Artificial eyes could bring human-like sight to self-driving cars, robots

The advanced sensors and cameras that power self-driving cars struggle to adapt to changing lighting. A team of researchers, co-led by an engineer at Penn State, is taking inspiration from human biology to potentially solve this problem. Credit: Andrey Rykov/Getty Images. All Rights Reserved.

By Ty Tkacik

Although self-driving cars and sophisticated robots use advanced cameras, computer algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI) to picture their surroundings, these artificial eyes struggle to remain reliable in mixed lighting conditions. A team of researchers, co-led by an engineer from Penn State, has proposed a solution that mimics the mechanics of the human eye to adapt from bright to dark light in seconds.

New industry partnerships focus on enhancing state workforce, innovation

two people loading a sample in a lab

The Materials Characterization Lab (MCL), part of the Materials Research Institute (MRI) at Penn State, is partnering with two Pennsylvania companies to leverage the University’s shared research infrastructure for industrial innovation with practical applications and workforce training. The new projects are in collaboration with AGC Chemicals Americas and Avery Dennison, and they are funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Manufacturing PA Innovation Program.

Novel biogel may solve a hairy problem for wearable brain-monitoring systems

EEG electrodes are placed through hair during testing of a biogel designed by Penn State researchers to improve contact with the scalp for wearable brain-monitoring systems. The reusable material softens with gentle heat, reaches the skin and gels again as it cools.

By Jamie Oberdick

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — A vital tool for healthcare practitioners, electroencephalography (EEG) systems measure electrical activity in the brain through electrodes placed on the scalp, but getting reliable readings can be surprisingly difficult. Hair interferes with contact between the electrodes and skin, and the gels used to improve those connections often dry out over time, weakening signal quality.