department of mechanical and aerospace engineering

An image of a structure made of plastic cubes connected by hinges and tiny motors.

Oct 9, 2024

Researchers Create Shape-Shifting ‘Transformer Bots’

Using 3D printing, the researchers engineered a cubed structure made of plastic that can transform into more than 1,000 configurations.

Transformer bots can form more than 1,000 shapes.

Jul 29, 2024

Shape-Shifting ‘Transformer Bots’ Inspired by Origami

A single plastic cubed structure can transform into more than 1,000 configurations using only three active motors.

Photo showing variety of objects that can be handled by new grippers.

Aug 2, 2023

Robotic Grippers Offer Unprecedented Combo of Strength and Delicacy

Device is flexible enough to handle soft and fragile objects as well as heavier ones.

Campus gateway sign reading NC State University

Feb 13, 2023

Chiral Phonons Create Spin Current Without Needing Magnetic Materials

Chiral phonons can convert wasted heat into spin - without needing magnetic materials to do it.

A burned U.S. Army Air Forces Boeing B-17C Flying Fortress rests near Hangar 5, Hickam Field, Oahu, Hawaii on Dec. 7, 1941. Photo: National Archives.

Dec 7, 2021

A Day of Infamy, a Time for Heroes

Army radio operator Robert Westbrook ran straight into enemy fire in the opening minutes of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The NC State alumnus lost his life at the airbase on Hickam Field 80 years ago in a courageous bid to protect U.S. bombers on the ground.

Tim Horn stands in the Center for Additive Manufacturing and Logistics

Aug 19, 2019

Inside NC State’s Leading-Edge 3D Printing Hub

NC State's Center for Additive Manufacturing and Logistics pushes the boundaries of 3D printing to solve complex research problems.