Resilient bug-sized robots keep flying even after wing damage
New repair techniques enable microscale robots to recover flight performance after suffering severe damage to the artificial muscles that power their wings.
Mix-and-match kit could enable astronauts to build a menagerie of lunar exploration bots
Robotic parts could be assembled into nimble spider bots for exploring lava tubes or heavy-duty elephant bots for transporting solar panels.
New “traffic cop” algorithm helps a drone swarm stay on task
By keeping data fresh, the system could help robots inspect buildings or search disaster zones.
Learning to compute through art
“Introduction to Physical Computing for Artists” at the MIT Student Art Association teaches students to use circuits, wiring, motors, sensors, and displays by developing their own kinetic artworks.
Custom, 3D-printed heart replicas look and pump just like the real thing
The soft robotic models are patient-specific and could help clinicians zero in on the best implant for an individual.
Responsive design meets responsibility for the planet’s future
Senior Sylas Horowitz tackles engineering projects with a focus on challenges related to clean energy, climate justice, and sustainable development.
Learning challenges shape a mechanical engineer’s path
Recent alumnus James Hermus wants to help others overcome barriers to accessibility and full participation.
Inside two MIT students’ historic BattleBots runs
PhD students Lucy Du ’14, SM ’16 and Ginger Schmidt are crushing the competition — and gender barriers — in the world of televised robot combat.
Engineers devise a modular system to produce efficient, scalable aquabots
The system’s simple repeating elements can assemble into swimming forms ranging from eel-like to wing-shaped.
Startups led by MIT mechanical engineers offer health care solutions
Companies founded by MechE faculty and alumni solve a variety of health care challenges, from better drug delivery to robotic surgery.
Sensing with purpose
Fadel Adib uses wireless technologies to sense the world in new ways, taking aim at sweeping problems such as food insecurity, climate change, and access to health care.
Using robotics to supercharge health care
Vecna Technologies, founded by a pair of MIT alumni, has followed a long and winding path to help people in health care settings.
A global lab for teaching and practicing synthetic biology
A pandemic-fueled transformation of the MIT course MAS.S64 (How to Grow (Almost) Anything) leads to next steps in democratizing synthetic biology.
2022-23 Takeda Fellows: Leveraging AI to positively impact human health
New fellows are working on health records, robot control, pandemic preparedness, brain injuries, and more.
New MIT internships expand research opportunities in Africa
University placements through MISTI aim to contribute to Africa’s growing research ecosystems.