David L. Chandler

Assembler robot groups have potential for making larger structures

MIT researchers are showing how groups of robots can work together to build almost anything from buildings, vehicles and larger robots.

Engineers develop shape-memory material for actuators

MIT researchers have developed a ceramic-based material that could be used for highly efficient actuators for aircraft or other uses, with minimal moving parts.

Machine, device learning on the edge

MIT researchers have developed a technique that enables AI models to continually learn from new data on intelligent edge devices like smartphones and sensors, reducing energy costs and privacy risks.

Engineers repurpose photography technique to enhance sensors, vision

MIT researchers have repurposed a 19th century photography technique to make stretchy, color-changing films, which could improve manufacturing of pressure-monitoring bandages, shade-shifting fabrics touch-sensing robots and more.

Semiconductor material that performs better than silicon

Researchers have found a material that can perform much better than silicon in cubic boron arsenide, but finding practical and economic ways to make it remains a challenge.

Silk developed as alternative to some microplastics

Researchers have developed a system based on silk that could provide an inexpensive and easily manufactured substitute, which could improve quality for manufactured goods and processes.

Carbon fiber development used for lightweight structural materials

MIT researchers have found a way to make carbon fiber could turn refinery byproducts into high-value, ultralight structural materials for cars, aircraft and spacecraft.

Solar-powered system offers a route to inexpensive desalination

A passive solar evaporation system developed by MIT researchers could be used to clean wastewater, provide potable water or sterilize medical tools in off-grid areas.

Controlling how surfaces and liquids interact

MIT researchers have developed a process that enables control over liquid-solid interfaces even with the most unlikely pairs of materials.

Flexible fiber lithium-ion battery developed for wearable devices

MIT researchers have developed a rechargeable battery can be woven and washed, and could provide power for fiber-based electronic devices and sensors.