Self-Charging Turtle Bot Can Also Maneuver More Precisely

Jan-01-15 A new type of turtle robot from the National University of Singapore can extend its travel range by surfacing periodically to charge its onboard solar panels.

Turtle-type robots are able to maneuver well underwater while also carrying a load of electronics—which makes them useful for underwater exploration. However, their need for a power source can limit their range, and their need for a ballast system takes up valuable space.

The new turtle-bot is able to dive and surface without needing to carry ballast systems, which allows it to be both smaller and lighter than its counterparts. Instead, it is equipped with a pair of hind and front "flippers" that enable it to execute dynamic dives into pipes or underwater tunnels. The new bot is also able to re-charge itself by surfacing to charge its integrated solar panels, and the team hopes that eventually it could even harness the power from underwater currents.

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[GIZMAG.COM]
[NEWS.NUS.EDU.SG]

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