Category: Emerging Technologies

A recent project has explored the use of magnetic imaging technology to create a sophisticated, concealed lock mechanism. By utilizing an 8-by-8 grid of Hall-effect sensors—specifically a magnetic imaging tile designed by SparkFun—a developer was able to create a system that unlocks only when a specific, programmable magnetic gesture is performed over the sensor area.

Technology and implementation

The system relies on the tile’s ability to detect both the polarity and magnitude of a magnetic field at a high sampling rate, allowing it to capture the motion of a handheld magnet. A Teensy 4.1 microcontroller processes the input data from the SPI interface. To create the gesture-recognition capability, custom support libraries were developed to record specific motions and save them to nonvolatile storage, comparing subsequent inputs against a selectable threshold for authentication.

The physical locking mechanism consists of a wooden box modified to include a servo motor and a notched beam, which acts as the physical catch. To navigate the small sensing area—approximately 3 centimeters square—the creator used a visual reference pattern on the exterior of the box, ensuring that repeatable gestures could be accurately registered by the sensors hidden beneath the surface.

Security considerations

One primary advantage of this approach is the potential for improved physical obfuscation. Unlike traditional RFID systems, which emit signals that can be detected externally, a magnetic sensor system can be shielded behind materials like copper sheeting, which functions as a Faraday cage. This prevents unauthorized detection of the lock’s location using electromagnetic field meters.

However, the current iteration presents practical challenges for real-world deployment. The system lacks a fail-safe mechanism, meaning that if the internal battery pack were to deplete while the box is locked, the enclosure would be difficult to open without damage. Future improvements to such designs could include hidden inductive charging coils to maintain power levels. This proof-of-concept highlights how affordable sensor grids and microcontrollers are enabling more creative, DIY approaches to physical security and access control.

Source: IEEE Spectrum
Original article: https://spectrum.ieee.org/magnetic

The market for artificial intelligence-integrated hardware continues to expand with the emergence of various new wearables and gadgets designed for daily consumer use. These devices incorporate AI capabilities into compact form factors, targeting a range of personal utility and connectivity functions.

Recent highlights in this category include the Muse Charm, as well as devices marketed under names such as Bee, Friend, and Plaud. Each of these products represents a growing trend in the digital economy, where manufacturers are increasingly embedding generative AI or specialized machine learning features directly into portable hardware to facilitate user interaction and data processing.

As these technologies evolve, they signal a broader shift toward integrating AI into the physical objects consumers carry, moving beyond traditional smartphone-based AI applications to dedicated, task-specific hardware.

Source: TechCrunch
Original article: https://techcrunch.com/2026/10/25/the-hottest-ai-wearables-and-gadgets-you-should-know-about/

Nvidia CEO recently demonstrated a new line of small-scale robotic devices known as Microduck robots. The demonstration highlighted the physical capabilities of the units, which include the ability to navigate, perform somersaults, and execute simulated physical behaviors such as lying down for a “nap” in response to voice commands.

The robots are equipped with audio-responsive features that allow them to mimic sounds similar to those of familiar robotic characters. These units represent a development in consumer-facing robotics technology, showing integration between voice recognition and physical movement. Further technical specifications regarding the underlying AI or hardware platform utilized by the devices were not detailed in the initial report.

Source: TechCrunch
Original article: https://techcrunch.com/2026/10/23/hottest-toy-for-christmas-nvidia-ceo-plays-with-adorable-microduck-robots-20000-sell/

For many engineers, the focus remains firmly on the technical bench. However, Preethi Ashwath, an analog integrated circuit designer at Analog Devices, has embraced a broader role by bringing technical expertise to the consumer-facing side of product development. Recognized for her work in mixed-signal circuit design, Ashwath currently focuses on the development of hearables and wearable health-monitoring devices.

The intersection of analog design and consumer needs

In her role at the Wilmington, Massachusetts-based company, Ashwath specializes in designing electrostatic discharge (ESD) pad rings. These structures are critical for protecting microchips from electrical discharges that could cause latent defects or field failures. Her work requires a deep understanding of device physics and the intricate integration of analog circuits with digital logic blocks.

