Science Magazine robot videos 2020

Did you manage to watch all the holiday robot videos of 2020? If you did but are still hungry for more, I have prepared this compilation of Science Magazine videos featuring robotics research that were released during last year. Enjoy!

These ‘beetlebots’ keep flying, even after crashing into poles

What if the folding wings of beetles could help robots navigate narrow places by not being affected by crashes? You can read a bit more here, and see the research article here.

Magnetic spray transforms inanimate objects into mini-robots

Researchers developed an iron-based spray that sticks to surfaces like origami paper or cotton thread, and turns objects into tiny robots that could be maneuvered inside our bodies for future biomedical applications. You can read a bit more here, and see the research article here.

Speedy drones count Antarctic penguin colonies in record time

Reducing the amount of time that it takes to count penguins in Antarctica is crucial when you have to survive its extreme weather conditions. Researchers developed a new algorithm for multiple drones that cut the time from two days to three hours. You can read the story here.

Mosquito-inspired drone dodges obstacles, thanks to air-pressure sensors

By taking inspiration from the way some mosquitoes use changes in air flow to detect close objects, researchers created a sensor that can be fitted into flying robots to avoid crashes even when objects can’t be seen in the dark. You can read a bit more here, and see the research article here.

How NASA’s new rover will search for signs of ancient life on Mars

On 18 February, 2021, a NASA’s rover launched last summer will land on Mars to help researchers understand the planet’s climatic history. You can read the story here.

These sweaty robots cool themselves faster than humans

Cooling systems are important for robots in the same way they are for us. Indeed, researchers were inspired by the human best cooling system: sweat. You can read a bit more here, and see the research article here.

Swarm of drones flies through heavy forest—while staying in formation

Maintaining connectivity while avoiding crashes during outdoor navigation is a difficult challenge for robots flying through forests. Researchers found the way to ease this task. You can read a bit more here, and see the research article here.

Daniel Carrillo-Zapata was awared his PhD in swarm robotics at the Bristol Robotics Lab in 2020. He now fosters the culture of "scientific agitation" to engage in two-way conversations between researchers and society.

Daniel Carrillo-Zapata was awared his PhD in swarm robotics at the Bristol Robotics Lab in 2020. He now fosters the culture of "scientific agitation" to engage in two-way conversations between researchers and society.