Electrochemical pneumatic battery for untethered robotics

Abstract

The bigger picturePneumatic robotics utilize pressurized gas to power, control, and create motion in robotic systems. Although they have been widely studied, their development is hindered by the use of noisy, bulky, and tethered components such as compressed gas cylinders, electric air compressors, and pumps, which are employed to generate pressurized gas. Here, we design an electrochemical pneumatic battery that leverages reversible metal-air battery mechanisms to deliver both electrical and pneumatic power, including both positive and negative pressure. This electrochemical pneumatic battery is silent, compact, and untethered.Highlights•A reversible electrochemical pneumatic battery is designed for untethered robotics•It achieves a pressure range from −1 to 7 bar, reversibly•This battery is suitable for commercial grippers and soft robotics•The battery operates quietly and is both energy efficient and cost effectiveSummaryRobotics, ranging from rigid grippers to soft wearable devices, depend heavily on pneumatically driven systems. However, these systems often encounter limitations due to bulky and noisy pneumatic power supplies, which typically rely on electric motors. This paper introduces an electrochemical pneumatic battery (EPB) capable of generating both positive and negative pressure. Leveraging electrochemical redox reactions, this EPB can simultaneously provide electrical and pneumatic power when discharging. The use of non-toxic materials and controllable electrochemical processes ensures safety, while a motor-free and untethered design guarantees quiet operation. The cost-effective material of this battery is suitable for large-scale production and commercial viability. This paper showcases several applications of the EPB, underscoring its potential in motorless robotics and expanding the scope of pneumatic robot design and functionality.Graphical abstract