MIT engineers developed a flexible, shape-sensing sheet that digitally reconstructs its own form as it bends and twists. The sheet could be fashioned into a soft and pliable garment that a user could comfortably wear to physically control a video game character or a tele-operated robot, or to collect data during physical therapy.

The InstructMesh generative AI tool helps users 3D print working, real-world items with ease by understanding how designs should look and which edits users truly want. You can prompt the system to produce a 3D model, then ask it to edit specific parts.

“GIFT” is a new system that teaches vision-language generative AI models to produce accurate, computer-aided design (CAD) programs that can be used to simulate and test 3D objects. The method is more accurate than competing techniques, using a fraction of the computation.

A new propulsion system combines the power and speed of conventional chemical thrusters with the precision and fuel-efficiency of electrical thrusters. The system could enable small satellites capable of both fast, powerful maneuvers and slower, precise adjustments.