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Livescience
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Robots run out of energy long before they run out of work to do — feeding them could change that
- Robots, despite their agility and efficiency, still struggle with endurance due to energy limitations, often running out of power before completing tasks.
- Current mobile robots rely on lithium-ion batteries, which have slow performance improvements, hindering their endurance capabilities.
- To match the endurance of animals like sled dogs, robots would need batteries dozens of times more powerful than current lithium-ion ones.
- Fast charging and energy harvesting methods like solar power have limitations in meeting the energy demands of highly mobile robots.
- New battery chemistries such as lithium-sulfur offer higher energy densities, but face challenges like degradation over time and difficulties in real-world applications.
- Researchers are exploring the concept of 'robotic metabolism' where robots could 'eat' high-energy materials like aluminum to generate electricity, mimicking how animals convert food into energy.
- By developing synthetic metabolisms and fluid-based energy systems inspired by biological systems, robots could potentially operate for longer durations and be more adaptable and lifelike.
- For robots to work effectively alongside humans in various roles, improving their endurance through innovative energy solutions is essential.
- Enhancing robots' energy systems is crucial for their ability to perform tasks in disaster zones, farms, warehouses, hospitals, and other settings requiring sustained activity.
- Building robots with synthetic metabolisms could not only increase their endurance but also make them more resilient and capable of self-regulation and self-repair.
- Innovations in energy technologies and approaches could lead to robots that are not only intelligent and agile but also have the stamina to operate effectively over extended periods.
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