Engineers develop laser-controlled, cell-sized robots One of the researchers’ robot next to a paramecium. (Image: Penn Engineering) Engineers develop laser-controlled, cell-sized robots Researchers at Penn Engineering are creating microscopic robots with semiconductor processing that can be controlled, and made to walk, as small as biological cells.
Introducing the Year of Civic Engagement Introducing the Year of Civic Engagement The latest theme year was ushered in last week with the Penn Reading Project. In a time of great distance, the University asks the community to think about how it can enact great engagement.
Penn Engineering and Nursing partner with Hillrom on Internet-of-Things Technology Penn Engineering and Nursing partner with Hillrom on Internet-of-Things Technology A collaboration with nursing, engineering, and the medical device provider will develop new technologies to assist clinicians via “safe AI.”
High school students lead ‘Maskathon’ during remote summer program One student’s “Smile Mask” used a combination of sensors and LED lights to promote social distancing. Get too close and the green smile switches to a red frown. (Image: Penn Engineering) High school students lead ‘Maskathon’ during remote summer program A virtual Maskathon showcased high school students’ problem solving, product development, and creativity with their tech-integrated face masks.
Engineers manipulate color on the nanoscale, making it disappear Engineers manipulate color on the nanoscale, making it disappear A new system of nanoscale semiconductor strips uses structural color interactions to eliminate the strips’ intrinsic color entirely, with implications for holographic displays and optical sensors, or new types of microlasers and detectors.
New funding supports milestone initiative to advance solar energy research New funding supports milestone initiative to advance solar energy research Penn’s Vagelos Institute for Energy Science and Technology is a partner in a $40 million award from the Department of Energy that will accelerate fundamental research on solar technology.
Plato was right. Earth is made, on average, of cubes The ancient philosopher Plato conjectured that the universe was composed of particular geometric shapes; the earth, of cubes. Findings from a multidisciplinary research team found truth in Plato's belief. Plato was right. Earth is made, on average, of cubes The ancient Greek philosopher was on to something, the School of Arts & Sciences’ Douglas Jerolmack and colleagues found.
Navigating ‘information pollution’ with the help of artificial intelligence Navigating ‘information pollution’ with the help of artificial intelligence Using insights from the field of natural language processing, computer scientist Dan Roth and his research group are developing an online platform that helps users find relevant and trustworthy information about the novel coronavirus.
Rooting out systemic bias in neuroscience publishing Rooting out systemic bias in neuroscience publishing An interdisciplinary research team has found statistical evidence of women being undercited in academic literature. They are now studying similar effects along racial lines.
Engineering’s Stephanie Weirich designs tools for a safer world Stephanie Weirich (Image: Penn Engineering) Engineering’s Stephanie Weirich designs tools for a safer world Stephanie Weirich, ENIAC President’s Distinguished Professor in Computer and Information Science, aims to make software systems more reliable, maintainable, and secure.