Bio-inspired robot platform powered by a commercial PEM fuel cell

Abstract

Robots have come up as an emerging technology to assist humans in performing those repetitive and dangerous tasks which humans prefer not to do, or are unable to do due to size limitations and extreme environmental conditions. So the design of robots is required to be stringent to be able to operate at any environmental conditions. A wheeled robot is the one mostly associated in mobile robot operations. But a wheeled robot can travel only on smooth surface and not at irregular surface conditions. To overcome this, the robot's mobile platform equipped with an efficient structure and function is required. Another issue with mobile robot is the power source which is generally battery. The disadvantage of battery is its low efficiency and low energy density. To override the above two issues, A competent robot platform suitable for irregular areas is designed and the conventional power source is replaced with a fuel cell to develop an efficient and environmental independent robot. © 2013 IEEE.