Ocean-powered robotic jellyfish could theoretically run forever
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Robojelly's actuators replicate the muscles of an actual jellyfish - specifically the moon jellyfish (Aurelia aurita)
Researchers have created a robot that mimics the motion of a jellyfish and draws energy from the water in which it swims
Circular muscles contract the bell (a jellyfish's prominent round quasi-head), expelling water and propelling it forward
Exothermic reactions catalyzed by Robojelly's platinum-based surface generate heat which is transferred to the robot's artificial muscles
Article Summary
Researchers have created a silicone submarinal robot that gets about by mimicking the motion of a jellyfish. The robot is powered by heat-producing reactions catalyzed by its surface, and using hydrogen and oxygen present in the water as fuel. It's claimed that that the Robojelly, so named by its Virginia Tech creators, could run indefinitely, effectively drawing energy from the water in which it swims.
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