Actually, the Wave Gliders' propulsion system mechanically converts wave motion into forward movement, but their instruments are powered by solar energy. So I thought you might have them in mind when making the comment about these robotic fish and energy-harvesting.
Ah yes, the wave gliders run on solar power, I think...and keep themselves afloat in this way. Well at least the energy can be used for the robot itself, which is pretty good. And then if memory serves I believe someone even designed a recharging station in the sea where the gliders can repower. Imagine all of these fishy robots swimming around doing their job in the ocean and then stopping off at the recharge station to refuel by charging up! I don't think the idea is so far fetched.
Elizabeth, that would make a lot of sense. I bet you're thinking of the Wave Glider design, which does exactly that. The energy harvested from such designs is usually only enough to help keep it going, not enough to power much else, unless combined with solar panels.
Those are definitely two of the most interesting things about this robot for sure, Ann. The glide mode is especially interesting. I wonder if there could be an energy harvesting option in which the robot can harvest energy from its own movement?
Aside from the fact that this robot may be able to help clean up oil spills, a worthy cause, I especially liked the fact that it combines two different types of movement to help it navigate through different conditions of water and obstacles in water. That's not intuitively obvious and also not trivial from a mechanical design standpoint.
We looked at a number of sources to determine this year's greenest cars, from KBB to automotive trade magazines to environmental organizations. These 14 cars emerged as being great at either stretching fuel or reducing carbon footprint.
Researchers at MIT and Sandia National Labs have observed a reaction in lithium-air batteries that could help improve the design of these cells for electric vehicles and other applications.
Healthcare might seem to be an unlikely target application for the Internet of Things technology, but recent developments show small ways that big-data is going to make an impact on patient care moving into the future.
From Dell / Intel® New Paradigms in Design Work Scott Hamilton, vertical market strategist for Dell Precision workstations, 5/2/2013 3
Early in my career, I worked as a draftsman and remember the days of drawing on vellum with numbered pencils and Mylar with plastic lead. This was a fun experience in the sense that I ...
I've been using workstations for more than 10 years and love finding ways to get more performance from my system. With demanding professional applications that require more power each ...
A lasting memory from my first job as an engineer in an auto assembly plant is standing on hard concrete at six in the morning, vending-machine coffee clutched in hand, listening to ...
A quick look into the merger of two powerhouse 3D printing OEMs and the new leader in rapid prototyping solutions, Stratasys. The industrial revolution is now led by 3D printing and engineers are given the opportunity to fully maximize their design capabilities, reduce their time-to-market and functionally test prototypes cheaper, faster and easier. Bruce Bradshaw, Director of Marketing in North America, will explore the large product offering and variety of materials that will help CAD designers articulate their product design with actual, physical prototypes. This broadcast will dive deep into technical information including application specific stories from real world customers and their experiences with 3D printing. 3D Printing is
To save this item to your list of favorite Design News content so you can find it later in your Profile page, click the "Save It" button next to the item.
If you found this interesting or useful, please use the links to the services below to share it with other readers. You will need a free account with each service to share an item via that service.
Tweet This
2 
