From IEEE Spectrum · 40 stories
Organ-on-a-chip technology advances, but adoption in biomedical research lags
Seventeen years ago, Donald Ingber and his team at Harvard University's Wyss Institute developed a human lung-on-a-chip, a device that mimics lung function for testing drugs and chemicals. Despite the technological progress in organ-on-a-chip systems, the biomedical research community has been slow to adopt these alternatives to traditional animal testing.
AI-powered robots face new safety risks from data manipulation and hidden triggers
The increasing reliance of modern robots on AI for perception and decision-making introduces new safety vulnerabilities, as manipulating sensor data or AI models can alter robot behavior without apparent system failure. Recent research demonstrates how hidden triggers in AI models can cause robots to misinterpret commands or execute incorrect actions, even after passing conventional safety tests. This highlights a gap in current safety assessments for AI-driven robotic systems.
Research Indicates Autonomous Vehicles and ADAS Significantly Reduce Crashes and Injuries
New research suggests that autonomous vehicles (AVs) and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) lead to significantly fewer crashes and injuries compared to human drivers. Studies from the IIHS and Waymo indicate substantial reductions in pedestrian crashes, rear-end collisions, and serious injury incidents, which could improve road safety. This data provides evidence for the safety benefits of increasing vehicle autonomy.
EU's AI Infrastructure Plans Conflict with Domestic Chip Production Goals
The European Union's strategy to build AI factories and data centers is increasing demand for advanced semiconductors, which contradicts its goal of reducing reliance on foreign chip manufacturers. The upcoming Chips Act 2.0 aims to stimulate domestic demand for chips, but the AI infrastructure will initially depend on non-European processors, creating a demand trap.
AI Concentration Exacerbates Digital Inequality Globally
The increasing integration of AI into global infrastructure is amplifying existing digital inequalities, particularly in connectivity, skills, and institutional capacity. The concentration of AI compute and development in a few countries, primarily the United States and China, risks creating a divide in economic opportunity and technological influence for other nations.
Proposal for a 'Genie Coefficient' Metric in AI Communication
A new metric called the 'Genie coefficient' has been proposed to address the gap between user intent and AI understanding. The metric aims to measure how well AI systems grasp the nuances of human requests beyond direct instructions, crucial as AI’s roles expand.
Capital One Appoints Prem Natarajan as Chief Scientist to Enhance AI Development
Prem Natarajan has been appointed as Chief Scientist at Capital One to lead AI initiatives tailored for financial services. His role will focus on translating AI advancements into practical solutions for complex financial problems, distinguishing Capital One's approach from traditional views on technology in finance.
AI's Impact on the Role of Mathematicians
Researchers discuss how AI tools could alter the motivations and approaches of mathematicians.
Amazon's Astro Offers Insights on Robot Character Design
Amazon's Astro robot highlights the importance of character in consumer robotics, distinguishing it from voice assistants like Alexa. The development team's choice to prioritize Astro's unique persona over simply functioning as a mobile Alexa resonated with users, showing that character influences user experience significantly.
IEEE Announces 2027 Technical Field Award Recipients for Contributions to Technology
IEEE has announced the recipients of its 2027 Technical Field Awards, recognizing individuals and teams for their technical achievements and leadership across various engineering disciplines. These awards highlight advancements in fields such as microelectronics, artificial intelligence, medical robotics, and wireless networks.
IEEE TryEngineering Launches STEM Book Series for Tweens on Emerging Technologies
IEEE TryEngineering, in partnership with Lerner Publishing Group, released a new STEM book series for children aged 8 to 12. The series, "Tomorrow's Technology With TryEngineering, Powered by IEEE," aims to explain complex topics like AI and electric vehicles through age-appropriate content and design challenges.
ITESO Team Develops RoboMeshA, a Portable Robotics and AI Educational Platform
A team from ITESO, Universidad Jesuita de Guadalajara, developed RoboMeshA, a portable educational platform that brings robotics and AI experiences to classrooms lacking advanced tools. This initiative provides hands-on learning opportunities for students in STEM fields by offering a self-contained mobile learning network.
Spain's First Astronaut Pedro Duque Named IEEE Honorary Member
Pedro Duque, Spain's first astronaut and current chairman of HispaSat, has been named an IEEE honorary member. The recognition is for his contributions to space exploration, leadership in science and technology programs, and serving as a role model.
