Mechanical Engineering

The MIT.nano Immersion Lab will provide an array of software and hardware for NCSOFT seed grant recipients and other researchers at MIT who are investigating augmented reality, virtual reality, and the display and analysis of spatially related data.

MIT.nano awards inaugural NCSOFT seed grants for gaming technologies

Five software and hardware projects will launch the MIT.nano Immersion Lab Gaming Program.

September 30, 2019

A lattice structure, originally printed flat, has morphed into the outline of a human face after changing in response to the surrounding temperature. Perspective view (left), top view (middle), and side view (right) of transformed lattice, approximately 160mm tall.

This flat structure morphs into shape of a human face when temperature changes

New structural design could lead to self-deploying tents or adaptive robotic fins.

September 30, 2019

MIT researchers have designed low-cost, photovoltaic-powered sensors on RFID tags that work in sunlight and dimmer indoor lighting, and can transmit data for years before needing replacement.

Photovoltaic-powered sensors for the “internet of things”

RFID-based devices work in indoor and outdoor lighting conditions, and communicate at greater distances.

September 27, 2019

Christopher Weaver, research scientist and lecturer at MIT Comparative Media Studies/Writing

Game changer: How Christopher Weaver helped to transform video games and game studies at MIT

Revolutionizing video games with physics, Weaver has also influenced MIT students with lessons on design, virtual reality, storytelling, and games for social change.

September 25, 2019

3 Questions: Why sensing, why now, what next?

Brian Anthony, co-leader of SENSE.nano, discusses sensing for augmented and virtual reality and for advanced manufacturing.

September 20, 2019

MIT PhD candidates Katie Hahm (left) and Nithin Reddy (right) hiked Skyline Trail in Mount Rainier National Park, Washington, this summer with a friend, Steven Viola. They both spent the summer interning at Amazon Robotics through the MechE Alliance's I2P Program and traveled to Amazon headquarters in Seattle.

An immersive experience in industry

Through the MechE Alliance’s Industry Immersion Program, graduate students get hands-on experience working on projects across a range of industries.

September 19, 2019

Depiction of a soft robotic device known as a dynamic soft reservoir (DSR)

Soft robotics breakthrough manages immune response for implanted devices

Discovery could enable longer-lasting and better-functioning devices — including pacemakers, breast implants, biosensors, and drug delivery devices.

September 4, 2019

MIT engineers have developed robotic thread (in black) that can be steered magnetically and is small enough to work through narrow spaces such as the vasculature of the human brain. The researchers envision the technology may be used in the future to clear blockages in patients with stroke and aneurysms.

Robotic thread is designed to slip through the brain’s blood vessels

Magnetically controlled device could deliver clot-reducing therapies in response to stroke or other brain blockages.

August 28, 2019

Hyperloop II holding their Innovation Award at the 2019 SpaceX Hyperloop Pod Competition.

Overcoming obstacles with an electric hovercraft

MIT team places first among U.S. universities at 2019 SpaceX Hyperloop Pod Competition.

August 28, 2019

Ezinne Uzo-Okoro (standing, center) is developing a venture that aims to grow fresh and affordable food everywhere.

Legatum Center announces 2019-20 fellowship class

The fellowship is MIT’s capstone program for student-entrepreneurs seeking high impact in emerging markets.

August 23, 2019

The MIT-TU Delft autonomous race car completed 9.9 laps with a minimum speed of 4 meters per second at the 2019 Formula Student Germany (FSG) competition.

MIT-Delft University of Technology team places third in Formula Student Germany driverless competition

Teams were scored on speed, construction, performance, and financial planning at one of the world’s largest student engineering competitions.

August 16, 2019

The blood-brain barrier — the normally tight border that prevents harmful molecules in the bloodstream from entering the brain — can be damaged by the protein aggregates that form in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients.

Tissue model reveals role of blood-brain barrier in Alzheimer’s

Study finds that Alzheimer’s damage allows toxins to enter the brain, further harming neurons.

August 12, 2019

Yearlong hackathon engages nano community around health issues

Hacking Nanomedicine kicks off a series of events to develop an idea over time.

August 9, 2019

Jaume Plensa sculpture, "The Alchemist" on MIT's campus

School of Engineering second quarter 2019 awards

Faculty members recognized for excellence via a diverse array of honors, grants, and prizes over the past quarter.

July 30, 2019

MIT researchers have developed a material that can be injected as a liquid then turn into a solid gel. They believe it holds promise for improving colonoscopies, in which saline is currently injected below precancerous growths to make them easier to remove.

New material could make it easier to remove colon polyps

Gel cushion used to elevate polyps during endoscopy could reduce the risk of tearing the colon lining.