A single destination for timely, editor-curated robotics news from around the world.
Engineers at the University of Cincinnati are pioneering a sound-based system to detect drone damage for NASA, focusing on identifying issues with motors and propellers before flight. By recording the sounds produced by drones with damaged components, the team aims to alert ground stations about una...
Researchers from Shinshu University and Chiba University have developed a new hydrogel electrode that significantly prolongs the functionality of insect antennae as odor sensors. The hydrogel maintains over 92% of the antenna's initial signal for seven hours, addressing the common issue of drying ou...
The FAA has announced a $12 million funding initiative for 19 companies and organizations focused on drone research and testing projects. This funding is part of the FAA’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Broad Agency Announcement Program, aimed at enhancing the safe integration of drones into the US...
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has allocated $12 million to fund 19 drone research and testing initiatives aimed at enhancing the safe expansion of drone operations within the National Airspace System (NAS). These projects, supported through the FAA’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Broa...
The Alaska Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration (ACUASI) has established the Supercooled Water Experimental Arctic Tower (SWEAT) to facilitate research on drone icing. Opened in early 2025, this facility allows researchers and students to examine how ice accumulation impacts drone lift a...
Firefly Aerospace has successfully completed a preliminary design review (PDR) for NASA's MoonFall mission, which aims to deploy four robotic drones over the Moon's south pole by late 2028. This milestone allows Firefly to proceed to the next design phase before hardware production begins. The sign...
Research from The University of Texas at Austin reveals that autonomous drones searching for missing persons may only need to recalculate their routes two or three times to maximize efficiency. This finding challenges the notion that constant route adjustments are necessary for optimal performance d...
Recent research published in the International Journal of Intelligent Machines and Robotics highlights the innovative use of drones for moss and lichen removal from sloping roofs. This application addresses the safety concerns associated with manual removal, which can be hazardous for workers. The...
Researchers at Washington State University have leveraged artificial intelligence to discover a more efficient and cost-effective method for 3D printing GRCop-42, a high-performance metal alloy developed by NASA. This breakthrough allows for the use of common commercial printers, which previously st...
Researchers at the École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) have developed miniature drones powered by sound, utilizing Helmholtz resonance. This innovative approach allows the drones to convert sound waves into propulsive force, enabling controlled motion and navigation. The significance of...
Researchers in Canada have developed the Ice Dart drone, capable of landing on steep, slippery surfaces like icebergs. This drone can grip icy slopes of nearly 60 degrees, making it a valuable tool for monitoring Arctic environments. The Ice Dart's unique landing gear absorbs impact and utilizes ret...
The Air Force has initiated a research project to explore wireless power beaming for drones, led by Reach Power and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s NIMBUS Lab. This effort aims to enable unmanned aircraft to operate longer without needing battery swaps, enhancing their role in military communic...
Researchers at the Civil Aviation University of China are pioneering a method to recharge drones mid-air using laser beams aimed at receivers beneath their wings. This innovation addresses the critical issue of limited battery life, which has been a significant barrier in drone technology advancemen...
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 fa...
An engineer from the University of Houston has created an innovative onboard safety system designed to enhance drone safety by preventing crashes. This new technology enables drones to navigate around obstacles and avoid potential collisions, even in the face of unforeseen circumstances that may dis...
A drone successfully flew beyond the line of sight to transport a kidney deemed unsuitable for organ transplant, marking a significant step in testing the feasibility of drone deliveries for medical purposes. This innovative trial aims to explore the potential for drones to expedite the delivery of...
A groundbreaking study involving the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), NASA Langley Research Center, and LifeNet Health has successfully demonstrated the transportation of human kidneys via drone beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). This significant advancement in transplant logistics was ach...
NASA has announced ambitious plans for a moon base that will span hundreds of square miles, with the potential use of scout drones to monitor its perimeter. To kickstart this initiative, the agency has awarded contracts totaling $1 billion. This funding aims to facilitate the development and constru...
The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) and NASA have formed a research partnership to investigate the impact of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flights on organ viability and to explore how drone technology can enhance transplant logistics across the United States. The agreement was signed at UNO...
RSF defines a common language for robot service capability, lifecycle operations, certification pathways, and service-provider networks.
Daily robotics news, in-depth analysis, conference highlights, and discussions with professionals worldwide.
