Articles tagged with "sensor-technology"
Japanese firm unveils bathtub that promises full-body spa everyday
Japanese bathroom fixture manufacturer Science Co. has unveiled the "Human Washer in the Future" (Mirai Ningen Sentakuki), a fully automated, hands-free bathing system designed to transform showering into a spa-like experience. Displayed at the 2025 Osaka Expo, the device resembles a sleek, oversized bathtub with a canopy that encloses the user. Once inside, the user reclines as warm, soapy water fills the tub to chest level, while calming nature visuals and sounds play on a built-in display. The process, lasting a few minutes, is controlled by precision sensors that maintain optimal water temperature (around 100°F/38°C) and flow, with intelligent water recycling to promote sustainability. The Human Washer emphasizes convenience, relaxation, and accessibility, rooted in Japan’s traditional bathing culture that values hygiene and wellness. Science Co. envisions future versions incorporating AI personalization for temperature, scent, and sound preferences. Inspired by a similar concept introduced by Sanyo Electric Co. at the
IoTautomationsmart-bathroomsensor-technologywater-recyclingAI-personalizationsustainable-designPrinceton AI restores missing fusion data to improve reactor control
An international team led by Princeton University has developed an AI system called Diag2Diag that generates synthetic sensor data inside fusion reactors to enhance plasma monitoring and control. By analyzing existing sensor measurements, the AI effectively acts as a virtual sensor, filling gaps when physical sensors fail or are too slow. This capability provides more detailed insights into plasma behavior, such as validating the theory that small magnetic fields create “magnetic islands” to suppress damaging edge-localized modes (ELMs) by flattening temperature and density profiles—effects that physical sensors alone could not fully capture. The improved diagnostic detail from Diag2Diag is crucial for the development of commercial fusion power plants, which must operate continuously without interruption, unlike current experimental reactors that can be shut down if sensors fail. The AI also offers economic and design advantages by potentially reducing the number of physical sensors needed, making future reactors more compact, simpler, and less costly to build and maintain. Beyond fusion, the team suggests this AI approach could enhance sensor data in
energyfusion-powerartificial-intelligenceplasma-controlsensor-technologyreactor-monitoringnuclear-fusionNew smart fabric buried in asphalt lets roads self-report damage
Scientists at Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research (WKI) have developed an innovative smart fabric embedded with sensors that can be integrated directly into asphalt roads to monitor their internal condition in real time. Made from flax fibers reinforced with ultra-thin conductive wires, this bio-based fabric detects strain and stress within the asphalt’s base layer by measuring changes in electrical resistance. The data collected is analyzed by AI algorithms, enabling continuous, nondestructive monitoring of hidden cracks and damage beneath the road surface without the need for drilling or core sampling. This approach aims to improve maintenance planning by providing timely insights into road health, potentially reducing costly repairs and traffic disruptions. The lightweight flax-based fabric is designed for durability, resisting damage during weaving, installation, and heavy traffic loads. Manufactured on a double rapier loom, it can be produced in scalable widths and lengths suitable for real-world road construction. Initial tests involved embedding the fabric across the full width of roadbeds in industrial zones. While the technology does not extend
smart-fabricsensor-technologyIoTroad-monitoringmaterials-sciencesustainable-infrastructureAI-analyticsZoox tests self-driving service in Washington, D.C. - The Robot Report
Zoox Inc. has begun deploying sensor-equipped test vehicles in Washington, D.C., marking its eighth city and first presence in the mid-Atlantic region as part of its plan to launch a fully driverless robotaxi service. This expansion follows Zoox’s recent launch of a fully autonomous ride-hailing service in Las Vegas, where it became the first company to operate a purpose-built, all-electric robotaxi without a driver’s seat or steering wheel. Zoox’s test fleet is also active in seven other cities, including San Francisco, Seattle, and Miami. In Washington, D.C., Zoox is currently in the manual mapping phase, where engineers drive the sensor-equipped vehicles throughout the designated geofenced area to collect data and create detailed maps for autonomous operation. This initial phase involves manually driven vehicles with engineers onboard to gather and process sensor data. Zoox anticipates beginning autonomous testing later in the year, starting with safety drivers behind the wheel before transitioning to fully autonomous operation in its four-passenger
