Manipulation Technology Research Articles

A hybrid gripper with electro-adhesive film for variable friction

In recent years, gripper technology has gained attention in robotics for reliably handling objects with delicate and complex shapes. Electro-adhesive grippers, in particular, have received significant attention due to their role in enhancing object grasping and manipulation capabilities. While much of the existing research has focused on improving electro-adhesion through advancements in EA film and nanoparticle modifications, this study takes a different approach by integrating electro-adhesion as an auxiliary function within a mechanical gripper. This integration allows for a novel hybrid gripper that uses electro-adhesive force to reduce the required normal force during gripping, thereby improving the handling of challenging objects. We thoroughly analyzed the gripper’s geometric design, along with its kinematic and mechanical properties. Our study also examined crucial performance parameters, such as nanoparticle content, composition, and electrode design, to optimize the generation and maintenance of electro-adhesion. To confirm performance, the developed gripper was affixed to a UR3 robotic manipulator from Universal Robotics, and gripping experiments on assorted objects, as well as anti-slip control experiments, were carried out. The results demonstrated that the integration of electro-adhesive force with a mechanical gripper significantly enhances gripping capability, particularly in terms of slip control and friction variation. This indicates that the Electro-Adhesive (EA) film hybrid gripper presents a novel and effective approach to advancing gripping and manipulation technologies.

Acoustofluidic Tweezers Integrated with Droplet Sensing Enable Multifunctional Closed-Loop Droplet Manipulation.

Droplet manipulation technologies with surface acoustic waves attract significant attention for applications in fluid handling and bioanalysis. However, existing technologies face challenges in automation, precision, and functional integration, limiting broader applications. In this work, a highly integrated droplet-sensing acoustofluidic tweezer is developed, incorporating orthogonally arranged slanted finger interdigital transducers and a custom-designed control and detection circuit system. Using a single acoustic device, this tweezer enables switchable acoustic droplet manipulation and detection, providing multifunctional closed-loop manipulation of on-chip microliter-scale droplets. The platform takes advantage of the wideband frequency response characteristics of the transducers, along with an automated droplet detection algorithm, enabling high-precision detection of central positions, edge positions, contact diameters, and the number of droplets. With this feedback, automated closed-loop control of various droplet manipulation functions, including transportation, merging, mixing, splitting, and internal particle enrichment, is achieved for the first time on a single acoustic platform. This significantly enhances the precision, efficiency, and fault tolerance of the manipulation process. This droplet-sensing acoustofluidic tweezer provides an innovative acoustic solution for droplet manipulation technologies in fields such as fluid processing and biosensing, demonstrating significant application potential.

Discrete Fourier Transform in Unmasking Deepfake Images: A Comparative Study of StyleGAN Creations

This study proposes a novel forgery detection method based on the analysis of frequency components of images using the Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT). In recent years, face manipulation technologies, particularly Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), have advanced to such an extent that their misuse, such as creating deepfakes indistinguishable to human observers, has become a significant societal concern. We reviewed two GAN architectures, StyleGAN and StyleGAN2, generating synthetic faces that were compared with real faces from the FFHQ and CelebA-HQ datasets. The key results demonstrate classification accuracies above 99%, with F1 scores of 99.94% for Support Vector Machines and 97.21% for Random Forest classifiers. These findings underline the fact that performing frequency analysis presents a superior approach to deepfake detection compared to traditional spatial detection methods. It provides insight into subtle manipulation cues in digital images and offers a scalable way to enhance security protocols amid rising digital impersonation threats.