Ashwath’s transition toward public-facing roles began at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), where she demonstrated new earbuds capable of tracking heart and lung health through vibrations in the ear canal. According to Ashwath, the ear provides a high-quality location for capturing vital signs, though extracting these signals from environmental and physical noise remains a fundamental challenge that relies on precise analog front-end design.

Community contribution and professional development

Beyond her contributions to consumer health technology, Ashwath is an active member of the IEEE Circuits and Systems Society. She views her participation in industry events—including presentations on A2B Automotive Audio Bus technology and smart glasses solutions—as an essential skill for modern engineers. She notes that her ability to explain technical concepts to diverse audiences has become a vital part of her contribution to the field.

In 2024, Analog Devices recognized Ashwath with an Impact Award for her cross-functional project contributions. Outside her primary duties, she serves as a peer reviewer for several IEEE conferences, including the International Symposium on Circuits and Systems. By bridging the gap between industry practice and academic research, Ashwath continues to balance her technical responsibilities with active community engagement, emphasizing that continuous learning is a requirement for professionals in the evolving semiconductor industry.

Source: IEEE Spectrum
Original article: https://spectrum.ieee.org/preethi-ashwath-chip-designer

For many engineers, the prospect of visiting Capitol Hill to influence federal policy can seem daunting. However, through organized initiatives like IEEE-USA’s Congressional Visits Day, technical professionals are increasingly finding that they have a valuable role to play in shaping legislative outcomes. Nikhil Jathar, a software engineer and CTO of AvanSaber, discovered that while the initial objective is often to support broad organizational goals—such as funding for smart grids, Department of Energy research, or STEM education—the most effective advocacy involves providing clear, authoritative technical expertise.

The importance of clarity and preparation

Congressional staff emphasize that effective advocacy requires clarity. When meeting with legislators or their staff, experts are encouraged to present specific, actionable requests, such as cosponsoring legislation, providing funding for research, or seeking technical rule clarifications. Congressional staffers, who often manage heavy workloads across various policy domains, value visits from constituents who arrive prepared with succinct, jargon-free presentations and, when appropriate, simple visual aids.

Aligning technical expertise with policy interests

By their second visit to Washington, D.C., Jathar found that he could move beyond pre-scripted talking points to share personal expertise. When asked by a congressional staffer about the impact of artificial intelligence on software development, Jathar was able to discuss his work with open-source business-management software and the role of the open-source movement in democratizing AI development. This type of exchange is highly valued by legislative offices, as it bridges the gap between high-level policy goals and the reality of technological implementation.

Navigating the lobbying landscape

Advocacy for engineers is distinct from professional lobbying, which is governed by the Lobbying Disclosure Act and typically involves paid representatives. Organizations like IEEE provide structure for their members, ensuring that visits remain within the legal bounds of advocacy. While there is a trade-off in representing organizational priorities rather than personal ones, the institutional backing of a professional society often grants advocates greater access to congressional offices that are otherwise pressed for time.

Ultimately, experts who build trust by offering well-reasoned, evidence-based perspectives are more likely to influence the policy-making process. As legislative staff work to balance diverse interests, they seek out those who can provide clarity on complex technical issues, turning engineers into essential participants in the federal legislative cycle.

Source: IEEE Spectrum
Original article: https://spectrum.ieee.org/engineers-lobbying-congress

IEEE Life Fellow Manfred “Fred” J. Schindler has been elected as the 2027 IEEE president-elect. Following his term as president-elect, he is set to begin serving as the organization’s president on January 1, 2028. Schindler secured the position with 16,421 votes, surpassing the 13,874 votes cast for Senior Member David Alan Koehler.

Strategic priorities

Schindler has outlined three primary objectives for his tenure as president-elect. He intends to strengthen the organization’s connection with industry by coordinating cross-geographic and cross-disciplinary events aimed at revitalizing professional activities, with a specific focus on young professionals. Furthermore, he plans to champion the modernization of IEEE’s digital infrastructure to replace manual processes with updated interfaces. Finally, he aims to prioritize technological advancement to support future generations by bolstering existing programs and initiatives.

As of the time of the announcement, the election results remain unofficial pending the formal acceptance of the IEEE Teller’s Committee report by the IEEE Board of Directors, which is scheduled for November.