robotautonomous-vehiclesself-driving-carsrobotaxielectric-vehiclessensor-technologymobility-technologyNext-gen quantum sensors could be built as scientists overcome big hurdle
Scientists at the University of Sydney have developed a new quantum sensing protocol that overcomes limitations imposed by the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, enabling ultra-precise measurements of both position and momentum simultaneously. By effectively redistributing the unavoidable quantum uncertainty—pushing it into less critical areas—they can measure fine details with unprecedented sensitivity. This approach uses "grid states," quantum states initially designed for error-corrected quantum computing, applied to the tiny vibrational motion of a trapped ion, analogous to a quantum pendulum. This breakthrough allows measurements beyond the standard quantum limit achievable by classical sensors, potentially revolutionizing navigation in GPS-denied environments such as submarines, underground locations, or spaceflight. Additionally, it holds promise for enhancing biological and medical imaging, materials monitoring, gravitational system analysis, and fundamental physics research. While still experimental, this new framework complements existing quantum sensing technologies and could lead to next-generation sensors capable of detecting extremely subtle signals with high precision.
quantum-sensorsquantum-uncertaintynavigation-technologyprecision-measurementtrapped-ionsensor-technologyHeisenberg-uncertainty-principleDoorstep raises $8M seed to help find missing food deliveries
Doorstep, a startup founded by Shashwat Murarka and Sheel Patel, has raised $8 million in a seed funding round led by Canaan Partners to address the challenge of missing food deliveries during the "last mile" of the supply chain. The company’s technology integrates with existing delivery platforms like Uber Eats and DoorDash, using phone sensors to track drivers inside buildings—such as when they enter, take elevators, and reach the correct doorstep—where standard GPS fails. This real-time, verifiable data helps automate dispute resolution and validate deliveries, reducing customer frustration and improving proof-of-delivery accuracy without compromising user or driver privacy. The funding will enable Doorstep to transition from pilot to full production and expand its engineering and product teams. Murarka emphasized that unlike hardware-based competitors (e.g., building sensors or lockers), Doorstep’s software solution is more scalable and cost-effective. Currently active across all US states, the company aims not only to reduce fraud and refund disputes but also to rebuild
IoTdelivery-trackingGPS-technologysupply-chainsensor-technologylast-mile-logisticsfood-deliveryWhy China's robotic mowers could decide the LiDAR race
The article highlights how robotic lawn mowers are accelerating the development of LiDAR technology more rapidly and effectively than the automotive sector. Unlike the bulky and expensive LiDAR systems initially designed for luxury vehicles, robotic mowers demand smaller, cheaper, and more reliable sensors suitable for mass-market consumer products. This pressure has driven Chinese companies like Hesai and RoboSense to innovate, pushing LiDAR from mechanical and analog designs toward sleek, digital solid-state versions. The consumer robotics market, particularly robotic mowers, is thus emerging as the critical battleground for LiDAR democratization and technological breakthroughs. Robotic mowers represent a fast-growing global market, expanding from $1.5 billion in 2021 to an expected $4.04 billion by 2028. Early mower navigation relied on boundary-wire systems, which were cumbersome and prone to failure. More recent boundary-free approaches use technologies such as pure vision, ultra-wideband (UWB), and real-time kinematics (RTK), each with strengths and
roboticsLiDARrobotic-mowersChina-technologysensor-technologyconsumer-roboticsautonomous-devicesMIT Kitchen Cosmo scans ingredients and prints out AI recipes
