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A new wireless smart-home system could help detect and monitor disease and enable the elderly to 'age in place.'

A new system can detect and analyze molecules without the need for an infrared spectrometer. The system uses nanostructured metapixels to detect and then translate molecules' unique signatures into bar codes. The technology can be integrated into a compact sensor chip. It opens the door to large-scale image-based detection of materials using machine-learning technology.

Photographs that are automatically collected by motion-sensor cameras can be automatically described by deep neural networks. The result is a system that can automate animal identification for up to 99.3 percent of images while still performing at the same 96.6 percent accuracy rate of crowdsourced teams of human volunteers.

Engineers have created a novel actuating material that can be powered by visible light, electricity, and other stimuli, and which may replace traditional bulky motors and pneumatic actuators with ones similar to mammalian skeletal muscles in the future.

Researchers have devised a magnetic control system to make tiny DNA-based robots move on demand -- and much faster than recently possible.

Researchers have developed an artificial nervous system that could give prosthetic limbs or robots reflexes and the ability to sense touch.

Engineers have developed tiny ultrasound-powered robots that can swim through blood, removing harmful bacteria along with the toxins they produce. These proof-of-concept nanorobots could one day offer a safe and efficient way to detoxify and decontaminate biological fluids.

Researchers have drawn inspiration from birds to design an aerial robot capable of altering its profile during flight. To reduce its wingspan and navigate through tight spaces, it can reorient its arms, which are equipped with propellers that let it fly like a helicopter. It paves the way for a new generation of large robots that can move through narrow passages, making them ideal for exploration as well as search and rescue missions.

Researchers have developed a novel method of growing whole muscles from hydrogel sheets impregnated with myoblasts. They then incorporated these muscles as antagonistic pairs into a biohybrid robot, which successfully performed manipulations of objects. This approach overcame earlier limitations of a short functional life of the muscles and their ability to exert only a weak force, paving the way for more advanced biohybrid robots.

Engineers have developed a machine-learning and AI-powered algorithm to predict the onset of epileptic seizures.

Recently, computer scientists have been working on teaching machines to do a wider range of tasks around the house. Researchers demonstrate 'VirtualHome,' a system that can simulate detailed household tasks and then have artificial 'agents' execute them, opening up the possibility of one day teaching robots to do such tasks.

EPFL scientists have found a fast and simple way to make super-elastic, multi-material, high-performance fibers. Their fibers have already been used as sensors on robotic fingers and in clothing. This breakthrough method opens the door to new kinds of smart textiles and medical implants.

Anticipating a critical strain on the ability of fifth generation (5G) networks to keep track of a rapidly growing number of mobile devices, engineers have come up with an improved algorithm for localizing and tracking these products that distributes the task among the devices themselves. It is a scalable solution that could meet the demands of a projected 50 billion connected products in the Internet-of-Things by 2020.

New facial recognition software can help protect endangered primates -- more than 60 percent of which face extinction.

Researchers will present a new lane-change algorithm that splits the difference. It allows for more aggressive lane changes than the simple models do but relies only on immediate information about other vehicles' directions and velocities to make decisions.

In the world of robotics, soft robots are the new kids on the block. The unique capabilities of these automata are to bend, deform, stretch, twist or squeeze in all the ways that conventional rigid robots cannot. Today, it is easy to envision a world in which humans and robots collaborate -- in close proximity -- in many realms. Emerging soft robots may help to ensure that this can be done safely, and in a way that syncs to human environments or even interfaces with humans themselves.

Smashing mantis shrimp. Snapping trap-jaw ants. Stinging jellyfish. Some of the fastest living things -- at least over short distances -- are also the smallest. A new mathematical model explores how the smallest and speediest things on Earth generate their powerful jumps, snaps, strikes and punches. The model could help explain why robots can't hold a candle to the fastest-moving insects and other tiny-but-powerful creatures, and how they could get closer.

An innovative, eel-like robot developed by engineers and marine biologists can swim silently in salt water without an electric motor. Instead, the robot uses artificial muscles filled with water to propel itself. The foot-long robot, which is connected to an electronics board that remains on the surface, is also virtually transparent.

Thunder Power RC has announced their new lithium polymer battery packs for air, surface, and receivers. The new product line comes with JST-XH balance connectors, new lower pricing, higher energy density, more stable cell chemistry, and higher sustained voltage over all previous generation chemistry.

Pro Lite+ Power Series (Air)
Thunder Power RC has served the RC LiPo market for a decade, and longer than any other RC battery brand. The all new generation chemistry re-invents the 25C line and comes equipped with JST-XH balance connectors. The Pro Lite+ Power Series LiPos are the smallest by volume, providing higher energy density, more stable cell chemistry, and higher sustained voltage than previous versions.

Lightning Series (Air):
The Lightning Series 55C batteries are designed to blow out the competition. New, lower pricing makes these batteries the best bang for your buck! The Lightning Series 55C comes equipped with JST-XH balance connectors so there is no need for adapters.




Magna Series (Air):
The “greatest” performing batteries culminates with the Magna Series 70C offering JST-XH balance connectors, higher energy density, more stable cell chemistry, and higher sustained voltage over all previous generation chemistry. The Magna Series of batteries delivers the highest power per the capacity and discharge rate available while backed by a 2 year manufacturers warranty to offer the long-lasting value and maximum performance.

Pro RC Series (Surface):
Offering the highest capacities and maximum value for backyard bashers and weekend racers, Pro RC 35C Series batteries are the best choice for maximum run-time while also being a potent threat on the race track in ‘spec’ and ‘stock’ racing classes. All Pro RC Series batteries come with a Deans™ or Traxxas™ connector and JST-XH balance connector. Available in capacities from 2700 to 8000mAh and configurations from 2S 3.7V to 4S 14.8V.

Peak Series (Surface):
For all you Traxxas™ lovers our Peak Series is designed for you! These soft pack batteries are built for your favorite Traxxas™ vehicle and offer the best choice for maximum run-time and performance. The Peak Series come with Traxxas™ connectors and JST-XH balance connectors. Available in capacities from 1400 to 10000mAh and configurations 2S 3.7V and 3S 11.1V.

Velocity Series (Surface):
The world’s fastest LiPo batteries for surface vehicle applications Velocity Series batteries are the most powerful batteries ever made available for pro- and competition-level racing in the hottest ‘mod’ motor classes. Velocity Series chemistry offers the lowest possible internal resistance (IR) – they deliver more power while staying cooler and offering more cycle life and longevity than ever before. All Velocity Series batteries come with a Deans™ or Traxxas™ connector and JST-XH balance connector. Available in capacities from 3300 to 6000mAh and configurations from 1S 3.7V to 4S 14.8V.

Visit RCToys.com to see the full line-up.

Rio de Janeiro-based Santos Lab has unveiled two new unmanned air system designs, and signed a pact with Boeing Insitu ...