Algorithms

“Researchers at MIT have created a robotic hand device that, rather than simply replacing one's grip, enhances its reach with two extra fingers,” reports NBC on a new device developed by Professor Harry Asada’s team.

The BBC reports on a new technology from Professor Harry Asada’s team that provides a robotic extension to the human hand responsive to movement. The extension—essentially two extra fingers—can be used to grasp, leaving the hand free for other tasks. 

Boston Globe reporter Kevin Hartnett writes about a new algorithm developed by a team of MIT researchers that can camouflage eyesores. The algorithm, “analyzes pictures of incongruous objects and creates custom camouflage that makes them fade into their surroundings,” Hartnett explains. 

“MIT’s big idea is to create printable camouflage coverings using algorithms,” writes Liz Stinson for Wired about new research from graduate student Andrew Owens that aims to hide eyesores. “These algorithms pull in environmental data via photographs and construct an image that best blends an object in with its surroundings.”

Newsweek reporter Tom Parrett writes about current advances, and the future of swarm robots, highlighting Professor Daniela Rus’ work with self-assembling robots. 

In a video for BBC News, Spencer Kelly reports on how, “A researcher at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has developed an algorithm which he says can predict how popular a photograph will be when it is posted online.”