Aquatic robotics have long been an area of interest for researchers seeking to explore the vast potential of underwater environments. The latest development from a team at Binghamton University, State University of New York, promises to revolutionize aquatic robotics with the creation of a self-powered “bug” that can skim across the water. Published in the journal Advanced Materials Technologies, this innovative technology opens up new possibilities for autonomous nodes to be integrated into various human activities as part of the “internet of things.”
With 71% of the Earth’s surface covered in water, aquatic environments present critical environmental and logistical challenges. To address these issues, the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) initiated the Ocean of Things program. Recognizing the need for sustainable power sources in underwater robotics, Binghamton University Professor Seokheun “Sean” Choi and his team have been working on developing bacteria-powered biobatteries with an impressive 100-year shelf life.
Collaborating with Anwar Elhadad, Ph.D., and Ph.D. student Yang “Lexi” Gao, Professor Choi successfully developed the self-powered bug for aquatic robotics. This innovative technology utilizes a Janus interface that allows nutrients from the water to fuel bacterial spore production, creating a reliable energy source under adverse conditions. The bacteria within the device transition between vegetative cells for power generation and spores during unfavorable conditions, ensuring an extended operational life.
Through their research, the Binghamton team achieved power generation close to 1 milliwatt, sufficient to operate the robot’s mechanical movement and various sensors. These sensors can monitor environmental data such as water temperature, pollution levels, vessel and aircraft movements, and aquatic animal behaviors. Unlike stationary sensors, the self-powered bug can be deployed dynamically to any location, enhancing data collection capabilities in aquatic environments.
Moving forward, the team plans to identify the most effective bacteria for energy production in challenging ocean conditions. While common bacterial cells were used in the initial development, further studies are needed to understand the microbial communities present in oceanic regions. Previous research has shown that combining multiple bacterial cells can enhance sustainability and power generation, suggesting a promising avenue for future exploration in aquatic robotics.
The development of the self-powered bug marks a significant advancement in aquatic robotics technology. With its ability to harvest energy from the surrounding environment and adapt to changing conditions, this innovative device has the potential to transform underwater exploration and data collection. As researchers continue to refine and expand upon this technology, the future of aquatic robotics appears brighter than ever before.
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