Barbara Mazzolai Proposes "Sustainability Robotics" to Reduce Environmental Impact
Roboticist Barbara Mazzolai, from the Italian Institute of Technology, is advocating for a new field called "sustainability robotics." This initiative aims to integrate environmental considerations into robot design to lessen technology's ecological footprint.
Rhizomatica develops HERMES digital shortwave radio for remote data transmission
Rhizomatica, a nonprofit, has open-sourced HERMES, a digital shortwave radio system that improves data transmission rates and encryption for remote locations. This development allows for sending various file types, including photos and emails, over high-frequency bands, which is crucial for emergency communications and data exchange in areas without terrestrial infrastructure.
IEEE International Leadership Conference to Address Transition from Tech Expert to Leader
The inaugural IEEE International Leadership Conference (ILC) will take place on October 3-4 in Budapest to provide guidance for senior technical professionals transitioning into leadership roles. The conference focuses on "legacy leadership," which emphasizes mentoring and empowering others over individual technical achievements.
Tesla Cofounder Martin Eberhard Used AC Propulsion's tZero to Attract Early Investors
In 2003, Tesla cofounder Martin Eberhard used AC Propulsion's tZero electric roadster for demonstrations to attract investors for Tesla Motors. These demonstrations showcased the performance capabilities of electric vehicles, ultimately leading to an introduction to Elon Musk.
IEEE Introduces Incentive Program for Sections with High Voter Turnout in Annual Election
The IEEE Tellers Committee will reward sections with the highest voter turnout in each region during the annual election. This initiative aims to encourage greater participation in the IEEE's electoral process.
IEEE Conducts Publishing Workshops for Researchers in Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda
IEEE held educational workshops in Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda to train local researchers on academic publishing processes and best practices. These sessions aim to address barriers faced by African researchers in accessing and publishing scientific articles, despite previous efforts to reduce financial hurdles.
NASA's Canadarm Robotic Arm Designated 300th IEEE Milestone
The Shuttle Remote Manipulator System, known as Canadarm, has been recognized as the 300th IEEE Milestone. This robotic arm, developed by Spar Aerospace and the National Research Council, was crucial for handling payloads and performing repairs on space shuttles and the International Space Station for 30 years.
NASA and General Atomics collaborate on bimodal nuclear engine design for Mars travel
Kurt Polzin of NASA and Robert Schleicher of General Atomics are collaborating on a bimodal nuclear engine design for space propulsion. This engine aims to reduce travel time to Mars by half, addressing challenges of radiation exposure and microgravity for human missions.
Jernej Barbič Receives Academy Award for Ziva VFX Simulation Software
Jernej Barbič, a professor at the University of Southern California, received a 2025 technical achievement Academy Award for his Ziva VFX software system. Ziva VFX enables realistic muscle, fat, and skin simulations for 3D digital characters in film production.
IEEE-HKN to Host Inaugural Student Research Conference on November 6
The IEEE–Eta Kappa Nu (IEEE-HKN) honor society will host its first "Innovating the Future" conference on November 6, providing a platform for student authors to present original research. This event aims to support students in academic publishing and maintain research integrity amidst evolving challenges like AI.
High School Students Awarded IEEE Presidents’ Scholarships for Disability-Assisting Inventions
Three high school students received IEEE Presidents’ Scholarships for their inventions designed to assist people with disabilities. These projects, showcased at Regeneron’s International Science and Engineering Fair, include a wheelchair navigation system, a mind-controlled exoskeleton, and a rough-terrain robot, highlighting innovation in assistive technologies.
IEEE Summit Supports Bhutan's Digital Transformation and Engineering Education
IEEE collaborated with the government of Bhutan to host an Engineering Education, Research, and Innovation Summit in Paro. The event focused on aligning engineering education with digital transformation and sustainable development in Bhutan, aiming to develop a high-value knowledge economy.
Eden GeoPower tests electrical reservoir stimulation for underground hydrogen generation
Eden GeoPower, a Massachusetts-based startup, is field-testing a new technology called electrical reservoir stimulation to fracture subterranean rock. This method uses high-voltage electrical pulses to create fractures, with potential applications including underground hydrogen generation, mineral mining, and geothermal heat tapping.
Medical Information System (MIS-I) Recognized as IEEE Milestone for Pioneering Digital Health Records
The Medical Information System (MIS-I), developed in the 1960s by Lockheed Martin and El Camino Hospital, was recognized as an IEEE Milestone. This system was the first hospital-wide computer system and laid the groundwork for modern electronic health records, transforming how patient data is managed.
