A newly developed robot does not require batteries; they walk by methanol. Batteries are perfect for supplying power to the circuit, but what if a tiny robot design.
Batteries add weight and need space; that’s why they create a problem while manufacturing tiny robots. Batteries come in different sizes and shapes. Perhaps they carry their weight with them that make tiny robots bulky.
Due to the heavyweight, tiny robots cannot walk easily. But now this problem has been solving by scientists. Scientists find another way by which power can be supplied while being sustainable, which means no batteries are
a requirement.
But, RoBeetle is here to bring the change in the robotic field. The beetle shape robot has presented a great leap for technologies and has taken robotics to the next level that does not happen before.
Structure of the RoBeetle:
Body:
As indicated by its name, that robot is designed in the shape of a beetle. The body of this robot is nothing but the fuel tank that fills with methanol to provide power. And methanol does not add much weight; it is just 88 milligrams.
Legs:
A tiny robot is composed of four legs. The backward legs are fixe to provide balanced or support to the whole body of the robot. And front legs are attache to the transmission.
Transmission:
The transmission is used to transfer movements connected to leaf spring that apply force to pull the legs backward.
Actuator:
Nickel-titanium SMA is using inside the actuator.
Nickel-titanium SMA (shape memory alloy) coated with a platinum wire. This platinum wire can extend when heat up and get shorter when it cools down. Speed could be increase if a breeze passed over it. As these gentle breeze help to cool down the wire, it subconsciously affects the speed.
Horns:
These are hard pointed things that are place on the heads or look like a hook that helps to carry small things with them.
Sliding vent:
These help in controlling the follow of the fuel through the motion of the wire itself. This is the smart play for these robots.
Quality of the RoBeetle:
This tiny robot can carry more than its body weight. The fuel that measures more than a gram can be filling into the tank of the robot. Once a tank is filled, it can move for approximately 155minutes nonstop. That indicates that methanol takes much time to evaporate. Any task can be complete fluently without any huddle.
Some drawbacks that needed to solve out:
No doubt that these robots are a good example of setting the new goal in the robotic field, but some points should consider for better performance. Like these move only in the forward direction, this can change to a 360-degree movement. There is no control over speed. Fuel could be stock out anytime, and the robot will stop working. This problem could be solved.