Sustainable development as the basis of a strong and long-term peace

The purpose of this paper is to suggest some ways and mechanisms for creating long-term peace based on sustainable development of the world and the purpose of the work is to develop recommendations aimed at counteracting the emergence of dictatorial regimes that were legitimately established. Five common features of such dictators have been identified, namely: coming to power in a legitimate way, using manipulative technologies, openly declaring their aggressive intentions, gradually implementing their aggressive intentions, creating a military potential with the active participation of developed countries, including those with established democracies. The reasons for the creation of dictatorial regimes are substantiated, namely: the imperfection of electoral legislation, excessive conservatism of legislation, insufficient determination and timeliness of countering the strengthening of dictatorships, “national egoism”, the unscrupulousness of dictators in their foreign and domestic policies. It was determined that in order to actively oppose dictatorial regimes, it is necessary to: improve the system of elections to the highest positions and to the legislative bodies of the state, put a strong barrier against manipulative technologies and fakes, through the improvement and effective application of international legislation with the involvement of artificial intelligence, determine the strategy of relations with dictators in all directions in advance: economic, diplomatic, sports, scientific and technical, etc., establish the scope of relations in direct proportion to the index of democracy in a country with an authoritarian regime and, in order to prevent negative consequences on the economy and social condition of the society of one’s country, determine and carefully regulate import and export activities. It is proposed to start an indicator of the effectiveness of the head of state and an internal truth index of the head of state, as well as measures for moral stimulation of heads of state. As a result of the study, two root causes of threats to the existence of humanity were additionally identified, which directly affect the formation of dictatorial regimes. 1) The emergence on the basis of modern information technologies of a powerful system of manipulative technologies, the use of which leads to the power of future dictators. 2) Belated opposition of the democratic world to the formation of dictatorships. This is expressed in condescension to the initial illegal actions of future dictators, uncontrolled cooperation in the economic, political and humanitarian spheres. Two key mechanisms for achieving sustainable development and long-term peace are proposed.

A multimodal rotational acoustic manipulation device for hydrophilic/hydrophobic floating and submerged particles

Rotational acoustic manipulation technology offers precise control of particle motion, making it advantageous for applications in microfluidics, biomedicine, materials research, and so on. Current advanced techniques that use acoustic waves to rotate particles include microstructure vibration, microbubble oscillation, and acoustic holography. Although these methods have achieved some success in rotational acoustic manipulation, they face challenges such as limited types of particles, complex device fabrication, and single-mode manipulation. To address these issues, this study proposes a novel rotational acoustic manipulation device based on traveling wave acoustic fields. The traveling wave acoustic field is achieved by planning the vibration modes of the vibrational source. In this study, a ring-shaped piezoelectric ceramic with four-quadrant dual polarization is designed to excite two orthogonal B11 bending vibration modes of the vibrator. By adjusting the phase difference of the excitation signals, these two B11 bending vibration modes can be coupled into either clockwise or counterclockwise traveling wave vibration modes, thereby establishing unidirectional rotating traveling waves in the water within the PDMS ring. The PDMS ring features an open structure, meeting the requirements for manipulating both floating and submerged particles. The performance of the proposed acoustic manipulation device is validated and analyzed through experiments with hollow glass particles, hollow polystyrene particles, and solid polystyrene particles. The results demonstrate that the proposed acoustic manipulation device can achieve precise fixed-point self-rotation and regional revolution manipulation of particles, regardless of their floating, submerged, hydrophilic, or hydrophobic properties. This indicates the high universality and robustness of the device, making it applicable for the manipulation of various types of particles. Overall, this study introduces a novel acoustic manipulation method for particle rotation, providing strong support for the development and application of acoustic manipulation devices in diverse fields.

ADVANCEMENTS IN REGENERATIVE MEDICINE: PRESENT APPROACHES, EMERGING STRATEGIES, AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVES

Background: Regenerative medicine is an evolving field with tremendous promise for treating various diseases and medical conditions. This innovative discipline encompasses various techniques, including the utilization of stem cells, tissue engineering, and gene therapy, to effectively regenerate or replace damaged tissues and organs. The rapid advancements in regenerative medicine over recent years have created new hope for patients who face otherwise untreatable conditions, showcasing the fields potential to transform healthcare. Objectives: The primary objective of this article is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of regenerative medicine. By delving into recent advancements and emerging technologies, this article aims to highlight the various FDA-approved therapies that have been developed to treat diverse pathologies. Additionally, it seeks to identify future directions for research and application within this dynamic field, ensuring that readers are informed about the latest breakthroughs and potential developments. Findings: To date, regenerative medicine has resulted in numerous FDA-approved therapies that target various pathologies. Extensive research has led to the creation of sophisticated grafts that leverage advanced scaffolding materials and cutting-edge cell manipulation technologies. These innovations allow for precise control over cell behavior and enhance tissue repair mechanisms. Strategies such as the controlled release of growth factors and vascular cell seeding are currently being developed to improve graft integration with both the host vasculature and the nervous system. Furthermore, there are ongoing efforts to stimulate and enhance the bodys healing response through immune system modulation, alongside the development of new cell sources for transplantation to address the persistent challenge of limited cell supply. Significance: The significance of regenerative medicine lies in its transformative potential to revolutionize the treatment of conditions that have long been deemed incurable. By providing insights into the advancements in graft technology, cell sourcing, and integration strategies, this article underscores the ultimate promise of regenerative medicine as a vital area of research. The findings and discussions presented here not only illuminate the current landscape but also pave the way for future innovations that could lead to groundbreakingtherapies, enhancing the quality of life for countless patients worldwide.[1][2].This article provides an overview and insights into the current state of the development of regenerative medicine and its various potential guiding into future directions.

