There's a fascinating article on socially intelligent robots over at the New Scientist Web site. In short, roboticists are wrestling with how to make robots socially aware. Did you know that just having a robot show up is enough to affect people's moods? It's true.More>>

It's a digital world. Actually, no, it's an analog world that humans, wanting to investigate and control, translate to the digital realm in order to interpret and manipulate. And that's okay-as long as doing so makes sense.More>>

As sensing technology advances and its use proliferates, the potential for the invasion of individuals' privacy grows. Who then is responsible for guarding against the misuse of new sensory developments?More>>

MEMS devices have had a long, convoluted road to commercialization, in large part because of the complexity of dealing with materials at such a small scale. However, MEMS benefited from the commercial infrastructure created for microelectronics, adapting methods and equipment to these new...More>>

You've probably imagined what you could do with sensors that are completely independent not only of communications lines but also of power lines. Plenty of suppliers have also contemplated this and have made intriguing progress in battery development and energy harvesting, as recent news reports...More>>

The proliferation of sensors is producing a wealth of information, which when used properly can optimize manufacturing processes, deliver greater performance in motor vehicles and aircraft, and enhance all types of operations, from medical facilities to warehouses to logistical services. The catch...More>>

Does anyone remember those battery-operated swizzle sticks that 1950s grown-ups thought were just so cool? Those do-dads had fat handles because they ran off D-cells and had no reason to exist so far as I can make out. Lately I've been catching up on some other consumer gadgets that make more...More>>

Here's a fascinating new addition to the world of robotic toys: PicoCricket. The same MIT resesarcher who worked with Lego to create its Mindstorms product is behind The Playful Invention Company, the company creating these more open-ended robotics kits.More>>

Plenty of engineering work is inspired by nature. But some of it-biosensor development, for instance-goes beyond inspiration and actually incorporates biological components. Interestingly, some of the folks doing that development indicate that biosensors are more reliable than man-made sensors.More>>

When I divide $18,000 by 49, I get $367. and change. I didn't pull those numbers out of the air. RAAS, Honeywell's sensor-assist software product might very well have kept the crew of Comair's flight #5191 from trying to lift off from a short taxiway. RAAS costs $18,000. The fiery crash that ensued...More>>