Articles tagged with "3D-printing"
New 3D-printed off-roading robot made from recycled materials
A European collaboration between Lemki Robotix (Ukraine), iSCALE 3D (Germany), and Zeykan Robotics (Czech Republic) has unveiled the world’s first fully 3D-printed autonomous off-road robot made entirely from recycled materials. The robot’s body, wheels, and rims are fabricated using reinforced recycled polymers—glass fiber-reinforced recycled polypropylene for the sealed body, puncture-proof recycled polyurethane for airless wheels, and carbon fiber-reinforced nylon for rims—ensuring durability in harsh outdoor environments. Equipped with 360° cameras, LiDAR, and Starlink satellite connectivity, it supports real-time remote operation and autonomous navigation via an onboard neural network, capable of functioning even in GPS-denied areas. Designed for challenging applications such as military logistics, search and rescue, precision agriculture, and infrastructure inspection, the hermetically sealed robot can cross shallow water and operate reliably in demanding conditions. This project exemplifies the potential of large-format 3D printing to
robot3D-printingrecycled-materialsautonomous-robotoff-road-robotsustainable-roboticsneural-networksAI co-designs a jumping robot that outperforms its human-made twin
Researchers at MIT’s Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) have developed a novel system leveraging generative AI, specifically diffusion models, to co-design robots by optimizing their mechanical structures through iterative simulation and fabrication. This approach allows users to input a 3D model and specify modifiable components, enabling the AI to generate and test numerous design variants before physical production. In a key demonstration, the AI-designed jumping robot outperformed a human-designed counterpart by jumping 41% higher, achieved through innovative curved, drumstick-like linkages that were lighter yet stronger and had greater energy capacity. Additionally, the AI improved the robot’s foot design, enhancing landing stability by 84%, significantly reducing falls. This breakthrough highlights the potential of diffusion models to reveal new insights into structural physics and accelerate hardware design processes, which traditionally lag behind software development due to complexity and manufacturing constraints. By balancing competing objectives such as jump height and landing success, the AI system produced optimized designs that blend human intuition with machine precision.
roboticsAI-designgenerative-AI3D-printingrobot-optimizationdiffusion-modelsrobotic-hardwareFirst-time maker’s 3D-printed drone could fly 130 miles in 3 hours
Engineer Tsung Xu, a first-time maker with no formal background in aerodynamics or 3D printing, successfully designed and built a fully functional vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) fixed-wing drone capable of flying 130 miles (209.2 km) in about 3 hours. Completed in just 90 days, Xu’s project involved designing, modeling, and 3D printing every aerodynamic surface and structural component from scratch using a consumer-grade Bambu Lab A1 desktop 3D printer. Non-printable elements such as motors, radio equipment, and electronic speed controllers were sourced separately and integrated into the system, which is powered by a high-energy-density lithium battery to maximize endurance. The drone’s VTOL capability allows it to take off and land vertically without a runway, then transition to efficient forward flight, a feature typically found in advanced military or commercial unmanned aerial systems. Xu’s achievement demonstrates how accessible technologies like desktop 3D printing and off-the-shelf components can enable
robotdrone3D-printinglithium-batteryVTOLaerospace-engineeringunmanned-aerial-systemsWorld's first test shakes 3D-printed homes to check earthquake safety
The University of Bristol has conducted the world’s first large-scale earthquake safety test on a 3D-printed concrete home using the UK’s largest shaking table. This experiment aimed to evaluate whether 3D-printed homes can withstand seismic forces, addressing concerns about the structural integrity of this emerging construction method. By subjecting a quasi-real-scale 3D-printed concrete unit to progressively intense shaking, researchers closely monitored its response to identify potential weaknesses such as cracking or displacement. The goal is to compare 3D-printed structures with traditional buildings, validate computational seismic models, and ultimately determine if 3D-printed concrete can meet current earthquake safety standards. The project, led by Dr. De Risi, seeks to optimize design parameters like layer bonding and reinforcement integration to improve seismic performance. These findings are intended to inform engineers, architects, and policymakers, potentially leading to new building codes that incorporate additive manufacturing technologies. As 3D printing gains popularity for its affordability and sustainability, this research addresses
