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JRM Vol.22 No.2 pp. 150-157
doi: 10.20965/jrm.2010.p0150
(2010)

Paper:

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Development of Small Fish Robots Powered by Small and Ultra-Light Passive-Type Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells

Yogo Takada, Ryosuke Araki, Yukinobu Nakanishi,
Motohiro Nonogaki, Kazuaki Ebita,
and Tomoyuki Wakisaka

Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka City University, 3-3-138 Sugimoto, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka 558-8585, Japan

Received:
September 29, 2009
Accepted:
December 27, 2009
Published:
April 20, 2010
Creative Commons License
Keywords:
small fish robot, fuel cell, PEFC, hydrogen generator, methanol
Abstract
Small fish robots, the size of a killifish – 5 cm long – are potentially in finding disaster victims in flooded areas, because of their ability to navigate narrow confines. Powering such robots, however, becomes a question, since the easiest answer – rechargeable batteries – has low energy density. The “Power Tube” we developed is a small and ultra-light passive-type polymer electrolyte fuel cell. Based on this fuel cell technology, we fabricated a 110 mm fish robot combining a drive, consisting of a DC motor and link, with a Power Tube having a hydrogen generator. We also fabricated an energy-efficient submersible fish robot with neodymium magnets and coil actuators, that methanol-fueled Power Tubes powered with a voltage booster.
Cite this article as:
Y. Takada, R. Araki, Y. Nakanishi, M. Nonogaki, K. Ebita, and T. Wakisaka, “Development of Small Fish Robots Powered by Small and Ultra-Light Passive-Type Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells,” J. Robot. Mechatron., Vol.22 No.2, pp. 150-157, 2010.
Data files:
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