Algorithms

Portable, super-high-resolution 3-D imagingA simple new imaging system could help manufacturers inspect their products, forensics experts identify weapons and doctors identify cancers.

Clearing the decksA new planning tool helps direct traffic on aircraft carriers.

Safer skiesA new algorithm could help prevent midair collisions, which involve 10 to 12 small aircraft every year.

The math of the Rubik’s cubeNew research establishes the relationship between the number of squares in a Rubik’s-cube-type puzzle and the maximum number of moves required to solve it.

‘Smart cars’ that are actually, well, smartMechanical engineers work to develop intelligent onboard transportation systems that can prevent car crashes.

Honing household helpersMIT computer scientists work toward improving robots’ ability to plan and perform complex actions, domestically and elsewhere.

Speeding swarms of sensor robotsA new algorithm ensures that robotic environmental sensors will be able to focus on areas of interest without giving other areas short shrift.

Targeted resultsBy envisioning data as 'graphs,' MIT researchers show how to find local solutions to otherwise overwhelmingly complex problems.

No backtalkOne key to making parallel algorithms efficient is to minimize the amount of communication between cores.

Retooling algorithmsCharles Leiserson and his team are experts at designing parallel algorithms — including one for a chess-playing program that outperformed IBM’s Deep Blue.

Turning reviews into ratingsA new system automatically combs through online reviews to provide recommendations according to unusual criteria.

Breaking bottlenecksA new algorithm enables much faster dissemination of information through self-organizing networks with a few scattered choke points.

First improvement of fundamental algorithm in 10 yearsThe max-flow problem, which is ubiquitous in network analysis, scheduling, and logistics, can now be solved more efficiently than ever.

Cars as traffic sensorsA new algorithm optimizes the dissemination of information about traffic and road conditions through networks of wirelessly connected cars.