
Unveiling the Versatility of Electric, Hydraulic, and Pneumatic Technologies
CIO Review APAC | Saturday, December 02, 2023

The diversity of power systems in robotics reflects the need for flexibility and adaptability, allowing robots to excel in a wide range of tasks and environments.
FREMONT, CA: Machines are widely used in robots, and seamlessly integrated into factories, warehouses, homes, and hospitals. One critical aspect of these robots is how they acquire the energy necessary for their operations.
Electric Power stands out as the primary power source in robotics due to its numerous advantages, including high efficiency, minimal noise, and straightforward control. Electric power is provided through either batteries, which store chemical energy and convert it into electrical energy, or via wires that transmit electrical energy from a centralized power source.
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Pneumatic power involves using compressed air or gas to produce mechanical motion. This power source can be sourced from either pressurized air or gas stored in tanks or through compressors that generate pressurized air or gas as required. Its applications are prevalent in robots requiring elevated speed, force, or precision, such as industrial robots, surgical robots, or soft robots. Pneumatic power is valued for its attributes of being lightweight, cost-effective, and safe.
Hydraulic power involves using pressurized fluid to generate mechanical motion. This power source is provided through pumps that generate fluid pressure or accumulators that store it. It finds application in robots requiring substantial torque, power, or load capacity, including construction, rescue, and humanoid robots.
Solar power involves using sunlight to produce electrical energy through photovoltaic cells that transform light into electricity or solar thermal collectors that heat fluid to propel a turbine or engine. It emerges as an appealing alternative for robots functioning in outdoor or distant settings due to its renewable and eco-friendly nature. Moreover, solar power offers scalability, modularity, and flexibility.
Nuclear power involves using nuclear fission or fusion to generate thermal energy, convertible into electrical or mechanical energy. It is delivered through reactors, which induce the splitting or fusion of atoms, releasing heat, or via radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) that harness radioactive decay and thermocouples to generate electricity. Renowned for its potency and enduring energy supply, nuclear power proves particularly beneficial for robots navigating extreme or inaccessible environments, including space, underwater, or military applications. Its compactness, stability, and autonomy from external factors contribute to its appeal.
In robotics, the most common power systems include electric batteries, hydraulic systems, and pneumatic systems. Electric batteries are widely used for their efficiency and portability, making them suitable for various robot applications. Hydraulic systems offer high power and force capabilities, making them ideal for heavy-duty tasks. Pneumatic systems, relying on compressed air, are valued for their simplicity and speed. The choice of a power system depends on the specific requirements and application of the robot.
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