Jennifer Chu
Articles
Vertical, full-color microscopic LEDs developed
MIT researchers have found that stacking light-emitting diodes (LEDs) instead of placing them side by side could enable fully immersive VR displays.
Superconductivity switches on and off in magic-angle graphene
MIT physicists have found a new way to switch superconductivity on and off with magic-angle graphene by using a short electric pulse.
Atom-thin materials grown on industrial wafers
MIT researchers have developed a technique that could allow chip manufacturers to produce next-generation transistors based on materials other than silicon.
Engineers fabricate a chip-free, wireless electronic skin
The chip-free device senses and wirelessly transmits signals related to pulse, sweat and ultraviolet exposure, without bulky chips or batteries.
Superconducting graphene structures discovered
MIT physicists have established twisted graphene as a new “family” of robust superconductors stacked at precise angles.
Method developed for improving autonomous robotic systems
MIT researchers have developed a general-purpose optimizer that can speed up the design of walking robots, self-driving vehicles, and other autonomous systems.
Engineers build LEGO-like artificial intelligence chip
MIT researchers have developed an artificial intelligence chip that is stackable and reconfigurable, for swapping out and building on existing sensors and neural network processors.
Heat engine with no moving parts designed
MIT researchers have design a heat engine with no moving parts, which could help enable a fully decarbonized power grid in the future.
2D material electron correlation found in graphene
Researchers have found direct evidence of electron correlations in a two-dimensional material called ABC trilayer graphene.
Inflatable robotic hand provides real-time tactile control for amputees
Engineers at MIT and Shanghai Jiao Tong University have designed a soft, lightweight, and potentially low-cost neuroprosthetic hand that has better dexterity and could be useful for amputees and other robotic applications. See video.
System trains drones to fly around obstacles at high speeds
Aerospace engineers at MIT have devised an algorithm that helps drones fly around obstacles without crashing, which could help in search-and-rescue missions and other applications that use drones in time-sensitive situations. See video.
Ultralight material withstands supersonic microparticle impacts
Engineers at MIT, Caltech, and ETH Zürich find “nanoarchitected” materials designed from precisely patterned nanoscale structures could be a basis for lighter, tougher alternatives to Kevlar and steel.
Lens developed to focus at multiple depths without moving
MIT researchers have developed that design may enable miniature zoom lenses for drones, cellphones or night-vision goggles without moving or tilting.
Velcro-like food sensor detects spoilage, contamination
A Velcro-like food sensor made from an array of silk microneedles has been developed that is designed to pierce through plastic packaging to sample food for signs of spoilage and bacterial contamination.
How a COVID-19 testing trailer was built for a university
MIT engineers and medical staff built a 60-foot trailer for COVID-19 testing that can test up to 1,500 people a day and is now operating as the main test site for asymptomatic members of the MIT community.
Researchers giving robots human-like perception of their physical environments
3D Dynamic Scene Graphs gives robots spatial abilities that could enable them to work with people on the plant floor or in other dangerous environments.
Portable system boosts laser precision for quantum computing
An MIT-designed miniature “squeezer” reduces quantum noise in lasers at room temperature, which could enable better laser precision for quantum computing and gravitational-wave detection.
Engineers put thousands of artificial brain synapses on a single chip
MIT engineers have designed a brain-on-a-chip made from tens of thousands of artificial brain synapses known as memristors, which could enhance the develop of portable AI devices.
Graphene twists could help engineer quantum computing devices
Results from MIT research could help designers engineer high-temperature superconductors and quantum computing devices.
Engineers mix and match materials to make stretchy electronics
MIT engineers have developed a process called remote epitaxy, which helps create next-generation devices that may include electronic chips worn on the human skin for better monitoring.
Carbon nanotube film produces aerospace-grade composites
MIT engineers have developed a method to produce aerospace-grade composites without the enormous ovens and pressure vessels, which can speed up the manufacturing of airplanes and other large composite structures such as wind turbine blades.
Robot designed to “grow” like a plant
MIT engineers have developed a robot designed to extend a chain-like appendage that can twist and turn in any necessary configuration and can then retract the appendage when a task is completed.
Researchers generate terahertz laser with laughing gas
Researchers from MIT, Harvard University, and the U.S. Army have built a compact device to produce a terahertz laser whose frequency they can tune over a wide range using nitrous oxide for better wireless communication.
Technique helps robots find the front door
MIT engineers, along with the Ford Motor Company, have developed a navigation method for robots that enables a robot to use clues in its environment to plan out a route to its destination, which can be described in general semantic terms rather than coordinates on a map.
Mesh-like structures morph into predetermined shapes
MIT mechanical engineers have designed 3-D-printed mesh-like structures that morph from flat layers into predetermined shapes, which could lead to developments such as adaptive robotic fins.
Engineers 3-D print flexible mesh for medical applications
Researchers at MIT have designed 3-D printed mesh materials that could lead to personalized wearable and implantable devices for medical applications.
Algorithm developed to predict and inform robots where humans are headed
MIT researchers have developed an algorithm that accurately aligns partial trajectories in real-time, allowing motion predictors to accurately anticipate the timing of a person’s motion to make human-robot interaction safer.
Engineers program marine robots with algorithm to take calculated risks
MIT researchers have developed an algorithm that could help autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) explore risky marine environments, which could be beneficial for future offshore oil & gas exploration.
Renewable energy device developed for the grid using pump with record heat tolerance
MIT researchers have designed a system that provides solar- or wind-generated power on demand using a pump that can withstand extreme heat.