Robot blood: Scientists create system of circulating liquid within robotic structures for lengthy tasks

Inspired by lionfish, scientists have created a system of circulating liquid within robotic structures, to store energy and power automated machines for sophisticated, long-duration tasks. syntic vascular system is capable of pumping an energy-dense hydraulic liquid -- which researchers call "robot blood". It stores energy, transmits force, operates appends and provides structure, all in an integrated design.

"In nature we see how long organisms can operate while doing sophisticated tasks. Robots can't perform similar feats for very long," said Rob Shepherd, an associate professor at Cornell University in US.

"Our bio-inspired approach can dramatically increase system's energy density while allowing soft robots to remain mobile for far longer," said Shepherd.

RE | New AI + robotics invation comes to fore, in a real-world scenario

researchers tested concept by creating an aquatic soft robot inspired by a lionfish, designed by James Pikul, who is w an assistant professor at University of Pennsylvania in US. Lionfish use undulating fanlike fins to glide through coral-reef environments. Silicone skin on outside with flexible electrodes and an ion separator membrane within allows robot to bend and flex. 

Interconnected zinc-iodide flow cell batteries power onboard pumps and electronics through electrochemical reactions. researchers achieved energy density equal to about half that of a Tesla Model S lithium-ion battery. robot swims using power transmitted to fins from pumping of flow cell battery. initial design provided eugh power to swim upstream for more than 36 hours.

RE | Renault and Nissan team for Robotaxis outside US

Underwater soft robots offer tantalising possibilities for research and exploration. Since aquatic soft robots are supported by buoyancy, y don't require an exoskeleton or endoskeleton to maintain structure.  By designing power sources that give robots ability to function for longer stretches of time, Shepherd thinks automous robots could soon be roaming Earth's oceans on vital scientific missions and for delicate environmental tasks like sampling coral reefs.

se devices could also be sent to extraterrestrial worlds for underwater reconnaissance missions.

(Apart from heline, changes were me to original story by Republic World staff)