MIT’s Kitchen Cosmo is an innovative AI-powered kitchen device developed by Ayah Mahmoud and C Jacob Payne as part of MIT’s Interaction Intelligence course. Unlike conventional smart kitchen appliances that emphasize automation and efficiency, Kitchen Cosmo fosters collaboration, creativity, and play by generating personalized recipes based on scanned ingredients, user-set constraints, and emotional inputs. The device uses a webcam to visually scan available ingredients and combines this data with tactile inputs—such as dials and switches representing time, mood, and dietary preferences—to produce context-specific recipes. These recipes are then printed on thermal paper, reinforcing a screenless, physical interaction that encourages mindful and embodied cooking experiences. Inspired by the retrofuturistic 1969 Honeywell Kitchen Computer, Kitchen Cosmo critiques the history of prescriptive smart devices by offering an improvisational and human-centered alternative. Its bold red cylindrical design doubles as a recipe archive, blending mid-century aesthetics with modern generative AI powered by GPT-4o. A unique feature is the “
IoTartificial-intelligencesmart-kitchenAI-recipeshuman-machine-interactionsensor-technologykitchen-automationNew acetone breath test could offer quicker diabetes screening
Researchers at Penn State have developed a novel graphene-based breath sensor that can rapidly and inexpensively detect diabetes and prediabetes by measuring acetone levels in exhaled breath. The device uses a combination of laser-induced porous graphene and zinc oxide to selectively identify acetone, a biomarker linked to diabetes risk when present above 1.8 parts per million. Unlike traditional diabetes tests that require blood draws or lab visits, this sensor provides results within minutes by simply exhaling into a bag and dipping the sensor, eliminating the need for induced sweat or complex lab analysis. The sensor’s design overcomes challenges such as moisture interference by incorporating a membrane that blocks water molecules while allowing acetone to pass through, enhancing detection accuracy. Currently, the test requires breath collection in a bag to avoid environmental airflow disruption, but future iterations aim to enable direct detection under the nose or inside a mask. Beyond diabetes screening, the researchers envision broader health applications by tracking acetone fluctuations related to diet and exercise. The study,
materialsgraphenesensor-technologydiabetes-detectionzinc-oxidebreath-analysishealth-monitoringUltrahuman acquires viO HealthTech to launch enhanced cycle and ovulation tracking
Ultrahuman has acquired smart ring maker viO HealthTech to enhance its cycle and ovulation tracking capabilities. Leveraging viO’s temperature-sensing algorithm, originally developed for its OvuSense fertility monitors over 15 years and trained on a dataset of more than 260,000 cycles, Ultrahuman is launching a new premium plug-in called “Cycle and Ovulation Pro” for its Ultrahuman Ring AIR. This plug-in offers users accurate cycle tracking, fertility planning support with ovulation confirmation, and the ability to detect irregular patterns such as early or late ovulation. Additionally, users can log moods and symptoms to identify long-term wellness trends, providing a more personalized and adaptive experience compared to traditional menstrual tracking platforms that often assume regular 28-day cycles. Ultrahuman emphasizes that its new offering is designed to support users with diverse cycle patterns, including those affected by conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, or thyroid disorders, who typically find existing platforms less accurate or helpful
IoTwearable-technologyhealth-trackingsmart-ringfertility-monitoringsensor-technologywomen's-healthVietnam’s first humanoid robots dazzle crowd with precise dance moves
Vietnam’s first domestically developed humanoid robots made a striking public debut on August 8, 2025, performing synchronized dance routines at Vingroup’s 32nd anniversary event. Created by VinMotion, a startup founded just seven months earlier and backed by Vingroup, these robots showcased advanced balance, precise timing, and real-time communication enabled by in-house mechanical, electronic, and software engineering. Chairman Nguyen Trung Quan emphasized that the robots relied on distance sensors and optimized network infrastructure to maintain stability and synchronization despite potential Wi-Fi interference from the large audience. This demonstration marked a significant technological milestone for Vietnam, potentially setting a world record for rapid deployment of stable, synchronized humanoid robots. VinMotion was established with about $39 million in capital and is part of Vingroup’s broader tech ecosystem, leveraging AI, data analytics, and industrial automation capabilities from sister companies like VinAI, VinBigdata, and VinFast. The company aims to develop general-purpose humanoid robots for practical applications in manufacturing,
