AdaptivEnergy, the Joule-Thief evaluation kit is paired
with a low power transmitter that operates on
a few mA at 3V.
After working with the device, it was clear to me
that by incorporating a future version of Joule-thief —
or something like it — practical symbiotic robotics is a
possibility. I can envision repair robots that traverse
spaces within the inner hull of a submarine or
submersible robot, constantly looking for and repairing
leaks. Again, the parallels with white blood cells that
scavenge our blood for dead and dying red blood cells,
foreign bacteria, and other pathogens come to mind.
An energy scavenging device is a necessary but
insufficient component of our internal maintenance
robot. Next, we'll need to secure highly efficient drive
systems, sensors, and lightweight platforms. Imagine a
robot that, say, lives under the hood of your car,
constantly monitoring and — if necessary — repairing
wires, connectors, and cables. I'm obviously not talking
about an ordinary carpet roamer, but a robot that must
navigate significant obstacles while avoiding falling to the
street or into the fan belt.
Obviously, it will take some engineering and a lot
of creativity to devise a robotic platform at home in an
irregular, moving environment, with enough power to
perform real work. If you're up to the challenge, please
write in and share your designs and thoughts with
other readers. SV
2009
February 13–21, 2009
Washington, DC
THE PREMIIER
GLOBAL EVENT
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ELECTRONIICSTTMM
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