Bio-robots run by energy from urine

Scientists are perfecting a human heart-pumping fuel pump system to fuel the bio-powered biomass robotic system.

It has just been heard that the human urine energy robot project seems to be a vain project and hard to come true, but that is exactly what scientists in the UK are studying. . The latest Ecobots project is a robot capable of running energy from all kinds of waste it receives from the environment.

The previous generation of Ecobot has been researched and developed for 12 years, with the ability to convert waste products from dead insect carcasses to vegetables, rotten fruits and domestic wastewater to form active energy. . IV Ecobot, researched by Bristol robot lab and in partnership with the University of the West of England (UWE) is the latest generation Ecobot. It will use the engine to pump liquid materials to fuel cells, acting like human hearts.

Due to this mechanism of action, urine makes it easier to circulate and is not clogged than other types of waste, said Dr. Peter Walters, research at UWE. Besides, urine is also an untapped resource, while the supply is quite abundant.

Improving fuel sources is only part of the project, the Ecobot system needs an efficient pump and energy management to operate the robot. Instead of using a conventional electric motor, scientists have simulated human hearts with artificial muscle fibers.

Using a smart material, this alloy has the ability to remember the original shape and return to that shape after being deformed. It can cause it to contract like a real heart, thereby pumping fuel to microbial fuel cells (MFCs). MFCs act as energy converters, allowing bacteria to live inside it to break down organic matter in waste (urine) and form electrical energy.

"Urine is a very good fuel for bacteria in MFCs, because it has a balanced pH and good electrical conductivity, as well as creating a favorable environment for bacteria to live and grow ," Dr. Ioannis Ieropoulos said. Know 'Compared to other fuels used in our work, such as sewage and mud, urine is at least 3 times better'.

The energy generated from an MFC cell is capable of charging enough a capacitor and generating enough energy to start a fuel pumping cycle of artificial hearts. The generated power source can help charge the phone, using basic functions within 20p. Although it is not too much, however, in emergencies when you are in a deserted place, it is really helpful.

In addition to the application, scientists also researched the application of this new technology to use for lighting devices, electric fans . the goal is to create energy that works in remote areas where but there is no power line.