Education & Research Industrial Manufacturing Robot Manufacturer Software & Algorithm Provider
Pea-sized liquid-metal pump helps soft robots become lighter, portable, and more agile
Original from InterestingEngineering.com: Pea-sized liquid-metal pump helps soft robots become lighter, portable, and more agile

Pea-sized liquid-metal pump helps soft robots become lighter, portable, and more agile

Engineers at the University of Bristol have created a groundbreaking pea-sized liquid-metal pump that has the potential to revolutionize various industries. This innovative device, designed to be compact and efficient, could serve as a replacement for traditional pumps in applications ranging from medical devices to robotics. The development was announced recently, showcasing the university's commitment to advancing engineering technology.

The motivation behind this invention stems from the need for more versatile and efficient pumping solutions that can operate in tight spaces and under varying conditions. By utilizing liquid metal, the pump offers enhanced performance and adaptability compared to conventional materials.

The engineering team achieved this breakthrough through a combination of advanced materials science and innovative design techniques, allowing for the creation of a pump that is not only small but also highly effective. As industries seek to improve efficiency and reduce energy consumption, this new liquid-metal pump could play a crucial role in meeting those demands.

With its potential applications still being explored, the University of Bristol's development marks a significant step forward in pump technology, promising to influence a wide range of fields in the near future.

RobotToday Initiative

Robotics needs a service framework.

RSF defines a common language for robot service capability, lifecycle operations, certification pathways, and service-provider networks.

Share

Related Articles/News

The Advantages for OEMs Collaborating with Skilled Robotics Integrators

The Advantages for OEMs Collaborating with Skilled Robotics Integrators

A proficient robotics integrator serves as a vital link between robot manufacturers and customers' operational needs. By leveraging their deep understanding of technology, integrators facilitate the effective application of robotic solutions in real-world scenarios. This collaboration is essential as it ensures that the unique requirements of customers ar...

Nous Research Secures New Funding Talks at $1.5 Billion Valuation for Hermes Agent

Nous Research Secures New Funding Talks at $1.5 Billion Valuation for Hermes Agent

Nous Research, the creator of the open-source Hermes agent, is in discussions to secure a new funding round led by Robot Ventures, aiming for a valuation of $1.5 billion. The company is looking to raise at least $75 million, following a previous $50 million Series A funding announced just three months prior. This funding round is significant as it reflect...

AI Startups Venture
Mistral AI Introduces Robostral Navigate for Autonomous Robotic Navigation

Mistral AI Introduces Robostral Navigate for Autonomous Robotic Navigation

Mistral AI has launched Robostral Navigate, the first AI model specifically designed for robotic navigation. This marks a significant shift for the French company, which has previously focused on large language models, as it ventures into Physical AI. The goal is to enable robots to understand natural language instructions, interpret their surroundings us...

À la une IA Industrie
KISS Institute Launches BotBall to Enhance STEM Education with Student-Led Robotics

KISS Institute Launches BotBall to Enhance STEM Education with Student-Led Robotics

The KISS Institute for Practical Robotics (KIPR) has introduced BotBall, a robotics program designed to foster creativity and critical thinking among students. This initiative emphasizes student-led engineering, allowing participants from elementary to high school to engage in hands-on learning using a standardized kit. The program ensures a level playing...

Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) Educational News
ROBOTTODAY Weekly July 6 – 10, 2026

ROBOTTODAY Weekly July 6 – 10, 2026

This week in robotics: AI² Robotics raises $735M for wheeled humanoids, Unitree G1 performs first live surgery, Dexmal launches DexOS platform, Agility Robotics announces SPAC, and Ondas acquires DZYNE for $875.8M. July 6–10, 2026.

RobotToday Weekly
RoboDK Launches CAM Software to Reduce Robotic Machining Deployment Time by 40%

RoboDK Launches CAM Software to Reduce Robotic Machining Deployment Time by 40%

RoboDK has introduced its new CAM software, enabling robotic machining programs to be generated directly from CAD files. This innovation, showcased at the Automate Show, promises to reduce deployment time by up to 40%, allowing users to create toolpaths and collision-free motions without manual coding. The software aims to simplify the robotic machining p...

News Robot simulation Software
Piaggio Fast Forward Brings kilo® Autonomous Mobile Robot to Automate 2026

Piaggio Fast Forward Brings kilo® Autonomous Mobile Robot to Automate 2026

Piaggio Fast Forward showcases kilo®, an infrastructure-free collaborative AMR (300 lb payload, 360° LiDAR), at Automate 2026 booth #17054.

Market and Business News
Unbounded Power Launches K15 Robot with Full CE Certification for Global Markets

Unbounded Power Launches K15 Robot with Full CE Certification for Global Markets

On July 9, 2026, Unbounded Power announced that its second-generation K15 robot has achieved full industrial-grade CE certification, making it the world's first embodied intelligent robot to do so. The K15 has passed multiple EU standards, including CE-MD for machinery safety and EN ISO 13849 for functional safety, confirming its compliance with the highe...