Power Micromachines With Light

AbstractOptical manipulation technology encompasses a suite of micromanipulation techniques that employ light to control and actuate microscopic objects. As a valuable scientific tool, optical manipulation technology is employed by researchers to investigate fundamental biological processes, examine the mechanics of microstructures, and develop innovative technologies with applications in diagnostics, imaging, and micro‐scale manufacturing. The rapid development of optical manipulation technology, combined with advanced microfabrication techniques, has catalyzed the emergence of a burgeoning research domain termed optically‐driven micromachinery. This rapidly expanding field has garnered significant research interest in recent years, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across advanced manufacturing, materials science, biotechnology, and micro‐electromechanical systems. The capability to optically manipulate and control micromachines also opens new avenues for the development of advanced tools, sensors, and devices with enhanced functionalities, enabling the accomplishment of tasks previously considered impossible. This review presents a systematic overview of two important optical micromanipulation technologies, optical tweezers and optoelectronic tweezers, with focus on their applications in the field of optically‐driven micromachinery. A comparative analysis of optical tweezers and optoelectronic tweezers is conducted, accompanied by a discussion on strategies to further enhance their performance, paving the way for the development of more advanced and powerful optically‐driven micromachinery in the future.

A Review on Plant-microbe Interactions and its Defence Mechanism

Plant-microbe interactions are fundamental to plant health, growth, and defense, influencing agricultural productivity and ecosystem dynamics. These interactions range from symbiotic relationships, such as those with mycorrhizal fungi and nitrogen-fixing bacteria, to pathogenic encounters that trigger complex plant immune responses. Beneficial microbes, including rhizobacteria, mycorrhizae, and endophytes, play a crucial role in enhancing plant defenses through mechanisms like induced systemic resistance (ISR) and production of antimicrobial compounds. Advances in our understanding of these interactions have enabled the development of innovative strategies for crop protection, such as the use of biocontrol agents and microbial inoculants. Additionally, plant breeding and genetic engineering have been employed to introduce resistance genes and modify plant immune responses, resulting in disease-resistant varieties. However, harnessing plant-microbe interactions for sustainable agriculture faces challenges due to the complexity of these interactions in natural environments and the influence of abiotic factors. Limitations in research methodologies, such as difficulties in isolating and studying unculturable microbes, further complicate the translation of findings into practical applications. To overcome these barriers, future research should focus on integrating multi-omics approaches, employing synthetic microbial communities (SynComs), and leveraging CRISPR/Cas technologies for precise manipulation of plant and microbial genes. Microbiome engineering holds promise for promoting beneficial microbial communities, improving plant resilience, and reducing chemical inputs in agriculture. Addressing these challenges will be critical for realizing the full potential of plant-microbe interactions, ultimately contributing to sustainable crop production, improved food security, and ecosystem health. This review highlights current advances, applications, and future directions in the study of plant-microbe interactions, emphasizing their significance for modern agriculture.

