z-logo
Premium
Microbial Fuel Cells for Robotics: Energy Autonomy through Artificial Symbiosis
Author(s) -
Ieropoulos Ioannis A.,
Greenman John,
Melhuish Chris,
Horsfield Ian
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
chemsuschem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.412
H-Index - 157
eISSN - 1864-564X
pISSN - 1864-5631
DOI - 10.1002/cssc.201200283
Subject(s) - microbial fuel cell , robotics , artificial intelligence , biochemical engineering , maturity (psychological) , autonomy , renewable energy , globe , computer science , robot , engineering , electricity generation , biology , electrical engineering , law , political science , power (physics) , physics , quantum mechanics , neuroscience
Abstract The development of the microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology has seen an enormous growth over the last hundred years since its inception by Potter in 1911. The technology has reached a level of maturity that it is now considered to be a field in its own right with a growing scientific community. The highest level of activity has been recorded over the last decade and it is perhaps considered commonplace that MFCs are primarily suitable for stationary, passive wastewater treatment applications. Sceptics have certainly not considered MFCs as serious contenders in the race for developing renewable energy technologies. Yet this is the only type of alternative system that can convert organic waste—widely distributed around the globe—directly into electricity, and therefore, the only technology that will allow artificial agents to autonomously operate in a plethora of environments. This Minireview describes the history and current state‐of‐the‐art regarding MFCs in robotics and their vital role in artificial symbiosis and autonomy. Furthermore, the article demonstrates how pursuing practical robotic applications can provide insights of the core MFC technology in general.

This content is not available in your region!

Continue researching here.

Having issues? You can contact us here