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Towards enduring autonomous robots via embodied energy

Author

Listed:
  • Cameron A. Aubin

    (Cornell University)

  • Benjamin Gorissen

    (Harvard University
    KU Leuven)

  • Edoardo Milana

    (KU Leuven)

  • Philip R. Buskohl

    (Air Force Research Laboratory)

  • Nathan Lazarus

    (Army Research Laboratory)

  • Geoffrey A. Slipher

    (Army Research Laboratory)

  • Christoph Keplinger

    (Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems)

  • Josh Bongard

    (University of Vermont)

  • Fumiya Iida

    (University of Cambridge)

  • Jennifer A. Lewis

    (Harvard University)

  • Robert F. Shepherd

    (Cornell University)

Abstract

Autonomous robots comprise 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. Whereas most untethered robots use batteries to store energy and power their operation, recent advancements in energy-storage techniques enable chemical or electrical energy sources to be embodied directly within the structures and materials used to create robots, rather than requiring separate battery packs. This perspective highlights emerging examples of Embodied Energy in the context of developing autonomous robots.

Suggested Citation

  • Cameron A. Aubin & Benjamin Gorissen & Edoardo Milana & Philip R. Buskohl & Nathan Lazarus & Geoffrey A. Slipher & Christoph Keplinger & Josh Bongard & Fumiya Iida & Jennifer A. Lewis & Robert F. Shep, 2022. "Towards enduring autonomous robots via embodied energy," Nature, Nature, vol. 602(7897), pages 393-402, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:602:y:2022:i:7897:d:10.1038_s41586-021-04138-2
    DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-04138-2
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    Cited by:

    1. Jing Fan Yang & Thomas A. Berrueta & Allan M. Brooks & Albert Tianxiang Liu & Ge Zhang & David Gonzalez-Medrano & Sungyun Yang & Volodymyr B. Koman & Pavel Chvykov & Lexy N. LeMar & Marc Z. Miskin & T, 2022. "Emergent microrobotic oscillators via asymmetry-induced order," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-11, December.
    2. Guorui Li & Tuck-Whye Wong & Benjamin Shih & Chunyu Guo & Luwen Wang & Jiaqi Liu & Tao Wang & Xiaobo Liu & Jiayao Yan & Baosheng Wu & Fajun Yu & Yunsai Chen & Yiming Liang & Yaoting Xue & Chengjun Wan, 2023. "Bioinspired soft robots for deep-sea exploration," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-10, December.
    3. Yu-An Xiong & Sheng-Shun Duan & Hui-Hui Hu & Jie Yao & Qiang Pan & Tai-Ting Sha & Xiao Wei & Hao-Ran Ji & Jun Wu & Yu-Meng You, 2024. "Enhancement of phase transition temperature through hydrogen bond modification in molecular ferroelectrics," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-9, December.

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