Actuator

Researchers created an energy-efficient electric motor actuator, using springs and clutches to slash energy use in dynamic tasks, offering up to 97% efficiency improvement and potential applications in robotics and assistive devices. Energy-recycling actuator prototype. Credit: Erez KrimskyResearchers at Stanford have developed a spring-assisted actuator, a device that can accomplish dynamic tasks using a fraction of the energy previously required.Whether it’s a powered prosthesis to assist a person who has lost a limb or…

Researchers have developed the prototype of a comfortable and flexible “soft smart hand exoskeleton,” or robo-glove, which gives feedback to wearers who need to relearn tasks thatrequire manual dexterity and coordination, for example after suffering a stroke. The present study focused on patients who need to relearn to play the piano as a proof-of-principle, but the glove can easily be adapted to help relearn other daily tasks.Cops Pull Over Self-Driving CarStroke is the most important cause of disability for adults in…