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    Our roster of bloggers provide insight and advice on issues facing the maintenance and reliability industry today. These experts explore a range of topics, including workforce development, compressed air systems, electrical systems, supply chain management, and much more
    The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

    Surgical robots watch, learn, and perfect procedures, but will they cut your healthcare costs?

    Alexis Gajewski
    Nov. 15, 2024
    Researchers at Johns Hopkins University are utilizing imitation learning and machine learning to train a new generation of surgical robots.
    The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

    Brick by brick: Any absurd idea is possible with enough Lego pieces

    Alexis Gajewski
    Oct. 25, 2024
    Learn how YouTubers and creators alike are making their own Lego bricks or using existing sets to build the seemingly impossible.
    The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

    Robot roundup: Flying pooper scooper, animal-inspired seed spreader, and more

    Alexis Gajewski
    Oct. 11, 2024
    In this roundup, we shine a light on three newly developed robotic innovations that might not change the world but are guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
    The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

    Flying cart takes grocery shopping to new heights — literally

    Alexis Gajewski
    Sept. 27, 2024
    Researchers at Seoul National University of Science and Technology have developed the Palletrone, an aerial cargo transportation solution, otherwise known as a flying cart.
    The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

    Soft drone can grab and move objects, but can it make baseball more interesting?

    Alexis Gajewski
    Sept. 13, 2024
    While it might seem impossible for a drone to be able to catch and throw a baseball, researchers have developed an innovative drone that can grasp and move objects at impressive...
    The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

    Fungus among us: Cornell engineers create robots with a mycelial twist

    Alexis Gajewski
    Aug. 30, 2024
    This astonishing fungus is now poised to disrupt the robotics industry.
    The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

    World’s first chip-based 3D printer is smaller than a coin

    Alexis Gajewski
    Aug. 9, 2024
    Researchers from the MIT and the University of Texas at Austin have teamed up to make big technological innovations on a small scale.
    The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

    Vacuum-equipped robot dog hates trash, especially cigarette butts

    Aug. 2, 2024
    VERO is a four-legged robot vacuum that can identify and suck up cigarette butts on a beach.
    The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

    Transforming industrial waste heat into energy and clean drinking water

    Alexis Gajewski
    July 26, 2024
    Norwegian industry produces 20 TWh of waste heat each year. Most of this heat is released into the air or the ocean, but there might be a new way to utilize this resource.
    The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

    3D printer + laser = next step in additive manufacturing innovation

    Alexis Gajewski
    July 12, 2024
    Unlike other processes, FMAP offers users the potential to print sensors embedded within a structure.
    The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

    Robots are better than humans at everything, including solving Rubik's Cubes

    July 5, 2024
    Our robotic brethren are now able to solve these puzzles in an astonishing, blink-and-you’ll-miss it amount of time.
    The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

    DIY robot can mimic and replicate your actions in just 40 hours

    Alexis Gajewski
    June 28, 2024
    Researchers have engineered a robot that, once shown a desired movement, will mimic and learn how to perform the action itself. It’s equal parts ingenious and creepy.
    The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

    AI built a better motor (but I still don’t trust it)

    Alexis Gajewski
    June 21, 2024
    Materials Nexus recently used its AI platform to create a new rare earth-free permanent magnet called MagNex.
    The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

    Uncork the answer to better, greener footwear

    June 14, 2024
    ReCORK, a company that creates carbon-negative composite materials using natural recycled corks, is setting out to change the footwear industry.
    The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

    Easy-to-use robotic appendage gets 3 thumbs up (literally)

    Alexis Gajewski
    June 7, 2024
    Researchers have engineered the Third Thumb, which is poised to change the way we think about prosthetic devices.
    The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

    Live out your Star Trek fantasy with the wearable Humane Ai Pin

    May 31, 2024
    A wearable from Humane Inc. allows you to do everything you already do on your phone, except it's in the form of a pin that clips onto your clothing.
    The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

    Graffiti-fighting drone is making maintenance workers’ jobs easier and safer 

    Alexis Gajewski
    May 17, 2024
    Mike Gauger, a WSDOT maintenance superintendent, came up with the idea after working with the Tacoma Narrows Bridge team, which used drones for bridge inspections.
    The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

    Boston Dynamics creates Muppet-like fur costume for its Spot robot and teaches it to dance

    Alexis Gajewski
    May 3, 2024
    What do you get when you combine the playful humanity of Jim Henson with the practical ingenuity of Boston Dynamics?
    The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

    3D printers are helping surgeons create custom cranial implants

    April 26, 2024
    Now I know that if I suffer a severe injury, especially to my skull, all I really need is a 3D printer.
    The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

    Manufacturing in space, the final frontier 

    Alexis Gajewski
    April 19, 2024
    Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) is redefining the future of robotics with its research on in-space servicing, assembly and manufacturing (ISAM).
    The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

    Can gamification make manufacturing more fun?

    April 11, 2024
    A recent study claims that completion rates for monotonous assembly tasks increased when framed as playing a game.
    The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

    Industry infographics

    Alexis Gajewski
    April 8, 2024
    Get the manufacturing data and industrial insights you need to make the right decisions for your plant.
    The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

    3 ways 3D printing is becoming better, faster, and stronger

    Alexis Gajewski
    April 5, 2024
    The field of additive manufacturing is continuously evolving.
    The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

    Watch engineers turn fantasy builds into reality, one video at a time

    Alexis Gajewski
    March 31, 2024
    See how industry professionals are using their talents in their free time to design and build a more whimsical world.
    The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

    Mercedes-Benz hires humanoid robots to help workers on the plant floor 

    Alexis Gajewski
    March 22, 2024
    Possible uses for the robot include bringing parts to production line workers, inspecting components, and delivering totes of kitted parts later in the manufacturing process. ...
    The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

    Chameleon-inspired 3D printing technique uses one ink to print different colors, including red, gold, and green

    Alexis Gajewski
    Feb. 23, 2024
    The natural world is the greatest source of inspiration for engineers, designers, and creators alike.
    The Lighter Side of Manufacturing

    Inventors of Transformers toys help design Japanese lunar robot

    Alexis Gajewski
    Jan. 26, 2024
    The SORA-Q was jointly developed by Takara TOMY, a toy company; the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency; Sony Group; and Doshisha University.