A new type of electrically driven artificial muscle fiber
Electrofluidic fibers mimic how natural muscle fibers bundle, and could enable compact, silent robotic and prosthetic systems.
AI system learns to keep warehouse robot traffic running smoothly
This new approach adapts to decide which robots should get the right of way at every moment, avoiding congestion and increasing throughput.
Wristband enables wearers to control a robotic hand with their own movements
By moving their hands and fingers, users can direct a robot to play piano or shoot a basketball, or they can manipulate objects in a virtual environment.
Lasers, robots, action: MIT workshop explores Raman spectroscopy
Participants learn how laser “fingerprinting” can help identify materials in fields ranging from law enforcement to art restoration.
Generative AI improves a wireless vision system that sees through obstructions
With this new technique, a robot could more accurately detect hidden objects or understand an indoor scene using reflected Wi-Fi signals.
MIT-IBM Watson AI Lab seed to signal: Amplifying early-career faculty impact
Academia-industry relationship is an early-stage accelerator, supporting professional progress and research.
A better method for planning complex visual tasks
A new hybrid system could help robots navigate in changing environments or increase the efficiency of multirobot assembly teams.
Engineering confidence to navigate uncertainty
In 16.85 (Design and Testing of Autonomous Vehicles), AeroAstro students build software that allows autonomous flight vehicles to navigate unknown environments.
Featured video: Coding for underwater robotics
Lincoln Laboratory intern Ivy Mahncke developed and tested algorithms to help human divers and robots navigate underwater.
A neural blueprint for human-like intelligence in soft robots
An AI control system co-developed by SMART researchers enables soft robotic arms to learn a broad set of motions once and adapt instantly to changing conditions without retraining.
Magnetic mixer improves 3D bioprinting
MagMix, an onboard mixing device, enables scalable manufacturing of 3D-printed tissues.
“Wait, we have the tech skills to build that”
From robotics to apps like “NerdXing,” senior Julianna Schneider is building technologies to solve problems in her community.
Vine-inspired robotic gripper gently lifts heavy and fragile objects
The new design could be adapted to assist the elderly, sort warehouse products, or unload heavy cargo.
Jennifer Lewis ScD ’91: “Can we make tissues that are made from you, for you?”
In the 2025 Dresselhaus Lecture, the materials scientist describes her work 3D printing soft materials ranging from robots to human tissues.
MIT researchers “speak objects into existence” using AI and robotics
The speech-to-reality system combines 3D generative AI and robotic assembly to create objects on demand.