Stable Droplet Manipulation in Multiple Directions on a Magnetically Responsive Micropillar Array Surface

AbstractDroplets constitute an essential discrete form of liquids and are prevalent in both natural and industrial fields. Droplet manipulation technologies have broad application prospects in various fields, including biomedical devices, chemical engineering, water collection, and so on. The manipulation of surfaces with magnetic responsiveness has emerged as a pivotal technique in droplet control owing to its flexibility and precision in remote operations. In this study, the dynamic rolling behavior of low‐surface‐tension working fluids and water droplets on a superhydrophobic magnetically responsive micropillar array (SMMA) is investigated, with a focus on the mechanisms that generate instabilities during the directional rolling motion of droplets. The factors influencing these instabilities are studied using data analysis. Moreover, techniques for capturing and releasing droplets are investigated, offering significant insights into the efficient handling of minute amounts of liquids in experiments and the automation of intricate chemical processes.

Media Text: Technology of Influence on the Audience

The article focuses on the analysis of media texts as tools for influencing public opinion and behavior. It examines key concepts of media texts, their components, as well as manipulation technologies used to shape audience attitudes and beliefs. The study explores methods of emotional and rational influence employed in media texts, such as fact selection, framing, stereotyping, and context omission. It also addresses the issues of fake news and disinformation, which have become increasingly relevant in the digital age. The conclusion highlights the importance of critical media literacy in successfully countering manipulative media content. In the context of globalization and digitalization, the role of media texts in public life is growing, and their ability to impact audiences has become an important subject of analysis. The main goal of this article is to analyze the mechanisms through which media texts influence audiences and to identify key technologies used for manipulating consciousness.

Spatial momentum separation for optical vortex via phase-assembled metasurfaces

Expanding the spatial degrees of freedom is regarded to be the most innovative and effective solution for optical vortex encoding/decoding technology. A phase-assembled metasurface is proposed here to separate the momentum of the optical vortex into different spatial locations, and the incident high-order optical vortex is encoded in 18 channels. By combining both the propagation phase and the Pancharatnam-Berry (PB) phase, the fundamental Gaussian mode (solid spot) positions and other higher-order orbital angular momentum modes (hollow mode spots) positions at different channels are used to achieve the encryption of all-optical information. The scheme of grouping the mode spots on different channels into solid and hollow points greatly reduces the difficulty of encoding/decoding a high-order optical vortex. In this way, the combination of 2 incident high-order optical vortexes can represent 256 hexadecimal numbers from 00 to FF. We envision this work will open avenues for information encryption, multidimensional data storage, wavefront manipulation, and advanced orbital angular momentum detection technologies.

Factors of the growing role of mass communication as a tool for shaping political consciousness in the modern world

The article is dedicated to the study of the factors contributing to the increasing influence of mass media on the formation of political consciousness in modern society. In the context of globalization and digitalization, mass media have become key instruments in shaping public opinion, political preferences, and mobilizing various forms of socio-political activity. The paper analyzes the key technological, sociocultural, political, and economic factors that directly or indirectly determine the influence of mass media on political processes and societal consciousness. Special attention is given to the role of algorithms in the selection and presentation of information, including the impact of external factors on content, as well as challenges related to the spread of disinformation and manipulative technologies. The article also explores the phenomenon of the mediatization of politics and the self-referential nature of mass media, which contribute to the formation of a specific public space and changes in political communication. The problems of global media influence, which tend to unify information flows and blur cultural and political differences between countries, are also analyzed. The conclusions emphasize the importance of ensuring transparency, independence, and diversity of mass media to support democratic processes, strengthen civil society, and prevent information manipulation in the modern world.

An efficient identity-preserving and fast-converging hybrid generative adversarial network inversion framework

In this paper, we present a novel Hybrid Generative Adversarial Network (HGAN) inversion framework that enables facial images to be rapidly inverted while preserving identity and personality characteristics. Accurate inversion of facial images requires high precision in computer vision and is critical to the success of future facial manipulations (age progression, regression, accessory, and hair stylization). However, existing methods often fail to preserve the personality characteristics of the real image, negatively affecting the accuracy of manipulations. In this context, our key contribution lies in using a transformer-based strategy to initiate the generator, which effectively models spatial relationships for detailed image processing. This approach is innovative because it leverages transformer structures to enhance image inversion tasks. Additionally, we introduce a novel loss function to enhance convergence speed and reliability, ensuring high accuracy in identity and personality trait preservation. Experimental results show that our method achieves a reconstruction accuracy of 93% and improves inversion time by 86%. This advancement could significantly impact facial manipulation technologies, laying the foundation for a technological breakthrough with potential applications in secure digital authentication systems and personal data protection. Our method may have a significant impact on privacy and security in future studies, contributing to the development of secure digital authentication systems and enhancing the protection of personal data. Therefore, our work is crucial for advancing the field of facial image manipulation and ensuring the privacy and security of personal data.