roboticshumanoid-robotsdance-robotsVietnam-technologyreal-time-computingmotion-controlsensor-technologyOrbbec touts Pulsar ME450 as a multi-pattern 3D lidar - The Robot Report
At the World Robot Conference 2025 in Beijing, Orbbec introduced the Pulsar ME450, a novel multi-pattern 3D lidar sensor designed to enhance robotic perception by allowing users to switch scanning modes without changing devices. The sensor combines a micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) mirror with motorized azimuth control to offer configurable scanning patterns and an adjustable vertical field of view. This design enables the Pulsar ME450 to adapt to diverse robotics applications, such as smart forklifts, logistics robots, lawn mowers, and surveying equipment, by supporting non-repetitive, non-dense repetitive, and dense repetitive scanning modes. The sensor delivers millimeter-level precision and high-fidelity 3D reconstruction, maintaining stable performance across various materials and interference conditions. Orbbec emphasizes that the Pulsar ME450’s flexibility addresses the evolving demands of robotics, balancing the need for fast, real-time obstacle avoidance with detailed mapping capabilities. By integrating multiple scanning patterns into a single device, the
roboticslidar3D-perceptionMEMS-technologyautonomous-navigationsensor-technologyrobotics-applicationsNew sensor gives robots lifelike touch and instant grip control
Researchers at the University at Buffalo have developed a novel fabric-based electronic textile (E-textile) sensor that mimics human skin’s ability to sense pressure, slippage, and movement. This sensor, integrated onto 3D-printed robotic fingers and a compliant gripper, enables robots to react in real time by adjusting their grip strength dynamically—tightening or loosening as needed. The sensor operates via the tribovoltaic effect, generating electrical signals from friction, and demonstrates response times as fast as 0.76 milliseconds, surpassing typical human touch receptor speeds. This rapid and sensitive feedback allows robots to detect object slippage and adjust their grasp without crushing items, significantly enhancing robotic dexterity. The breakthrough holds promise for a variety of applications requiring fine motor control and delicate touch, such as collaborative manufacturing tasks, robotic surgery, and prosthetic limbs. The research team plans to incorporate reinforcement learning to further improve control algorithms and explore the sensor’s adaptability across different robotic platforms. Funded by the University
robotroboticssensor-technologyelectronic-textilesrobotic-grippersprostheticsrobotic-surgeryChina’s humanoid robot stuns by opening car door in a 'world-first'
AiMOGA Robotics has achieved a significant breakthrough with its humanoid robot, Mornine, which autonomously opened a car door inside a functioning Chery dealership in China—marking a world-first in embodied AI. Unlike scripted or teleoperated robots, Mornine used only onboard sensors, full-body motion control, and reinforcement learning to identify the door handle, adjust its posture, and apply coordinated force to open the door without any human input. This task, performed in a live commercial setting, demonstrates advanced autonomy and a shift from simulation-based robotics to real-world service applications. Mornine’s sophisticated sensor suite includes 3D LiDAR, depth and wide-angle cameras, and a visual-language model, enabling real-time perception and continuous learning through a cloud-based training loop. The robot was not explicitly programmed to recognize door handles but learned through millions of simulated cycles, with the learned model transferred to real-world operation via Sim2Real methods. Currently deployed in multiple Chery 4S dealerships
roboticshumanoid-robotautonomous-robotsAI-roboticsservice-robotsreinforcement-learningsensor-technologyAeva strikes lidar chip-making deal with LG subsidiary
