January 2023 * Vol. 47 No. 1 Contents Features 6 10 14 37 41 44 Products of Tomorrow Thermal Modeling of Small Satellites How Virtual Twins Help Optimize Supply Chains Application Briefs: Leveraging Metal 3D Printing for Manufacturing in Space NASA Spinoff: Giant Batteries Deliver Renewable Energy When It's Needed 44 New in this issue! Technology & Society Small but Mighty: Stratospheric Microballoons Solutions 17 17 18 18 19 20 21 22 22 22 23 24 25 26 26 27 28 28 29 25 Robotics & Automation Modular and Reconfigurable Robots for Assembly of Structures AI-Powered Machines for Hazardous Environments Smart Micro-Robots Learn to Swim with AI Reverse Vortex Ring Computational Model Enables Robots to Learn New Concepts Inductive Non-Contact Position Sensor Mechanical & Fluid Systems Miniaturized Electrospray System Laser-Light-Based Accelerometer DIY Kits Enable Users to Build Their Own Peristaltic Pumps for Microfluidics Handheld Metal Tube Straightener Lightweight Crane Technology for the Moon Power & Energy Multi-Layer Nuclear Thermionic Avalanche Cell Electrolyte Additive Improves Battery Performance Printed Thermoelectric Generators for Power Generation Technique Merges Solar Cell and Liquid Battery Organic Redox Flow Battery (Solutions continued on page 2) Tech Briefs, January 2023 www.techbriefs.com 1 New for Design Engineers 39 New on the Market Departments 4 Click 8 5 Ws 9 Q&A 43 Advertisers Index 34http://www.techbriefs.com