The Kengoro Robot Can Sweat to Increase Its Endurance
References: spectrum.ieee.org & engadget
Sweating might not be the most attractive feature of the human body, but it serves an important and efficient purpose in the regulation of temperature, and Kengoro is a robot that uses a similar process to make it better at working out.
Anyone who frequents the gym knows the unfortunate feeling of stepping up to a machine that the previous user hasn't dried off, but they might not know that sweating is actually crucial from an evolutionary standpoint. The fluid keeps skin cool by diffusing heat more effectively. Kengoro, a robot built by scientists from the University of Tokyo, is able to similarly perspire to cool its motors while they are revving -- like when Kengoro does push-ups.
The perspiration system uses water to cool the motors, just like standard systems, but this water is then able to evaporate through Kengoro's porous steel frame and condense on the outside, further cooling the robot.
Anyone who frequents the gym knows the unfortunate feeling of stepping up to a machine that the previous user hasn't dried off, but they might not know that sweating is actually crucial from an evolutionary standpoint. The fluid keeps skin cool by diffusing heat more effectively. Kengoro, a robot built by scientists from the University of Tokyo, is able to similarly perspire to cool its motors while they are revving -- like when Kengoro does push-ups.
The perspiration system uses water to cool the motors, just like standard systems, but this water is then able to evaporate through Kengoro's porous steel frame and condense on the outside, further cooling the robot.
Trend Themes
1. Robotic Perspiration - The trend of incorporating sweat-like mechanisms into robots to enhance performance and temperature regulation.
2. Evaporative Cooling - The trend of using evaporation to cool robotic systems and increase efficiency.
3. Biologically-inspired Innovation - The trend of applying features and processes from nature, such as sweating in humans, to improve robot functionalities.
Industry Implications
1. Fitness Equipment - Opportunity for fitness equipment manufacturers to develop machines that incorporate perspiration mechanisms to enhance endurance and performance.
2. Robotics - Opportunity for robotics companies to create robots that utilize evaporative cooling techniques to improve motor efficiency and prevent overheating.
3. Materials Engineering - Opportunity for materials engineering firms to develop porous, heat-resistant materials for constructing robots with built-in evaporative cooling systems.
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