Letting robots manipulate cables
For humans, it can be challenging to manipulate thin flexible objects like ropes, wires, or cables. But if these problems are hard for humans, they are nearly impossible for robots. …
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Teaching artificial intelligence to connect senses like vision and touch
In Canadian author Margaret Atwood’s book “Blind Assassins,” she says that “touch comes before sight, before speech. It’s the first language and the last, and it always tells the truth.” …
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CSAIL launches new initiative for financial technology
Recent advances in automating and digitizing financial services has largely changed how we use technology to make fiscal decisions. As infrastructure and operations are changing rapidly — recent reports show $31 …
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Giving soft robots feeling
One of the hottest topics in robotics is the field of soft robots, which utilizes squishy and flexible materials rather than traditional rigid materials. But soft robots have been limited …
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This robot helps you lift objects — by looking at your biceps
We humans are very good at collaboration. For instance, when two people work together to carry a heavy object like a table or a sofa, they tend to instinctively coordinate …
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Robots collaborate to deliver meds, supplies, and even drinks
If companies like Amazon and Google have their way, soon enough we will have robots air-dropping supplies from the sky. But is our software where it needs to be to …
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Soft robotic hand can pick up and identify a wide array of objects
Robots have many strong suits, but delicacy traditionally hasn’t been one of them. Rigid limbs and digits make it difficult for them to grasp, hold, and manipulate a range of …
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“Superhero” robot wears different outfits for different tasks
From butterflies that sprout wings to hermit crabs that switch their shells, many animals must adapt their exterior features in order to survive. While humans don’t undergo that kind of …
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Using artificial intelligence to improve early breast cancer detection
Every year 40,000 women die from breast cancer in the U.S. alone. When cancers are found early, they can often be cured. Mammograms are the best test available, but they’re …
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Better fact-checking for fake news
The 21st century has opened up a boundless mass of headlines, articles, and stories. This information influx, however, is partially contaminated: Alongside factual, truthful content is fallacious, deliberately manipulated material …
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