Abstract

The Machine That Lives Forever is a concept which describes an electronic object that harvests and manages its energy; drawing parallels with various human and animal models. A basic life cycle is realised that follows the rest-feed-work process ingrained into every living creature. The challenge is to find and store energy; when enough energy has been accumulated a work ‘task’ is executed, when the energy store is then depleted hibernation occurs in a low power state allowing for energy recharge. This cycle is then repeated forever. This paper aims to design, produce and characterise a low-power Bluetooth enabled self-sufficient smart robot. Designed to be a digital hybrid utilising a microprocessor, it provides energy harvesting facilities along with various sensors to enable interaction with its surrounding environment.

Keywords: Energy harvesting; GA; Wireless power; Survival; Rectanna; Meshing