Photonics: A human-like robotic hand has demonstrated the ability to manipulate and hold delicate and oddly shaped objects. Similar projects have been in the works for several years, but this is the first robotic hand that has been able to react and adapt to many different sizes, shapes, and weights of objects. The product of an international effort, the Dexmart hand makes use of optoelectronic sensors to measure joint angles, grasp pressure, and tendon stresses. Based on those readings, the hand makes real-time adjustments through a series of image processing algorithms developed from measurements of real human hands.
The finding that the Saturnian moon may host layers of icy slush instead of a global ocean could change how planetary scientists think about other icy moons as well.
Modeling the shapes of tree branches, neurons, and blood vessels is a thorny problem, but researchers have just discovered that much of the math has already been done.
January 29, 2026 12:52 PM
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