Aeva Technologies, a U.S.-based company specializing in 4D LiDAR sensing systems, has entered a manufacturing partnership with LG Innotek, the components and materials subsidiary of South Korea’s LG. Under the deal, LG Innotek will manufacture and supply Aeva’s Atlas Ultra 4D LiDAR sensors primarily for the automotive sector, targeting some of the top 10 global passenger vehicle OEMs. LG Innotek will also invest up to $50 million in Aeva, acquiring about a 6% equity stake. The partnership aims to eventually expand the use of Aeva’s LiDAR technology into consumer electronics, robotics, and industrial automation. Aeva’s 4D LiDAR technology differs from conventional LiDAR by using Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) sensing, which measures both distance and velocity for every pixel in real time, providing richer data akin to moving from black-and-white to color imaging. The company has miniaturized the entire LiDAR system
LiDARroboticsautomotive-technologysilicon-photonicssensor-technologyindustrial-automationsmart-infrastructureWorld’s smallest spectrometer delivers full scan under one volt
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed the world’s smallest spectrometer prototype, measuring just a few square millimeters, small enough to be integrated into smartphones or even function as a single pixel in sensor arrays. This compact device can detect light across a broad spectrum, from ultraviolet to near-infrared, by using a specially designed photodetector whose sensitivity varies with applied voltage. By sweeping voltages under one volt and recording the photodetector’s responses, the system computationally reconstructs the full light spectrum reflected or transmitted by materials. The process is rapid, occurring in under a millisecond, and avoids the need for complex optics or high-voltage inputs that have traditionally hindered miniaturization. In laboratory tests, the prototype demonstrated accuracy and sensitivity comparable to conventional commercial spectrometers and photodetectors. Its low voltage operation, fast response, and broad spectral sensitivity mark a significant advancement toward consumer-level spectroscopy. The research team envisions this technology enabling new applications by embedding spect
materialsspectroscopyminiaturizationphotodetectorschemical-analysissensor-technologylow-voltage-devicesLoomia Smart Skin Developer Kit to help give humanoid robots a sense of touch - The Robot Report
The Loomia Smart Skin Developer Kit is a new product designed to help roboticists incorporate flexible tactile sensing into humanoid robots and other automation systems. Recognizing that most robots lack the ability to sense touch, Loomia developed this kit after extensive interviews with over 100 engineers across industrial automation, medical devices, and robotics sectors through the National Science Foundation’s I-Corps program. Loomia’s founder, Maddy Maxey, highlighted that pressure sensing is a critical missing component in robotic hands and grippers, with no robust, flexible, plug-and-play solutions previously available. Founded in 2014, Loomia specializes in patented soft circuit systems that enable sensing, heating, and lighting in environments unsuitable for traditional printed circuit boards, and has deployed its technology in automotive, industrial, and robotics applications. The company’s flexible tactile sensors, first developed in 2018, have been shipped in over 1,000 units to enterprise clients for custom prototyping. Loomia identified key challenges faced by robotics
roboticstactile-sensorshumanoid-robotsflexible-electronicssoft-circuitsindustrial-automationsensor-technologyFlipping Robot Senses and Movement On Its Head
The article discusses the AgiBot X2-N, a humanoid robot notable for its lack of cameras or visual sensors, challenging conventional robotic design that relies heavily on visual input. Despite having no "eyes," the AgiBot X2-N can navigate complex terrains such as steps and slopes with precise balance and movement. This capability is achieved through advanced internal sensing and control mechanisms that allow the robot to maintain stability and adapt to its environment without relying on vision. This innovative approach to robotic sensing and locomotion could significantly impact the field of robotics by demonstrating that visual input is not always necessary for effective movement and navigation. The AgiBot X2-N's design may lead to more robust and versatile robots capable of operating in environments where cameras and visual sensors are limited or ineffective, such as in low-light or visually obstructed conditions. Overall, the robot represents a shift in how sensory data is utilized in robotics, potentially broadening the applications and reliability of humanoid robots.
