Research Stories

Fiber computer allows apparel to run apps and “understand” the wearer

MIT researchers developed a fiber computer and networked several of them into a garment that learns to identify physical activities.

MIT spinout maps the body’s metabolites to uncover the hidden drivers of disease

ReviveMed uses AI to gather large-scale data on metabolites — molecules like lipids, cholesterol, and sugar — to match patients with therapeutics.

Engineers enable a drone to determine its position in the dark and indoors

A new low-power system using radio frequency waves takes a major step toward autonomous, indoor drone navigation.

Creating smart buildings with privacy-first sensors

Butlr, founded by former Media Lab researchers, uses insights from thermal sensors to make buildings safe and efficient.

How telecommunications cables can image the ground beneath us

By making use of MIT’s existing fiber optic infrastructure, PhD student Hilary Chang imaged the ground underneath campus, a method that can be used to characterize seismic hazards.

MIT engineers help multirobot systems stay in the safety zone

New research could improve the safety of drone shows, warehouse robots, and self-driving cars.

Expanding robot perception

Associate Professor Luca Carlone is working to give robots a more human-like awareness of their environment.

Tiny, wireless antennas use light to monitor cellular communication

As part of a high-resolution biosensing device without wires, the antennas could help researchers decode intricate electrical signals sent by cells.

Startup’s autonomous drones precisely track warehouse inventories

Corvus Robotics, founded by Mohammed Kabir ’21, is using drones that can navigate in GPS-denied environments to expedite inventory management.

A new method to detect dehydration in plants

Sensors developed by SMART researchers are capable of detecting pH changes in plant xylem enable farmers to detect drought stress up to 48 hours before visible physical symptoms manifest.