Innovative Energy Harvesting Techniques for Robotics

Abstract

Apart from powering robots with innovative energy harvesting, the domain of robotics relies on such integration to bring about autonomy and efficiency into systems. This chapter describes state-of-the-art energy harvesting techniques designed for use in robotics, focusing particularly on the aspects of sustainability and lifetime of operation. Some of the techniques considered in this work are kinetic energy recovery, thermoelectric generators, and solar cells, which are analyzed with regard to their potential applications for autonomous power supply. Such synergy between energy harvesting and the Internet of Things is also discussed, showing how IoT connectivity can make its contribution to the optimality of energy management and distribution within robotic networks. The chapter covers technical and practical aspects of how advancements such as this can drive the future of robotics toward more self-sufficient and intelligent systems.