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A daily newsletter charting the future: From technology to the scientific breakthroughs changing our lives.

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Driving on Mars just got safer for Curiosity, thanks to a special algorithm

Virtually alone in the Martian landscape, NASA’s Mars rover Curiosity has no one to turn to if it gets into trouble. As NASA puts it: “There are no mechanics on Mars, so the next best thing for [a] rover is careful driving.” So in June 2017, NASA engineers deployed a traction-control algorithm they uploaded to Curiosity. The software uses real-time data to adjust each wheel’s speed and reduce pressure from the rocky ground.Mar.08.2018

Mach

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  • Like a rolling stone: A surveillance robot that can travel on any terrain

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  • Building consciousness: How Westworld's sentient robots could become a reality

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  • Lab-to-table: How synthetic food went from flavorings to hamburgers

    02:36

  • NASA’s bold new plan to keep the ISS in orbit

    02:03

  • Have you ever wondered how your pet sees the world?

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