3D-printingearthquake-safetyconstruction-technologymaterials-scienceconcrete-innovationseismic-testingadditive-manufacturingUK inventor's Transformers-styled robot becomes shape-shifting vehicle
British inventor James Bruton has created a functional, rideable Transformer-style robot that can smoothly shift between humanoid and vehicle forms. Unlike many previous Transformer replicas that lack passenger space, Bruton's design allows him to ride the robot like a kid’s Power Wheels car. The robot incorporates 16 motors—including RC servos, Dynamixel servos, and DC brushed motors—and uses a Teensy microcontroller to control folding body panels, wheel movement, and LED lighting. Its legs are primarily decorative, and the robot folds into a fully operational electric vehicle capable of carrying Bruton at modest speeds. Bruton’s invention showcases practical engineering with a focus on stability, reliability, and refined aesthetics. The robot’s lightweight aluminum extrusion frame supports significant weight while maintaining nimbleness, and 3D printing has enabled rapid design iteration. To address challenges like shifting center of gravity during transformation, Bruton implemented a robust suspension system and balanced weight distribution. While the robot cannot yet walk in humanoid form, it represents
robotroboticselectric-motors3D-printingmicrocontrollershape-shifting-vehicleengineering-innovationUS scientists develop real-time defect detection for 3D metal printing
Scientists from Argonne National Laboratory and the University of Virginia have developed a novel method to detect defects, specifically keyhole pores, in metal parts produced by 3D printing using laser powder bed fusion. Keyhole pores are tiny internal cavities formed when excessive laser energy creates deep, narrow holes that trap gas, compromising the structural integrity and performance of critical components such as aerospace parts and medical implants. The new approach combines thermal imaging, X-ray imaging, and machine learning to predict pore formation in real-time by correlating surface heat patterns with internal defects captured via powerful X-rays. This method leverages existing thermal cameras already installed on many 3D printers, enabling instant detection of internal flaws without the need for continuous expensive X-ray imaging. The AI model, trained on synchronized thermal and X-ray data, can identify pore formation within milliseconds, allowing for immediate intervention. Researchers envision integrating this technology with automatic correction systems that adjust printing parameters or reprint layers on the fly, thereby improving reliability, reducing waste, and enhancing safety in manufacturing mission-critical metal parts. Future work aims to expand defect detection capabilities and develop repair mechanisms during the additive manufacturing process.
3D-printingmetal-additive-manufacturingdefect-detectionmachine-learningthermal-imagingX-ray-imagingmaterials-scienceUS turns recycled scrap into 3D-printed rocket parts with AI boost
robotmaterials3D-printingAIadditive-manufacturingrecycled-materialssustainable-manufacturingUS Army creates 3D-printed skin to heal combat wounds, fight bugs
materialsbioprintingbiomaterialsbiomedical-technologies3D-printingmilitary-technologytissue-engineeringUS nuclear fusion gets a 3D printing boost to fast-track construction
energynuclear-fusion3D-printingconstructionplasma-physicsmagnet-systemsNSTX-UNew human spine-inspired neck could revolutionize humanoid robots
robothumanoid-robotsanimatronicsengineering3D-printinglinear-actuatorsartificial-spinePhotos: World's tallest 3D-printed tower blends tech, art, and climate
robotics3D-printingdigital-designarchitectureconstruction-technologyCO₂-capturematerials-scienceCan the Cadillac Celestiq EV make GM’s luxury brand great again? Don’t rule it out
energyelectric-vehicleCadillacluxury-carbattery-technologyautomotive-design3D-printingCan the Celestiq EV make Cadillac great again? Don’t rule it out
electric-vehicleEVbattery-technologyluxury-carsautomotive-design3D-printingCadillacHugging Face releases a 3D-printed robotic arm starting at $100
Hugging-Facerobotic-arm3D-printingprogrammable-roboticsAI-technologyLeRobotSO-101