The idea came to Henry Hu while he waited in line at a cafe. Baristas do repetitive work and produce inconsistent results, he observed. So why not automate coffee service?
Robots clean rivers and sort waste, monitor ecosystems, and inspect renewable-energy infrastructure. But even the greenest robot has an environmental footprint.
EPFL engineers have designed acoustic cavities that convert sound waves into thrust, propelling small robots and ultralight aerial vehicles without on-board actuators or electronics.