Embodied Intelligence Industrial Robotics CE Certification
InDro Robotics Introduces Axiom Humanoid Platform to Enhance Physical AI Research Accessibility

InDro Robotics Introduces Axiom Humanoid Platform to Enhance Physical AI Research Accessibility

InDro Robotics has launched the Axiom, a modular humanoid-style robotic platform aimed at facilitating Physical AI research. Announced on July 10, 2026, this budget-friendly solution is designed to lower the barriers for researchers and academic institutions in developing advanced robotics applications. Initial customer units are already being shipped, in...

NASA and Rice University Launch Open-Source Simulator for Space Robotics Research

NASA and Rice University Launch Open-Source Simulator for Space Robotics Research

Rice University and NASA have introduced the iMETRO Dynamic Simulation, the first open-source platform for developing robots for spacecraft and habitats. Unveiled at the 2026 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation in Vienna, this simulator creates a digital twin of NASA's iMETRO facility, enabling global researchers to test intravehicula...

AI and Robotics
LingBot-VLA 2.0: Open-Source Universal Brain for Robots

LingBot-VLA 2.0: Open-Source Universal Brain for Robots

Robbyant open-sources LingBot-VLA 2.0, a vision-language-action model trained on 60,000 hours of data for cross-morphology, whole-body robot control.

Artificial Intelligence
SpaceX Unveils AI1 Satellite Specs for Starmind Constellation with Key Thermal Challenges

SpaceX Unveils AI1 Satellite Specs for Starmind Constellation with Key Thermal Challenges

SpaceX has introduced the AI1 satellite, the inaugural component of its Starmind constellation, which stands 20 meters tall and has a wingspan of 70 meters. This orbital compute node is designed to deliver computing power equivalent to one NVIDIA GB300 server rack, utilizing a unique cooling system with deployable liquid radiators. The satellite's specifi...

Related Suppliers

HERL (Human Engineering Research Lab)

Joint University of Pittsburgh and US Department of Veterans Affairs laboratory conducting rehabilitation engineering research. Develops mobility devices, assistive technologies, and medical-grade products for people with disabilities.

Education & Research Healthcare & Senior Care Human-Machine Interaction

Joanneum Research Assoc (AT)

Joanneum Research Institute for Robotics and Flexible Production conducts applied R&D in industrial robot systems, production automation and robot safety, offering feasibility analysis, consulting and testing in a robotics solution centre.

Education & Research Robot Manufacturer Software & Algorithm Provider

St Petersburg National Research U of ITMO

Russian leading research university (ITMO University) specializing in information technology, optical engineering, and photonics. Active research programs in AI, robotics, computer vision, and cyber-physical systems.

Education & Research Research Institute Software & Algorithm Provider

ASRock Industrial Computer Corporation

ASRock Industrial, a global leader in edge computers and industrial motherboards, delivers high-performance industrial computers, motherboards, and mini PCs. Subscribe for the Latest Automate Show Updates Copyright © 2013-2026 A3 Automate.

Control & Software Systems

B&R Industrial Automation

At the center of B&R’s approach is a unified automation architecture that combines powerful control, flexible I/O, intuitive HMI, motion, and integrated safety in one cohesive environment. The company gives system integrators, OEMs, and project-driven organizations the performance, openness, and.

System Integrator

Herr Industrial, Inc

US provider of industrial paint finishing systems, air pollution control, material handling, and control systems since 1971. Delivers turnkey automation solutions for metal, plastic, and wood finishing with installation and maintenance services.

Industrial Manufacturing

Alkadur Robot Systems GmbH

Alkadur Robot Systems (Germany) manufactures automated doner kebab cutting robots for commercial food service environments. The robotic systems use optically integrated sensors to deliver precise, hygienic, single-button-operated meat slicing for high-volume restaurant and catering operations.

Commercial Service Robots Robot Manufacturer Mobile Manipulator

CRP Robot (CN)

Chinese high-tech enterprise manufacturing industrial robots, collaborative robots, and core robot components including control systems and servo systems. Main drafting unit of four Chinese national standards in the industrial robot domain.

Robot Manufacturer Collaborative Industrial Manufacturing

Dr Robot

Dr Robot Inc develops WiFi-connected robot platforms, motor drivers, servo controllers, and OEM robot kits for autonomous mobile and humanoid robot development. Products target educational, research, and personal robot application developers.

Robot Manufacturer Humanoid Software & Algorithm Provider

Green Hills Software

Independent embedded software provider delivering RTOS, compilers, IDEs, and debuggers for safety- and security-critical systems. Serves automotive, avionics, defence, and industrial domains with certified real-time operating system platforms since 1982.

Software & Algorithm Provider Industrial Healthcare & Senior Care

Scorpion Vision Software (UK)

Norwegian-based 2D and 3D industrial machine vision software platform (marketed under Tordivel AS). Offers sub-pixel and micron-level non-contact measurement, configurable inspection tools, and advanced calibration capabilities without programming.

Software & Algorithm Provider Perception & Vision Control & Software Systems

Acquired Data Solutions, Inc.

Provides systems engineering, embedded software development, automation integration, and cybersecurity services for government and commercial defense clients. Capabilities include OT/IT convergence, edge computing, and mission-critical system integration across a 28-year operational history.

Software & Algorithm Provider Control & Software Systems