Mapping cities in motion
MIT’s Senseable City Lab popularized visual tools that show how cities work. A new book reflects on the promise of dynamic urban maps.
J-WAFS announces 2023 seed grant recipients
Fifteen principal investigators from across MIT will conduct early work to solve issues ranging from water contamination to aquaculture monitoring and management.
Using reflections to see the world from new points of view
A new computer vision system turns any shiny object into a camera of sorts, enabling an observer to see around corners or beyond obstructions.
Speedy robo-gripper reflexively organizes cluttered spaces
Rather than start from scratch after a failed attempt, the pick-and-place robot adapts in the moment to get a better hold.
Miniscule device could help preserve the battery life of tiny sensors
Researchers demonstrate a low-power “wake-up” receiver one-tenth the size of other devices.
Robotic hand can identify objects with just one grasp
The three-fingered robotic gripper can “feel” with great sensitivity along the full length of each finger – not just at the tips.
Helping the cause of environmental resilience
Assistant professor of nuclear science and engineering Haruko Wainwright believes environmental monitoring can empower citizens to make informed decisions about their energy and environment.
Fiber “barcodes” can make clothing labels that last
Drawing inspiration from butterfly wings, reflective fibers woven into clothing could reshape textile sorting and recycling.
Detailed images from space offer clearer picture of drought effects on plants
J-WAFS researchers are using remote sensing observations to build high-resolution systems to monitor drought.
Low-cost device can measure air pollution anywhere
Open-source tool from MIT’s Senseable City Lab lets people check air quality, cheaply.
3D-printed revolving devices can sense how they are moving
A new system enables makers to incorporate sensors into gears and other rotational mechanisms with just one pass in a 3D printer.
New “traffic cop” algorithm helps a drone swarm stay on task
By keeping data fresh, the system could help robots inspect buildings or search disaster zones.
Nanotube sensors are capable of detecting and distinguishing gibberellin plant hormones
Developed at SMART, the nondestructive nanosensors could have wide applications in agricultural science.
Augmented reality headset enables users to see hidden objects
The device could help workers locate objects for fulfilling e-commerce orders or identify parts for assembling products.
Improving the speed and safety of airport security screening
Lincoln Laboratory seeks ways to build non-contact screening methods that can detect concealed explosives at airports.