different sizes, making the design scalable for various payloads. The researchers see immediate applications in humanitarian aid deliveries to remote areas,
materialskirigamiparachute-designmechanical-engineeringaerospace-technologyhumanitarian-aidspace-explorationPrehistoric craft could help make strong metamaterials for robots
Engineers at the University of Michigan have discovered that ancient basket-weaving techniques, dating back approximately 9,500 years, can inspire the creation of resilient and stiff metamaterials for modern applications such as robotics, automotive parts, and architecture. By weaving Mylar polyester ribbons into 3D structures, the researchers demonstrated that woven materials can endure repeated compression and torsion, returning to their original shape without permanent damage. In contrast, continuous (unwoven) materials buckled and deformed under similar stress. This resilience arises because woven designs redistribute stress over a wider area, preventing localized buckling, while maintaining about 70% of the stiffness of continuous materials. The team tested various woven corner arrangements and found that these fundamental modules enable the design of complex, stiff, and resilient spatial geometries. A prototype four-legged robot made from these woven materials could support 25 times its weight and recover its shape after being overloaded, highlighting the practical potential of this approach. Future research aims to develop “smart”
metamaterialsroboticswoven-materialsmaterial-sciencemechanical-engineeringresilience3D-structuresEngineering fantasy into reality - Robohub
Erik Ballesteros, inspired by childhood visits to NASA’s Johnson Space Center near his Texas hometown and a lifelong fascination with human space exploration, has realized his dream of contributing to astronautics through engineering. Now a PhD student in mechanical engineering at MIT, Ballesteros has interned at JSC, working on spacesuit materials, life support systems, and Mars rocket propulsion prototypes, as well as training astronauts on emergency systems. At MIT, he and his advisor Harry Asada are developing SuperLimbs, wearable robotic arms designed to assist astronauts by providing extra strength and mobility during spacewalks, such as lifting a fallen astronaut or enabling movement along spacecraft exteriors. This project is being refined in collaboration with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and is planned for practical testing with astronauts at JSC within the next few years. Ballesteros credits his success to the connections he has built and maintained across academia and industry, emphasizing the collaborative nature of innovation. His early interest in engineering was sparked by
robotroboticswearable-technologyspace-explorationastronaut-assistanceNASAmechanical-engineeringSo you want to be an engineer? Here's where you start
The article "So you want to be an engineer? Here's where you start" serves as an introductory guide to the core engineering disciplines, aimed at helping aspiring engineers navigate the vast and diverse field. It highlights engineering as a dynamic and problem-solving profession with over 40 main disciplines and numerous subfields. The piece focuses on five fundamental engineering disciplines that form the backbone of the profession: mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering (with the remaining two disciplines presumably covered in subsequent parts of the series). Mechanical engineering is described as the broadest and most versatile field, involving the design and development of mechanical systems from small sensors to large machinery, including robotics and medical devices. Electrical engineering centers on electricity, electronics, and electromagnetic systems, with key areas such as power systems, telecommunications, and renewable energy. Civil engineering focuses on designing and maintaining infrastructure like buildings, bridges, transportation systems, and environmental projects. Each discipline is paired with typical job functions, potential employers, and salary ranges in the US, providing practical insights
engineeringmechanical-engineeringelectrical-engineeringroboticsenergy-systemsautomationrenewable-energyNew study by US engineers improves strength prediction in 3D printing
A research team at the University of Maine, led by engineers Philip Bean, Senthil Vel, and Roberto Lopez-Anido, has developed a novel method to improve strength prediction in lightweight 3D-printed parts, focusing on the gyroid infill pattern. This pattern, commonly used in additive manufacturing to reduce weight while maintaining strength, was analyzed through a combination of advanced computer modeling and physical stress testing. The team validated their finite element analysis (FEA) simulations with real-world compression and shear experiments, resulting in semi-empirical equations that enable more convenient and accurate strength predictions for design and optimization purposes. This approach addresses limitations of traditional analytical methods that struggle with complex internal geometries, providing deeper insights into how gyroid infill distributes stress and contributes to overall structural performance. The improved predictive capability allows engineers to optimize designs by balancing material efficiency and structural integrity, reducing material usage without compromising strength. The breakthrough is expected to benefit industries requiring strong, lightweight components, such as aerospace, automotive, and
