Technology continues to open new possibilities for ocean research, underwater infrastructure inspection, and search-and-rescue efforts. As underwater missions become more complex, researchers are developing robots that can adapt to changing conditions and mission needs. As one example, researchers at Purdue University have developed a patent-pending underwater robot that can change how it moves during a mission. The robot combines three modes of locomotion—drifting, gliding, and thruster-driven propulsion—allowing it to adapt its mobility strategy based on the mission requirements or environmental conditions. Here is how this can help: Looking to the future, underwater robots could play an even greater role in ocean and lake monitoring, current and flow mapping, underwater infrastructure inspection, exploration beneath ice shelves, environmental sensing, and distributed underwater data collection. Purdue researchers plan to further develop the technology by evaluating energy efficiency, endurance, maneuverability, mode-transition performance, and robustness under more realistic underwater…

Technology continues to transform agriculture, as farmers and researchers look for new ways to protect crops, improve efficiency, and reduce losses. As a result, we are seeing the rise of sensors and other advanced technologies that can provide farmers with valuable information before problems become widespread. As one example, researchers at Virginia Tech are using sensors to help detect the early signs of Sclerotinia blight, a fungal disease that can severely damage peanut crops. In recent years, severe outbreaks have caused up to a 50% yield loss. By identifying changes in plants before the disease becomes more difficult to control, this technology could give farmers an important tool to protect their crops and make more informed decisions. Here is how this can help: Looking to the future, we are going to see technology play an even greater role in agriculture—and sensors, equipment, and systems will make these innovations possible. As agricultural technology continues to advance, we will certainly keep an eye on how sensors, data, and automation can help create a more efficient and resilient food…