DNA Mechanics: From Single Stranded to Self-Assembled.

DNA encodes genetic information and forms various structural conformations with distinct physical, chemical, and biological properties. Over the past 30 years, advancements in force manipulation technology have enabled the precise manipulation of DNA at nanometer and piconewton resolutions. This mini-review discusses these force manipulation techniques for exploring the mechanical properties of DNA at the single-molecule level. We summarize the distinct mechanical features of different DNA forms while considering the impact of the force geometry. We highlight the role of DNA mechanics in origami structures that serve as self-assembled building blocks or mechanically responsive/active nanomachines. Accordingly, we emphasize how DNA mechanics are integral to the functionality of origami structures for achieving mechanical capabilities. Finally, we provide an outlook on the intrinsic mechanical properties of DNA, from single stranded to self-assembled higher-dimensional structures. This understanding is expected to inspire new design strategies in DNA mechanics, paving the way for innovative applications and technologies.

Progress on SOX9 and its enhancers in mammalian sex determination.

The sex determination in mammals refers to the development of an initial bipotential organ, termed the bipotential gonad/genital ridge, into either a testis or an ovary at the early stages of embryonic development, under the precise regulation of transcription factors. SOX9 (SRY-box transcription factor 9) is a multifunctional transcription factor in mammalian development and plays a critical role in sex determination and subsequent male reproductive organs development. Recent studies have shown that several enhancers upstream of SOX9 also play an important role in the process of sex determination. In this review, we summarize the progress on the role of SOX9 and its gonadal enhancers in sex determination. This review will facilitate to understand the regulatory mechanism of sex determination of SOX9 and provides a theoretical basis for the further development of animal sex manipulation technologies.

Robotic technologies for in-orbit assembly of a large aperture space telescope: A review

Space telescopes have been instrumental in enlightening our understanding of the universe, from the iconic Hubble Space Telescope to specialized instruments like Chandra and Kepler. Pushing the frontiers of cosmic exploration, the future of space exploration hinges on modular Large Aperture Space Telescopes (LAST), much larger than the recently launched 6.5 m James Webb Space Telescope, necessitating robotic assembly in orbit. This paper introduces a paradigm shift in astronomical observation by featuring robotic in-orbit assembly of a large aperture space telescope. This review paper starts by tracing the evolution of telescopes and presents a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art space telescopes. This paper then reinforces the need for LAST to address the constant clamour for higher-resolution astronomy. While current semi-autonomous robotic manipulators operate from the International Space Station, their limited walking capabilities constrain their workspace, making them unsuitable for the LAST mission. This paper presents a detailed trade-off analysis of the challenges associated with the in-orbit assembly of LAST using candidate robots to understand the technological gaps. Further, the evolution of space robotic manipulators is presented, highlighting design features, advantages, and drawbacks for in-orbit spacecraft servicing and assembly missions. To tackle design and modelling challenges for robotic systems in space, amidst the various perturbations in the extreme space environment, linear and non-linear control systems necessary for achieving ultra-high precision performance are also discussed. This paper advances the walking space manipulator technology by introducing the next generation of walking space manipulators – the End-Over-End Walking Robot (E-Walker). The dexterous and modular design of the E-Walker makes it an ideal candidate for missions involving assembly, manufacturing, servicing, and maintenance.

Engineering ideal helical topological networks in stanene via Zn decoration

The xene family of topological insulators plays a key role in many proposals for topological electronic, spintronic, and valleytronic devices. These proposals rely on applying local perturbations, including electric fields and proximity magnetism, to induce topological phase transitions in xenes. However, these techniques lack control over the geometry of interfaces between topological regions, a critical aspect of engineering topological devices. We propose adatom decoration as a method for engineering atomically precise topological edge modes in xenes. Our first-principles calculations show that decorating stanene with Zn adatoms exclusively on one of two sublattices induces a topological phase transition from the quantum spin Hall (QSH) to quantum valley Hall (QVH) phase and confirm the existence of spin-valley polarized edge modes propagating at QSH/QVH interfaces. We conclude by discussing technological applications of these edge modes that are enabled by the atomic precision afforded by recent advances in adatom manipulation technology.