IEEE Publishing Ethics Team Integrates New Detection Tools and Expands Integrity Initiatives
IEEE's Publishing Ethics Team integrated STM Integrity Hub tools into IEEE Access's peer-review workflow and plans to expand these services to all periodicals by year-end. This initiative aims to detect fraudulent manuscripts and duplicate submissions earlier, enhancing research integrity across IEEE publications.
Remote Indigenous Community Builds One of Canada's Fastest Fiber Networks
The Fort Albany First Nation, a remote Indigenous community in northern Ontario, has built its own fiber-to-the-home network, the Western James Bay Telecom Network (WJBTN). This network provides high-speed internet access, outperforming satellite options, and played a role in a recent search and rescue operation.
North Carolina Central University Launches First HBCU AI Research Institute
North Carolina Central University (NCCU) launched the Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Research (IAIER) in January 2025, becoming the first historically Black college or university (HBCU) to establish an AI research institute. This initiative addresses the growing demand for AI literacy across various disciplines and aims to provide students and faculty with essential skills for an AI-transformed labor market.
NIST Researchers Complete 10-Year Effort to Measure Gravitational Constant
Researchers at the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) completed a decade-long project to measure the gravitational constant (big G), yielding a value of 6.67387 x 10-11 m3/(kg s2). This effort aimed to address inconsistencies in previous measurements of the fundamental constant, which remains one of the most uncertain in physics.
Former IEEE President K.J. Ray Liu Receives Haraden Pratt Award for Leadership
K.J. Ray Liu, the 2022 IEEE President, was honored with the Haraden Pratt Award for his leadership, specifically for increasing diversity in the IEEE Fellow program and realigning geographical regions for equitable global representation. This recognition highlights his contributions to the organization's governance and inclusivity efforts.
Graduate Student Develops Space Robotics Algorithm for NASA
Sarah Downs created a robot assembly algorithm for NASA and the U.S. Air Force, enabling satellite antennas to be correctly inserted. This algorithm addresses the peg-in-hole challenge in robotics, enhancing the effectiveness of assembly tasks in space.
New White Paper Highlights Complexities of VHF and HF Signal Propagation
A white paper explores VHF signal propagation complexities and HF radio's resurgence amid satellite vulnerabilities. It discusses VHF and HF propagation mechanisms impacting communications and technology advancements enhancing HF utility.
Ajay Prasad's Journey in Product Lifecycle Management
Ajay Prasad, an IEEE Senior Member, is recognized for his role in managing product lifecycle solutions at Dassault Systèmes. His career was influenced by early experiences and the Y2K crisis, shaping his problem-solving approach in engineering and technology sectors.
AI's Efficiency Risks Stifling Development of Junior Expertise
The increasing efficiency of AI in automating tasks may hinder the development of expertise in junior employees, as evidenced by a decline in junior employment in companies adopting generative AI. This trend raises concerns about the long-term impact on human skill development when AI performs work traditionally used for training.
Webinar to Detail Engineering Multipole Resonances in Dielectric Metasurfaces with COMSOL
A webinar will present how COMSOL Multiphysics software, combined with semianalytical multipole decomposition, can be used to engineer multipole resonances in dielectric metasurfaces. This method allows for the control of absorption, reflection, and transmission, which is relevant for applications in sensing, energy harvesting, and optical devices.
The First Battery's Origin Traced to a Disagreement Over a Dead Frog
The invention of the first battery in 1799 by Alessandro Volta stemmed from a scientific debate with Luigi Galvani regarding "animal electricity" observed in dissected frogs. This historical development laid the foundation for the modern battery industry.
IBM's Secret Cold War Code-Breaker, Harvest, Revealed as Precursor to Modern Computing
IBM developed the Harvest computer for the NSA during the Cold War, operating from 1962 to 1975 as the agency's primary cryptographic processor. This previously secret machine was 200 times faster than other computers of its era and pioneered concepts like real-time data processing, modular design, automated tape libraries, and specialized programming languages, influencing modern computing architectures.
Adaptability in Engineering: Defining and Fostering a Crucial Skill Amidst AI Boom
The AI boom has increased the need for adaptability among engineers, but universities and workplaces often fail to define or teach this skill effectively. Samantha Brunhaver, an associate professor at Arizona State University, is researching how to foster greater workplace adaptability among young engineers. This research aims to provide clarity on what adaptability means in practice across different engineering disciplines.