Rethinking how robots move: Light and AI drive precise motion in soft robotic arm developed at Rice
Researchers at Rice have developed a soft robotic arm capable of performing complex tasks such as navigating around an obstacle or hitting a ball, guided and powered remotely by laser beams without any onboard electronics or wiring.
Harnessing failure as an asset: How Rice researchers are innovating smarter wearable tech
A new study by mechanical engineers at Rice’s George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing explores how programmed failure in heat-sealable, sheet-based systems can be used to protect devices, enable complex sequencing of actions and even streamline control mechanisms.
Workshop highlights ‘pivotal moment’ for future of AI in space exploration
The In-Space Physical AI Workshop convened top scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs and government leaders to explore the role of AI in space exploration.
RSI awards seed funding grants to propel ‘pioneering’ space exploration research at Rice
The Rice Space Institute has awarded $150,000 in seed funding to Rice researchers to further our understanding of the universe and humanity’s place in it.
Team Ryu triumphs at International Space University’s robotics competition
Team Ryu took home first place at the ISU space-themed robotics competition.
Preston, four others win Ig Nobel Prize for ‘necrobotic’ spider study
Mechanical Engineering’s Daniel Preston, three graduate students and a postdoctoral fellow have won a 2023 Ig Nobel Prize for their “necrobotic” robot arm that incorporated a dead spider.
Researchers give robots new options for arrangements
Rice computer scientists have expanded the options robots have for rearranging objects with a new algorithm that allows them to switch between complementary skills like grabbing and placing individual objects or pushing and sliding entire groups.
Hands-free tech adds realistic sense of touch in extended reality
Rice mechanical engineers and their collaborators have demonstrated a new hands-free approach to convey realistic haptic feedback in virtual reality.
IEEE honors Kavraki, Richards-Kortum, Truchard
Two renowned Rice University professors and a longtime backer have won prestigious honors in the 2023 IEEE Awards.
Rice funds new research collaborations with Houston Methodist
Rice and Houston Methodist have awarded seed grants for research in robotics, imaging, cardiovascular bioengineering, and psychological and behavioral health.
Fluidic circuits add analog options for controlling soft robots
Soft robotics researchers from Rice and Harvard have created a nonelectronic control system that uses air to process information.
Humans in the loop help robots find their way
Rice computer scientists develop a method that allows humans to help complex robots build efficient solutions to “see” their environments and carry out tasks.
Daniel Preston wins NSF CAREER Award
Daniel Preston wins a National Science Foundation CAREER Award to develop textile-based wearable robots.
Marcia O’Malley named AIMBE fellow
Rice mechanical engineer Marcia O’Malley has been named an AIMBE fellow in recognition of her contributions to rehabilitation robotics, haptics and robotic surgery.
Rice’s Technology Development Fund backs faculty projects
Nine projects proposed by Rice researchers have been granted seed funding by Creative Ventures' Technology Development Fund.
