Articles tagged with "smart-sensors"
Hyundai-Kia safety tech spots people in blind spots with 99% accuracy
Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation have introduced Vision Pulse, a new driver-safety technology that uses ultra-wideband (UWB) radio signals to detect people and vehicles even in blind spots and visually obstructed environments. The system achieves positional accuracy within four inches (10 centimeters) over a 330-foot (100-meter) range and maintains over 99% detection accuracy under adverse weather and nighttime conditions. Unlike conventional blind-spot systems that rely on cameras or radar, Vision Pulse communicates directly with UWB-enabled devices such as smartphones, wearables, and trackers to precisely locate nearby objects in real time, issuing alerts to prevent potential collisions. The technology offers rapid communication speeds of one to five milliseconds, enabling fast tracking of multiple high-speed moving objects simultaneously. Hyundai and Kia have enhanced the system with algorithms that predict the positions of multiple moving objects, improving safety in complex environments like crowded intersections. Vision Pulse leverages existing UWB hardware in some Hyundai and Kia vehicles (originally installed for Digital Key
IoTultra-widebandvehicle-safetyradar-technologyreal-time-trackingsmart-sensorsautomotive-technologyPhotos: New smart sensors can help cars, planes avoid deadly ice-related crashes
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a novel ice-detection system combining paired microwave and laser sensors to provide early warnings of dangerous ice formation on vehicles and aircraft. Ice on roads causes about 20% of weather-related car crashes annually, while in aviation, ice buildup contributes to roughly 10% of fatal air carrier crashes by disrupting airflow and flight controls. The system aims to detect ice as it forms and even before vehicles enter hazardous conditions, enhancing safety for planes, drones, cars, and trucks amid increasing travel demands and pressure to operate in all weather conditions. The technology uses two complementary sensors: a microwave sensor embedded flush with the aircraft surface that detects ice buildup by changes in microwave frequency, and a laser system employing three infrared lasers to analyze clouds and rain ahead. The lasers differentiate between ice particles and supercooled water droplets, with the latter posing a greater icing risk. Additionally, the system measures droplet size and concentration to assess severity, helping pilots or automated systems decide whether to alter course
IoTsmart-sensorsaviation-safetymicrowave-sensorslaser-sensorsice-detectionvehicle-safetyThis founder cracked firefighting — now he’s creating an AI gold mine
Sunny Sethi, founder of HEN Technologies, has revolutionized firefighting equipment by developing high-efficiency fire nozzles that increase suppression rates by up to 300% while conserving 67% of water. Drawing on his diverse background in nanotechnology, solar energy, and automotive manufacturing, Sethi was motivated by personal experiences with California megafires to create smarter firefighting tools. Founded in 2020, HEN Technologies uses computational fluid dynamics to design nozzles that precisely control water droplet size and velocity, maintaining coherent streams even in windy conditions. The company has expanded its product line to include monitors, valves, sprinklers, and advanced flow-control devices embedded with custom circuit boards and sensors, some powered by Nvidia Orion Nano processors. Beyond hardware, HEN Technologies is pioneering an integrated platform that connects firefighting equipment with real-time data on water usage, pressure, and environmental conditions. This system addresses critical challenges such as water shortages during fires, poor communication between water suppliers and firefighters
robotIoTenergyfirefighting-technologysmart-sensorsnanotechnologyflow-control-systemsSmall firefighting robot detects fires using radar and AI without GPS
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and its startups received three prestigious awards at the CES Innovation Awards 2026, notably for their Smart Firefighting Robot. This compact, AI-enabled robot tank uses millimeter-wave radar SLAM technology to navigate smoke-filled environments without relying on GPS or vision systems. It can detect flames, classify burning materials in real time using deep learning, and autonomously select the optimal extinguishing agents. Equipped with onboard sensors and a closed-loop vision–actuation system, the robot provides live updates to control centers, enhancing firefighting efficiency and safety by reducing human exposure to hazardous conditions. In addition to the firefighting robot, PolyU was recognized for two healthcare innovations: the Powered Rehab Skateboard, a lightweight, portable device aiding stroke patients in upper limb rehabilitation, and the FattaLab Fatty Liver Diagnostic Device, the world’s first handheld smart system for rapid fatty liver screening with medical-grade accuracy. These awards underscore PolyU’s commitment to impactful research and innovation
