Mechanical engineering

Catching some rays — lots of themNew MIT design for a metamaterial could be far more efficient at capturing sunlight than existing solar cells.

Sometimes the quickest path is not a straight lineNew methods and software developed at MIT can predict optimal paths for automated underwater vehicles.

The helperSenior puts engineering skills, desire to serve toward improving the lives of disadvantaged and marginalized populations.

They’re mastering manufacturingA distinctive MIT program trains engineers and managers who want to build careers on the leading edge of industrial production.

Rolling in the chipIn a new microchip, cells separate by rolling away.

Making droplets drop fasterNew nanopatterned surfaces could improve the efficiency of powerplants and desalination systems.

A new twist on nanowiresTechnology developed at MIT can control the composition and structure of these tiny wires as they grow.

MIT team promotes prostate cancer prognosis toolGroup is a semifinalist in MIT $100K Entrepreneurship Competition

Five MIT engineers named to National Academy of EngineeringSeveral Institute alumni also among 66 new members announced today.

New tool for analyzing solar-cell materialsWebsite offers a way of optimizing solar cell materials and production.

How spider webs achieve their strengthIt’s not just the strength of the silk itself, a new study finds; the silk’s way of stretching and the structure of the whole web help it resist damage.

Here comes the sunA new sunflower-inspired pattern increases concentrated solar efficiency.

Up, down and all aroundOne MIT senior traveled the planet’s most remote areas before landing at the Institute, where he now works on engineering better thermoelectric devices.

Kaitlyn Nealon named to Capital One Academic All-America Women's Soccer TeamSophomore defender becomes fourth player in the history of the women's soccer program to earn honor.

The new NSE strategyStrengthens core, opens boundaries; seeks better integration of technical and societal issues.

Living cells say: Can you hear me now?Researchers find that cells’ chemical signaling includes a way to tell whether signals are being received or not.

Helping robots hold onMIT researchers design a ‘controllable adhesion system’ for underwater robots.

Going with the flowBiomimetic pressure sensors help guide oceangoing vessels.

Navigating blindfoldedAdvanced mathematical techniques enable AUVs to survey large, complex and cluttered seascapes.

AUVs: From idea to implementationOne day, researchers predict, these robots will be able to do tasks without a human in the loop.

Highly efficient oxygen catalyst foundNew catalyst, made of inexpensive and abundant materials, could prove useful in rechargeable batteries and hydrogen-fuel production.

Where the wind blowsHow far can wind power go toward reducing global carbon emissions from electricity production?

A new approach to solar powerHybrid solar-thermoelectric systems could provide advantages over conventional solar cells or solar thermal plants.

Tiny stamps for tiny sensorsNew glass stamp may make cheaper, more precise biosensors.

Bristly particles could be boon for powerplantsMulti-scale material may have applications in heat transfer, potentially helping powerplants be more efficient.

Smooth sailing for Alicia Lenis, LGO ’13A Q&A on how the shipping industry is timely and exciting.

American made?MIT forum examines the role of manufacturing in rebuilding the economy.

Printing off the paperMIT research continues to push the boundaries of the burgeoning technology of 3-D printing.