Robotic Sensor Identifies Shapes of Crops Using Sound

Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Institute (RI) invented a tool called SonicBoom that can find crops like apples based on the sound they make. The research team used an array of six contact microphones placed inside a piece of PVC pipe. When the pipe touches an object, such as a tree branch, the microphones detect the resulting vibration. By analyzing the differences in the sound waves, the researchers were able to triangulate where the contact took place. SonicBoom can localize contacts with a precision between 0.43 and 2.2 centimeters.

The PVC pipe protects the contact microphones from damage. It also gives the appearance of a microphone boom, inspiring the name SonicBoom. Ultimately, the microphones could be installed inside a robot arm. The researchers used a data-driven machine learning module to develop the ability to map the signals from the microphones. To do so, they collected audio data from 18,000 contacts between the sensor and a wooden rod. Using the audio data, SonicBoom determines the location of hard or rigid objects. Changing its configuration should enable it to also sense less rigid objects, such as soft fruits and vegetables.

More information:

https://www.cmu.edu/news/stories/archives/2025/august/new-robotic-agricultural-sensor-could-revolutionize-farming

Wristband Hand Gestures Interaction

Meta has developed a prototype wristband that uses electromyography to detect electrical signals from forearm muscles, enabling touch-free control of digital devices. These signals, generated by alpha motor neurons before physical movement occurs, allow the device to interpret user intent.

In particular, the device operates using surface electromyography, a non-invasive way to track the electrical activity of muscles. The wristband captures the signals externally and can move cursors, open apps, or even transcribe air-written text in real time.

More information:

https://mashable.com/article/meta-research-device-wrist-control

Fully Autonomous Farm

Farms are moving toward full autonomy thanks to advances in AI, robotics, and digital tools. High costs and the lack of broadband Internet in rural areas, however, pose major obstacles.

Technologies being deployed on farms include autonomous tractors, robots and drones capable of picking fragile fruits, sensors that provide soil analysis, virtual fences to rein in livestock, and remote sensing and image analytics tools.

More information:

https://www.wsj.com/tech/autonomous-farming-ai-95657bd1

Fitbits Predict Child’s Risk of Postoperative Complications

A Fitbit a day just might help keep your post-surgery woes at bay. Research today finds that wearable data can predict children’s risk of health problems following a removed appendix. Scientists in Chicago conducted the study, which equipped over a hundred children with Fitbits after their appendectomy.

Using a specially designed algorithm, the Fitbits accurately detected whether children would develop postoperative complications, often days before they were formally diagnosed. The findings suggest that wearables can be turned into a reliable early warning system for people leaving medical care, particularly children.

More information:

https://gizmodo.com/your-fitbit-could-become-your-post-surgery-best-friend-2000626818