robotAIfirefighting-robotmm-wave-radarSLAMautonomous-navigationsmart-sensorsNew microneedle sensor checks fish freshness in under two minutes
Researchers have developed a novel portable sensor that can assess fish freshness in under two minutes by detecting early chemical changes associated with spoilage. Traditional methods of judging fish quality—such as checking appearance and smell—often identify spoilage too late, after visible or sensory signs appear. The new device targets hypoxanthine (HX), a molecular marker that rises quickly as fish decomposes post-mortem. Unlike current HX testing methods that require lab equipment and skilled technicians, this sensor uses a four-by-four microneedle array coated with gold nanoparticles and an enzyme that reacts specifically with HX, enabling rapid, on-site freshness evaluation. The microneedles penetrate just below the fish’s surface to detect chemical activity where spoilage begins. When pressed against the fish, the enzyme reacts with HX, causing electrical signal changes that the sensor interprets to determine freshness. Tested on salmon samples left at room temperature for up to 48 hours, the device detected HX levels as low as 500 parts per billion
IoTsensor-technologymicroneedle-sensorfood-freshness-monitoringsmart-sensorsreal-time-quality-detectionseafood-qualityWalk me: Smart robot chair walks, climbs stairs, and folds itself
Toyota unveiled Walk Me, an innovative four-legged autonomous chair designed to enhance mobility for people with reduced movement capabilities. Unlike traditional wheelchairs that rely on wheels, Walk Me uses four robotic limbs inspired by animal locomotion—specifically goats and crabs—to navigate uneven terrain, climb stairs, and move over obstacles such as gravel and slopes. The chair integrates advanced sensors, including LiDAR and weight sensors, to maintain balance, detect obstacles, and ensure user safety. It can adjust its base and tilt automatically to prevent falls, while collision radars halt movement if an object or person crosses its path. The chair offers multiple control options, including manual steering via side handles, integrated buttons, and voice commands, allowing for hands-free operation. Its ergonomic seat adapts to the user’s shape, providing spinal support, and a small armrest display shows vital information like battery life and distance traveled. Powered by a compact battery capable of a full day’s use, Walk Me includes safety features such as joint monitoring and
roboticsassistive-technologyautonomous-mobilitysmart-sensorsbiomimetic-designbattery-powered-devicesAI-navigationMosquito-killing robot dogs to fight Chikungunya virus in Hong Kong
Hong Kong authorities are set to deploy robot dogs equipped with insecticide sprayers starting next month to combat the rising cases of the mosquito-borne Chikungunya virus. This initiative comes after nine imported cases were recorded locally and a significant outbreak in nearby Guangdong province. The robot dogs, capable of navigating difficult terrains like hillsides, aim to spray insecticides in hard-to-reach areas, thereby reducing the workload on frontline workers, especially during hot weather. If the trial is successful, the government plans to expand the use of these robotic dogs and continue researching innovative mosquito-control methods. These robotic dogs, developed by companies such as Boston Dynamics, integrate AI, cameras, and sensors to detect standing water and map mosquito breeding sites. They can analyze environmental data to predict high-risk areas, enabling targeted insecticide use that minimizes environmental impact. Additionally, Hong Kong is exploring other mosquito control strategies, including a WHO-recommended method involving bacteria introduced into mosquitoes to reduce their reproduction and virus transmission, with trials expected next
robotroboticsAImosquito-controlpublic-health-technologysmart-sensorsautonomous-robotsNew robotic sheet morphs in real time with heat and smart sensors
