Robojelly is a biomimetic robot jellyfish designed for underwater surveillance and rescue, and while researchers have been working on it for quite some time a recent development might be its most innovative feature yet. The robot is now powered by hydrogen from the water it swims in, which reacts with platinum-coated carbon nanotubes on the flexible “muscles” to generate energy required for propulsion. The robot uses a jellyfish (Aurelia aurita)-inspired bell design in the first place because of its high level of energy efficiency — as the bell contracts and relaxes, it expels water to propel the body. With the new hydrogen-powered design, the robot could theoretically operate without ever running out of energy.
Hydrogen-powered robot jellyfish generates fuel from surrounding water
Robojelly, a robot jellyfish, has been made to run on hydrogen. The robot now takes power from the water surrounding it, reacting with platinum-coated carbon nanotubes.
Robojelly, a robot jellyfish, has been made to run on hydrogen. The robot now takes power from the water surrounding it, reacting with platinum-coated carbon nanotubes.
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