They
say nature does it best, and researchers in the College of Engineering are discovering just how true this can be. They are turning to birds, bats, and butterflies for inspiration in the design of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). These devices can fly above ground to lower risks to fire fighters, reduce cost of collecting data on wildlife, and help locate lost hikers or skiers. Now, College of Engineering faculty are working hard alongside businesses, economic development organizations, and the state government to advance the technology. Read the whole story in Terra.
Category Archives: Research
ATRIAS the Robot Goes to London
The walking, running, and jumping bipedal robot, ATRIAS, is becoming more mobile by the minute and has made its way to the Royal Veterinary College at the University of London. Developed by researchers at the College of Engineering, ATRIAS has been hanging out in London with the feathered friends that inspired its design: guinea fowl, emus, and more. Similar to a bird, the robot could not be contained to the indoors and explored the English countryside. Read more about ATRIAS’s adventures in London here.
–Aynsley Eggen
Nuclear Power After Fukushima
Nuclear energy has grown in popularity over the years due to its low-carbon footprint, reliable energy supply, and upstanding safety reports. Yet public perception of the energy source got a little shaky after the March 2011 earthquake in Japan damaged a nuclear power station, resulting in a leak of radioactive nucleotides onto the shore and into the ocean. As the world was second-guessing nuclear power, victims, the media, and researchers alike turned to an institution on the forefront of researching the increased dependability and safety of nuclear power: Oregon State University.
Read the whole story by Kathryn Higley in Terra.
–Chelsi Rayford
OSU Professor Invents Something Good Enough for the Big Screen
With flat screen TVs being a multi-billion dollar industry, John Wager, Oregon State professor of electrical and computer engineering, was headed in the right direction when he developed specialized transistor to make clear display screens a reality. With the transistors now being licensed by some big names, the next step is how to manufacture these fancy TVs and create less waste in the process. View the whole story here.
–Chelsi Rayford
Oregon State Researchers Collaborate to Build Ocean Lander
Scientists at the College of Engineering and the College of Earth, Oceanic, and Atmospheric Sciences are developing a cutting-edge ocean lander, an autonomous vehicle that will descend to the sea floor to collect valuable geophysical data. Roberto Albertani, professor in the School of Mechanical, Industrial, and Manufacturing Engineering, is spearheading an important part of the lander: the shield, which will protect the vehicle, provide stability, and ensure proper buoyancy as it dives up to 4,000 meters to the ocean floor. Continue reading