Towards Enduring Autonomous Robots via Embodied Energy

2022

Article

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Autonomous robots are comprised of actuation, energy, sensory, and control systems built from materials and structures that are not necessarily designed and integrated for multifunctionality. Yet, animals and other organisms that robots strive to emulate contain highly sophisticated and interconnected systems at all organizational levels, which allow multiple functions to be performed simultaneously. Herein, we examine how system integration and multifunctionality in nature inspires a new paradigm for autonomous robots that we call Embodied Energy. Currently, most untethered robots use batteries to store energy and power their operation. To extend operating times, additional battery blocks and supporting structures must be added, which increases weight and reduces efficiency. Recent advancements in energy storage techniques enable chemical or electrical energy sources to be embodied directly within the structures, materials, and mechanical systems used to create robots. This perspective highlights emerging examples of Embodied Energy, focusing on the design and fabrication principles of enduring autonomous robots.

@article{Aubin21-NAT-Embodied,
  title = {Towards Enduring Autonomous Robots via Embodied Energy},
  author = {Aubin, Cameron A. and Gorissen, Benjamin and Milana, Edoardo and Buskohl, Philip R. and Lazarus, Nathan and Slipher, Geoffrey A. and Keplinger, Christoph and Bongard, Joshua and Iida, Fumiya and Lewis, Jennifer A. and Shepherd, Robert F.},
  journal = {Nature},
  volume = {602},
  number = {7897},
  pages = {393--402},
  year = {2022},
  doi = {10.1038/s41586-021-04138-2}
}