🦾 Robotic arms get more flex for precision space tasks

Plus: Musk activates Starlink for Gaza, Ducati’s 1-cylinder wonder, ISS to get laser communications. Sponsored by Robots are notoriously clumsy, especially when compared to the fine and fluid dexterity of human arms and hands. But researchers are now teaching automata to mimic biological movement for more adaptable object manipulation. By flexing arm stiffness like humans when handling fragile or hefty items, robots can gain extra precision and stability. In recent research at the Beijing Institute of Technology, this innovation helped an experimental bot deftly assemble space satellite components — a task that demands both care and force. In today’s [Must Read]( you'll discover out how the future of robotic assembly lies hidden in the familiar dynamics of our own muscles and tendons. Good morning. I’m Tim, newsletter editor at IE. This is the Blueprint. Let’s start the week! VIDEO OF THE DAY [Is Nikola Tesla Overrated?]( Has Israel used lasers against Hamas' rockets? Iron Beam, an Israeli laser air defense system, efficiently intercepts threats but has limitations in adverse weather and requires sustained contact with the target. SUPPORT INTERESTING ENGINEERING Invest in science and engineering Insider access to exclusive content, featuring riveting stories that take you right to the heart of the action. Engage with our thriving online community, dive into captivating science discoveries, and stay informed with our enlightening weekly premium newsletters. With IE+, quality reporting is more than just news - and it is Ad-Free. [SUBSCRIBE]( HOT TOPICS - 😎 [Australia made a breakthrough in using mirrors to generate solar power]( A breakthrough in concentrating solar thermal technology may make it more viable for the nation and perhaps the world. - 🍫 [Boo! 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The key innovation is a variable admittance controller that lets robots adjust their arm damping - or resistance to motion - just like humans. By analyzing data on velocity and force from people doing assembly tasks, the team derived three contact models representing interactions with objects. These models fed algorithms that enabled their robot to change damping based on the contact conditions. Higher damping allows more force, while lower damping prevents damaging fragile items. In tests, the bio-inspired approach let a robot arm safely assemble satellite components, automatically adapting its stiffness as required. The variable damping compensated for disturbances like impacts and sliding contacts. Compared to fixed-damping methods, the human-like technique improved precision, stability, and resilience for the space assembly challenge. Further refinements could bring robots closer to versatile human dexterity. [[Read More]( [Culture]( [🛰 Elon Musk’s Starlink to help Gaza amid internet blackout]( Elon Musk says his satellite internet firm SpaceX will provide connectivity in Gaza amidst an Israeli bombing campaign. With phone and internet disrupted, an aid group said it lost contact with teams in Gaza. Musk’s offer follows Ukraine’s use of SpaceX Starlink when invaded by Russia. While some praise the humanitarian move, concerns remain about reliability and potential interference. Still, Starlink could aid coordination for medical responders and civilians affected by the communication blackout. [[Read More]( A MESSAGE FROM OUR SPONSOR [Feeling overwhelmed by post-retirement financial management? You're not alone.]( Imagine the stress of choosing the wrong bank for your life's savings or the anxiety of risking it all in a bad investment. And the worst part? Trying to navigate it all without expert guidance can lead to costly mistakes and sleepless nights. 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With versatility and efficiency, the Superquadro Mono engine signals Ducati's return to single-cylinder designs suited for changing markets. [[Read More]( [Innovation]( [❇️ NASA to test revolutionary laser comms tech aboard the ISS]( NASA will demonstrate high-speed laser communications aboard the ISS using the ILLUMA-T payload and LCRD satellite. ILLUMA-T’s optical module enables tracking and 1.2 gigabit per second bidirectional data transfer. The lasers offer major advantages over traditional radio frequencies used by the ISS, including faster transmission of images and video. If successful, the technology could become operational on the ISS and other missions, leapfrogging communications capabilities. [[Read More]( QUESTION OF THE DAY Which of today’s stories interests you most of all? [Ducati's 83-horsepower single cylinder engine]( [NASA's gigabit laser communications in space]( [Robots that handle objects with human-like care]( [Starlink bridging connectivity gaps on Earth]( YESTERDAY'S RESULTS How does the Scorpius project ensure nuclear safety and our survival amidst global tensions? 52% By verifying stockpile reliability 28% By gathering realistic data 13% Through creative designs that fuel innovation 7% Helping to shield humanity in uncertain times “Starlink will support connectivity to internationally recognized aid organizations in Gaza.” Elon Musk tweet THE ACCESSORY CORNER [Yoxinta Wireless Charger]( [$29.99]( [Geekey Multi-Tool]( [$21.99]( [Bellroy Tech Kit]( [$55.00]( [Dream iPhone Wallet Case]( [$47.77]( AND ANOTHER THING - [Iron Dome: US boosts Israel’s defence system with Tamir missiles]( - [Why private jets fly higher than commercial planes]( - [Defining the start of the Anthropocene Epoch]( [premium] - [Google pays $26.3 billion to be top search engine]( - [NASA’s SWIM project maps water ice for future Mars missions]( - [Dangerous invasive species are colonizing aquatic plastic debris]( - [NASA and ESA combine to develop the best camera for its Artemis mission]( - [AI can identify urban decay and social inequalities in cities]( - [Research says blocking a motor protein can stop breast cancer cells]( - [Newly-engineered enzymes can help plants produce more biofuels]( Need help with advertising? 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