| July 14, 2026 | Volume 22 Issue 26 |
 | Quantum dot LED lifetimes vastly improved
Limitations on the operating lifespans of quantum dot LEDs have prevented their widespread use in commercial applications, holding back the next big advance in displays. MIT and Samsung researchers have found a way to extend the lifetime of QD-LEDs dramatically.
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 | Ferrari 12Cilindri gets manual option ... sort of
When the super-slick Ferrari 12Cilindri two-seat berlinetta came out two years ago, it was hailed as an 800+-hp, 12-cylinder race-bred Italian stunner. It lacked one thing, though: a stick shift. Prancing Horse engineers have solved that by providing a new manual option, but there's nothing standard about it.
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 | New Exlar food-grade actuator
Curtiss-Wright's Actuation Division has expanded its Exlar line with hygienic electric actuators using FDA-approved materials and finishes. Designed for food, beverage, packaging, and pharmaceutical automation, the new GTF unit enables economical USDA, 3-A, BISSC, and EHEDG certification. Its IP69K washdown option, inverted roller screw, and compact servo-driven design deliver reliable, high-performance motion for hygienic machinery.
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 | Fast-cure composite for aero and defense manufacturing
Toray Composite Materials America has launched 3960-FC, a fast-cure variant of its high-performance 3960 prepreg system for mission-critical aerospace and defense applications. This material reduces cure time by up to 45% while maintaining proven mechanical performance, stiffness, and exceptional toughness. It is highly compatible with automated manufacturing technologies like AFP and ATL, as well as traditional processing methods.
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 | A new take on indexing plungers
JW Winco has expanded its extensive standard parts range with the GN 823 indexing plunger. Featuring an intuitive operating lever, it allows easy activation with a single finger, even when wearing gloves or out of sight. Available in screw-on or weldable stainless steel variants, this robust component suits both delicate installations and heavy-duty industrial applications. Available in two installation options: screw fastening or welding.
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 | Your phone is now your smartest hydraulic tool
Commissioning a proportional valve traditionally requires cables, laptops, and complex software. The new Bosch Rexroth 4WRAE valve changes that. Featuring integrated digital electronics and Bluetooth connectivity, it pairs with the "easy2connect" app. Technicians can now visualize performance, adjust settings, diagnose errors, and force solenoids directly from their phones, simplifying setup for IO-Link or analog systems.
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 | Next-gen autonomous mobile robots
OMRON Robotics' new LD-150 and LD-300 autonomous mobile robots, shipping in Q4 2026, enhance material transport by moving higher payloads -- up to 150 kg and 300 kg -- in compact footprints. These AMRs adapt dynamically without infrastructure changes, featuring speeds up to 2.1 m/s, wireless charging, 360-degree safety, and FLOW Core integration for efficient mixed-fleet management.
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| | Most popular last issue |
 | Dramatic satellite telescope rescue mission underway
An urgent space rescue operation is underway to save an orbiting NASA telescope. A three-armed, robotic spacecraft with booster power was launched last Friday to attempt the first-ever rescue of an unprepared satellite, racing against time and atmospheric drag to push the satellite back into a stable orbit.
Read the full article. |
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| | Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action | RC car sets 250-mph speed record
Get an insider look as YouTuber Steve Eng (aka British engineer Steve Wallace) pushes his design and building expertise to the limits by attempting to hit a record 250 mph with his homemade, all-electric radio-controlled (RC) Mach Reaper car. The effort included making lots of custom parts, overcoming many electronics and motor challenges, tons of on-the-fly engineering skills, using CFD for aerodynamics, and a little luck. [Credit: Screenshot courtesy of Steve Eng]
View the video. |
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