Experimental research on the horizontally getting together behaviors of acoustically manipulated bi-particle

This study aims at the controllability of acoustically manipulated non-contact aggregation of bi-particle. Based on the acoustic wave radiation model of the transducer and the acoustic wave interference theory, the mathematical model between the spatial levitation point and the phase of the phased array ultrasonic array unit is established. A double-sided phased array test system was developed and the phase calculation algorithm for independently manipulating bi-particle was optimized. The algorithm is capable of independently distributing the energy applied to each levitation point. Through simulation and experiment, the horizontally aggregation characteristics of two levitated particles are investigated, and a interesting relationship between particles aggregation and standing wave phase difference is revealed, which follows the law of “attraction in the same phase but repulsion in the opposite phase”. By adjusting the tilt angle of the standing wave acoustic trap, the critical distance when particles to accelerate and collision is sharply reduced from 1.5λ to 0.5λ, which provides a new perspective and potential application path for acoustic manipulation technology.

Utilizing machine learning and bioinformatics analysis to identify drought-responsive genes affecting yield in foxtail millet

Drought stress is a major constraint on crop development, potentially causing huge yield losses and threatening global food security. Improving Crop's stress tolerance is usually associated with a yield penalty. One way to balance yield and stress tolerance is modification specific gene by emerging precision genome editing technology. However, our knowledge of yield-related drought-tolerant genes is still limited. Foxtail millet (Setaria italica) has a remarkable tolerance to drought and is considered to be a model C4 crop that is easy to engineer. Here, we have identified 46 drought-responsive candidate genes by performing a machine learning-based transcriptome study on two drought-tolerant and two drought-sensitive foxtail millet cultivars. A total of 12 important drought-responsive genes were screened out by principal component analysis and confirmed experimentally by qPCR. Significantly, by investigating the haplotype of these genes based on 1844 germplasm resources, we found two genes (Seita.5G251300 and Seita.8G036300) exhibiting drought-tolerant haplotypes that possess an apparent advantage in 1000 grain weight and main panicle grain weight without penalty in grain weight per plant. These results demonstrate the potential of Seita.5G251300 and Seita.8G036300 for breeding drought-tolerant high-yielding foxtail millet. It provides important insights for the breeding of drought-tolerant high-yielding crop cultivars through genetic manipulation technology.

Reconfigurability-Encoded Hierarchical Rectifiers for Versatile 3D Liquid Manipulation.

Manipulating small-volume liquids is crucial in natural processes and industrial applications. However, most liquid manipulation technologies involve complex energy inputs or non-adjustable wetting gradient surfaces. Here, a simple and adjustable 3D liquid manipulation paradigm is reported to control liquid behaviors by coupling liquid-air-solid interfacial energy with programmable magnetic fields. This paradigm centers around a hierarchical rectifier with magnetized microratchets, using Laplace pressure asymmetry to enable multimodal directional steering of various surface tension liquids (23-72 mN m-1). The scale-dependent effect in microratchet design shows its superiority in handling small-volume liquids across three orders of magnitude (100-103 µL). Under programmed magnetic fields, the rectifier can reconfigure its morphology to harness interfacial energy to exhibit richer liquid behaviors without dynamic real-time control. Reconfigured rectifiers show improved rectification performance in the inertia-dominant fluid regime, i.e., a remarkable 2000-fold increase in the critical Weber number for pure ethanol. Moreover, the rectifier's switchable reconfigurations offer flexible control over liquid transport directions and spatiotemporally controllable 3D liquid manipulation reminiscent of inchworm motions. This scalable liquid manipulation paradigm promotes versatile engineering and biochemistry applications, e.g., portable liquid purity testing (screening resolution <1 mN m-1), logical open-channel microfluidics, and automated chemical reactionplatforms.