Marimo actuated rover systems

Journal of Biological Engineering

Darren M. Reynolds¹  Thomas C. Draper²  Andrew Adamatzky²  Richard Mayne²  Neil Phillips² 

[1] Centre for Research in Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences, University of the West of England, Coldharbour Lane, BS16 1QY, Bristol, UK;Unconventional Computing Laboratory, Faculty of the Environment and Technology, University of the West of England, Coldharbour Lane, BS16 1QY, Bristol, UK;

关键词: Biomimicry;    Bio-energy;    Bioengineering;    Bio-rover;    Soft robotics;    Unconventional;    Sustainability;    Aegagropila linnaei;    TRIZ;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s13036-021-00279-0

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundThe potential to directly harness photosynthesis to make actuators, biosensors and bioprocessors has been previously demonstrated in the literature. Herein, this capability has been expanded to more advanced systems — Marimo Actuated Rover Systems (MARS) — which are capable of autonomous, solar powered, movement.ResultsWe demonstrate this ability is both a practical and viable alternative to conventional mobile platforms for exploration and dynamic environmental monitoring. Prototypes have been successfully tested to measure their speed of travel and ability to automatically bypass obstacles. Further, MARS is electromagnetically silent, thus avoiding the background noise generated by conventional electro/mechanical platforms which reduces instrument sensitivity. The cost of MARS is significantly lower than platforms based on conventional technology.ConclusionsAn autonomous, low-cost, lightweight, compact size, photosynthetically powered rover is reported. The potential for further system enhancements are identified and under development.

【 授权许可】

CC BY