Innovative battery design propels Cornell’s jellyfish robot
Both bio-inspired robots’ core is the redox flow battery (RFB), a system where electrolytic fluids catalyze energy release through redox reactions. This “beating heart” powers the robots efficiently and sustainably.
The jellyfish robot, in particular, leverages an RFB enhanced by a tendon mechanism. This design allows the jellyfish to alter its shape and achieve movement, ascending when the bell expands and descending as it relaxes.
Professor Rob Shepherd highlights the leap in battery technology led by Lynden Archer’s team. Their robot features dual redox batteries using zinc iodide and zinc bromide. A key advancement is the integration of graphene, which prevents dendrite buildup, facilitating smoother and more reliable battery charging cycles.