3D-printingadditive-manufacturingmaterials-sciencegyroid-infillstructural-strengthlightweight-materialsmechanical-engineeringYouTuber tries to power bicycle from 200‑year‑old heat engine tech
YouTuber and aerospace engineer Tom Stanton documented his two-month project to build a bicycle powered by a Stirling engine, a heat-driven machine first patented in 1816. Stanton began with small-scale experiments demonstrating air expansion and displacement principles before scaling up to a full-size aluminum engine designed to fit within a bicycle frame and produce about 100 to 150 watts—enough to propel the bike at roughly 15 mph on flat terrain. Key design choices included using steel for the hot cap to withstand high temperatures, implementing an internal water-cooling loop instead of a CPU heatsink, and minimizing friction through PTFE piston rings, linear bearings, and belt-driven synchronization of crankshafts. The build process involved troubleshooting significant challenges such as air leaks, friction losses, and over-compression. Stanton iteratively refined the piston ring design, eventually 3D printing flexible TPU rings that improved sealing and pressure retention. He also adjusted crank geometry to better match the engine’s air expansion capabilities. After these modifications
energyStirling-engineheat-enginealuminum-machiningbicycle-powerrenewable-energymechanical-engineeringMath in motion: YouTuber turns plastic toy into functional computer
YouTuber Shadowman39 has created a fully functional 8-bit mechanical computer using K’NEX, the plastic construction toy typically used for building roller coasters and towers. This inventive machine features an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) made entirely from K’NEX rods, connectors, and gears, capable of performing basic arithmetic operations on numbers from 0 to 255 (or -128 to 127 in signed binary). The computer uses mechanical registers composed of levers to represent binary values, and a rack-and-pinion drive system powers the calculation process. Unlike electronic computers, this mechanical model visibly demonstrates each step of the computation, making the operation transparent and educational. Building a precise mechanical computer from flexible plastic pieces posed significant engineering challenges, as K’NEX components are not designed for high-precision tasks and can loosen over time. Shadowman39 overcame these difficulties by carefully designing networks of levers and gears to replicate binary addition logic gates, reminiscent of 19th-century mechanical calculators
materialsmechanical-computerK'NEXplastic-construction-toyarithmetic-logic-unitmechanical-registersmechanical-engineeringAmerica can't out-innovate China without mechanical engineers - or robots - The Robot Report
The article highlights a critical challenge facing the U.S. manufacturing sector: a significant shortage of mechanical engineers, which undermines efforts to reshore manufacturing and compete with countries like China. While China graduates over 350,000 mechanical engineers annually, the U.S. produces fewer than 45,000, creating a structural disadvantage in scaling industrial innovation. This shortage extends beyond mechanical engineering to other vital fields such as industrial, controls, and manufacturing engineering. The author stresses that addressing this gap requires more than policy changes; it demands a national strategy focused on enhancing STEM education and expanding access to practical, scalable robotics automation. Automation and robotics are presented not as job replacers but as essential tools that enable engineers and technicians to increase productivity, especially in small and midsize manufacturing firms that often lack resources to implement advanced systems. However, high costs and technical barriers limit access to these technologies. Initiatives like ROS-Industrial aim to make robotics more modular and accessible, but success also depends on comprehensive education, training,
robotsmechanical-engineeringmanufacturing-automationSTEM-educationindustrial-innovationrobotics-automationreshoring-manufacturingBehind the Innovation: Nimo Rotem’s quest to build better power tools
Nimo Rotem, a mechanical engineer and inventor, has significantly advanced the power tools industry through two major innovations: Nemo Power Tools and the GRABO vacuum-lifting system. Nemo Power Tools originated from Rotem’s work designing custom underwater equipment for military and scientific use, including for the U.S. Navy and Israeli Defense Forces. His key breakthrough was developing a pressurized internal chamber within tools that balances the external water pressure, preventing water ingress and allowing drills, grinders, and impact drivers to operate reliably up to 50 meters underwater. This patented technology enabled Nemo Power Tools to serve niche underwater markets where conventional tools fail. Rotem’s second major innovation, the GRABO, was inspired by a rock climbing experience and addresses the challenge of safely lifting heavy, awkward materials on construction sites. GRABO is a portable electric vacuum lifter that uses an electric pump to create negative pressure between its foam seal and a surface, forming a strong vacuum grip even on rough, uneven, and porous materials
energypower-toolsunderwater-engineeringmechanical-engineeringvacuum-lifterconstruction-innovationindustrial-tools