roboticshumanoid-robotsensor-technologyrobot-movementAgiBot-X2-Nrobotics-innovationautonomous-robotsNew portable device sniffs fentanyl from air faster than trained dogs
A new portable device called VaporID, developed by the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and commercialized by BaySpec, can detect fentanyl vapors in ambient air at concentrations as low as six parts per trillion—significantly faster and more sensitive than current methods such as swab tests or trained detection dogs. The microwave oven–sized sensor uses non-contact sampling and a miniature mass spectrometer to analyze air instantly, identifying fentanyl, its analogs, and other narcotics like methamphetamine, MDMA, cocaine, and ketamine. A bench-top lab version demonstrated even greater sensitivity, detecting fentanyl at ten parts per quadrillion by employing an atmospheric flow tube that prolongs interaction between drug molecules and charged ions. This technology addresses the challenge of detecting substances with low vapor pressure in complex environments filled with competing vapors. By filtering out background noise and tagging target molecules with ions before mass spectrometry, VaporID achieves rapid and precise identification. Field trials at
IoTsensor-technologyportable-detection-devicemass-spectrometryhomeland-securitynarcotics-detectionchemical-sensorsHexagon launches AEON humanoid robot for industrial applications - The Robot Report
Hexagon AB has launched its first humanoid robot, AEON, designed specifically for industrial applications to address labor shortages and enhance operational efficiency. Unveiled at the Hexagon LIVE Global event, AEON integrates Hexagon’s expertise in precision measurement and sensor technologies with advanced locomotion, AI-driven mission control, and spatial intelligence. This combination enables the robot to perform a variety of tasks such as manipulation, asset inspection, reality capture, and operator support across industries including automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics. AEON features agility through bipedal locomotion and dexterity, environmental awareness via multimodal sensor data fusion, versatility in task execution, and power autonomy enabled by a battery-swapping mechanism. Hexagon is collaborating with partners such as Schaeffler and Pilatus to pilot AEON in real-world industrial scenarios like machine tending, part inspection, and reality capture. These pilots aim to demonstrate the robot’s capabilities and contribute to sustainable growth amid demographic changes affecting labor availability.
roboticshumanoid-robotindustrial-automationAIsensor-technologymanufacturinglogisticsVolvo Cars Introduces World First Multi-Adaptive Safety Belt in the Upcoming Volvo EX60 - CleanTechnica
Volvo Cars has introduced a world-first multi-adaptive safety belt, debuting in the fully electric Volvo EX60 in 2026. This innovative safety belt uses real-time data from the car’s advanced interior and exterior sensors to customize protection for each occupant based on factors such as height, weight, body shape, seating position, and crash characteristics like direction and speed. By expanding load-limiting profiles from three to eleven, the belt adjusts the force applied during a crash to optimize safety—applying higher force for larger occupants in severe crashes to reduce head injury risk, and lower force for smaller occupants in milder crashes to minimize rib fractures. The system continuously improves through over-the-air software updates, enhancing its response as more data is collected. This development builds on Volvo’s extensive safety research, leveraging a database of over 80,000 real-world accident cases and decades of innovation since the original three-point safety belt invention in 1959. The multi-adaptive safety belt integrates with Volvo’s broader safety ecosystem, including airbags, occupant detection, and driver assistance systems, to provide harmonized protection and reduce the risk of injury. Tested extensively at Volvo’s Safety Centre crash lab, this technology represents a significant advancement in automotive safety by tailoring protection to individual occupants and crash scenarios in real time.
IoTautomotive-safetyadaptive-technologyelectric-vehiclessensor-technologyover-the-air-updatesreal-time-dataKepler Robotics showcases K2 'Bumblebee' humanoid at ICRA 2025 - The Robot Report
robothumanoidautomationindustrial-roboticsenergy-efficiencysensor-technologyK2-BumblebeePhotoneo launches MotionCam-3D Color (Blue) to improve robot perception - The Robot Report
robotIoTmachine-visionautomation3D-scanningdigital-twinssensor-technologySonair debuts ADAR, a 3D ultrasonic sensor for autonomous mobile robots
robotautonomous-mobile-robotssensor-technologysafetyhuman-robot-collaboration3D-sensingADARNhóm giảng viên ứng dụng AI sáng chế robot chiến trường
robotAIautonomous-systemsmilitary-technologybattlefield-roboticssensor-technologyunmanned-vehicles