Background and experience

A specialist in microwave semiconductor technology, Schindler is currently an independent consultant providing technical expertise and project management services. His career includes leadership roles as the CTO of Anlotek and as a director at Qorvo and the Boston design center of RFMD. Additionally, he held positions as an applications manager at IBM, an engineering manager at ATN Microwave, and a lab manager at Raytheon. Throughout his career, he has focused on the development of microwave integrated-circuit technology, contributing numerous publications and holding 11 patents.

Schindler is a veteran IEEE volunteer with over 30 years of service. His leadership experience within the organization includes serving as the 2024 vice president of IEEE Technical Activities, 2021–2022 Division IV director, and president of the IEEE Microwave Theory and Technology Society (MTTS) in 2003. He has also been recognized with multiple awards, including the MTTS 2018 Distinguished Service Award and the 2015 N. Walter Cox Award.

Source: IEEE Spectrum
Original article: https://spectrum.ieee.org/schindler-2027-ieee-president-elect

A newly released white paper examines the evolution of urban infrastructure, detailing how the integration of edge AI and physical AI can transition cities from passive monitoring to cognitive urban systems. The document outlines how infrastructure can move beyond simply gathering data to actively sensing, reasoning, and responding to real-time conditions.

The paper highlights how edge AI supports the requirements of modern urban environments by enabling low-latency decision-making. By processing data locally, these systems keep sensitive information within city boundaries and reduce reliance on centralized cloud infrastructure. This tiered edge architecture distributes tasks across far edge, regional, and cloud layers, necessitating specific requirements for hardware and software durability, security, and interoperability.

Technologically, the shift to cognitive cities relies on a combination of computer vision, multimodal sensing, and generative and agentic systems. These technologies are applied across diverse urban sectors, including public safety, mobility, and general infrastructure management. According to the publication, the ability of these systems to reason and act is what fundamentally distinguishes a cognitive city from a traditional smart city model that primarily focuses on monitoring.

Source: content.knowledgehub.wiley.com
Original article: https://content.knowledgehub.wiley.com/edge-ai-for-smart-cities-from-real-time-insights-to-cognitive-urban-systems/?utm_source=IEEE

A recently released white paper examines the engineering challenges associated with achieving professional athletic motion in humanoid robots. The document, intended for roboticists and control engineers, focuses on the decoupling of motion planning and motion tracking as a method to maintain athletic style while ensuring reliable task performance.

One of the primary difficulties in humanoid ball-sports robotics is the trade-off between replicating the fluid motion style of a professional athlete and maintaining high-level performance accuracy. To address this, the paper advocates for the separation of a high-level motion planner from a low-level tracker. This approach allows developers to reconstruct, retarget, and physically correct motion data—extracted from broadcast videos or motion-capture recordings—into reference motions that a humanoid robot can track safely.

The research further explores the 'sim-to-real' transition, where robots often encounter compounding tracking errors. To mitigate these issues, the authors propose training trackers on randomized execution speeds, combined with a learned motion-speed adapter integrated into the high-level planner. According to the document, this framework improves robustness when moving from a virtual environment to physical hardware.

This adaptive approach has been validated across two humanoid platforms. The research highlights the effectiveness of the system in scenarios such as full-size, in-the-wild serving, which was performed without the aid of external motion-capture infrastructure. The white paper provides a comprehensive overview of these control strategies and the necessity of adaptive, speed-aware systems for real-world robotics deployment.

Source: content.knowledgehub.wiley.com
Original article: https://content.knowledgehub.wiley.com/learning-to-play-like-a-pro-adaptive-motion-planning-and-tracking-for-humanoid-robots/

Pasadena-based technology startup Oratomic has secured $775 million in funding. The company, which emerged from stealth in March 2026, intends to utilize the capital to further the development of fault-tolerant quantum computing technology.

Source: Data Center Dynamics
Original article: https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/oratomic-raises-775m-for-development-of-fault-tolerant-quantum-computer/

Bengaluru-based quantum computing startup Quanfluence has announced it has raised $10 million in funding. The company intends to use the capital to support the design and development of its own photonic quantum hardware, as well as its full-stack architecture.

Source: Data Center Dynamics
Original article: https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/photonic-quantum-startup-quanfluence-raises-10m-for-full-stack-architecture-development/