Researchers at KAIST have developed a groundbreaking programmable robotic sheet capable of real-time shape-shifting, crawling, folding, and gripping without mechanical hinges or external reconstruction. This flexible polymer sheet is embedded with a dense network of metallic resistors that serve dual functions as heaters and sensors, enabling heat-activated folding and real-time feedback control. Unlike traditional folding robots that rely on fixed hinges and predetermined folding paths, this sheet can be reprogrammed on the fly via software commands to change its shape and function autonomously, demonstrating folding angles from -87° to 109° and operating across temperatures from 30°C to 170°C. The system integrates artificial intelligence techniques, including genetic algorithms and deep neural networks, to enhance adaptability and decision-making in response to environmental changes. This closed-loop control enables the sheet to exhibit “morphological intelligence,” where its shape dynamically contributes to its functionality. Demonstrations included the sheet crawling like a biological organism and adjusting its grip on various objects. Future improvements aim to increase
roboticssmart-sensorsadaptive-materialsheat-activated-foldingprogrammable-roboticsartificial-intelligenceflexible-polymersChina: 'World’s first' robot dog–patrolled wind farm runs human-free
China has launched what is believed to be the world’s first fully autonomous wind farm, the 70-megawatt Ningxia Tongli Third Wind Farm, which has operated without any onsite human workers since September 2024. The facility, built by China Three Gorges and equipped with Goldwind turbines, uses an integrated system of four-legged inspection robots called X30 “robot dogs” from DEEP Robotics, drones, and over 5,000 sensors to monitor turbine conditions in real time. These robots can operate in extreme temperatures (–20 °C to 55 °C), climb stairs, and navigate in darkness, enabling continuous inspection and fault detection without human intervention. Data collected is streamed to a remote control center, though the robots can function autonomously if communication is lost. This innovation follows China’s broader push toward fully automated “dark” factories and infrastructure, aiming to reduce maintenance costs and improve safety in challenging environments. DEEP Robotics showcased the X30’s capabilities at the 202
robotIoTenergyrenewable-energywind-farmautonomous-robotssmart-sensorsUK's new built-in sensors may help prevent EV battery blasts, fires
Researchers at the University of Surrey in the UK have developed new smart sensors embedded directly within lithium-ion batteries to detect and prevent fires caused by thermal runaway. Unlike conventional external sensors, these built-in sensors monitor critical parameters such as temperature, pressure, stress, and chemical changes in real-time from inside key battery components like current collectors and separators. They not only provide faster and more accurate readings but also actively respond to overheating by using fire-resistant materials to slow down temperature rise, aiming to stop battery fires before they start. This innovation addresses a significant safety challenge as lithium-ion batteries, essential for electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy storage, can overheat during charging and discharging, potentially leading to explosions and fires. With the UK planning to ban new petrol and diesel car sales by 2035, improving EV battery safety is crucial. The sensors could extend battery lifespan by protecting against heat damage, thereby enhancing both safety and sustainability without compromising performance. The University of Surrey team has filed patents and seeks industrial
energylithium-ion-batteriesbattery-safetysmart-sensorsthermal-runawayfire-preventionelectric-vehiclesTiny robots fix underground water pipe leakage without excavation
Scientists at the University of Sheffield have developed miniature robots called Pipebots that can travel inside underground water pipes to detect and repair leaks without the need for excavation. These robots are equipped with advanced acoustic sensors, cameras, and all-terrain legs, allowing them to navigate complex pipe networks and identify faults in real time. This innovation addresses the significant problem of water loss caused by aging infrastructure, particularly in the UK where many pipes date back to the Victorian era. By deploying Pipebots through hydrants, engineers can inspect and monitor pipes more efficiently, potentially saving billions of liters of water and reducing the £4 billion annual cost associated with traditional pipe repairs. The Pipebots project is part of a broader collaborative effort involving universities, water companies, and local authorities, supported by the UK’s Office for Water Services (OFWAT). Current initiatives include inspecting pressurized wastewater pipes without service interruption and developing no-dig leak repair technologies to fix pipes internally, minimizing disruption. The Sheffield team is also engaged in the EU-funded
roboticswater-pipe-inspectionleak-detectionunderground-robotsinfrastructure-maintenanceminiature-robotssmart-sensorsLG dùng AI để cải thiện hiệu suất điều hòa
energyAIsmart-sensorsenergy-efficiencycooling-systemsLG-ThinQDual-Inverter-Compressor