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Small robot fish powered by solid polymer fuel cell

At FC Expo 2010, Osaka City University exhibited a small robot fish, whose swimming is powered by a cylindrical solid-polymer fuel cell called Power Tube, developed by the University. This robot fish is 100 mm long, and it has a joint at its front end to propel it forward. The joint is driven by a magnetic actuator. The fish can also dive and rise by changing the center of gravity of its sinker device, so it appears to swim just like a real fish. This small fish robot contains a lithium polymer battery. When a fuel cell is used, the fuel cell is installed on a power supply buoy. In the lab, there’s also a prototype robot with a built-in fuel cell. This uses hydrogen peroxide to supply oxygen even under water. The aim is to enable the robot to swim continuously for three days. The robot fish’s motion can be programmed, and more complicated motions can also be specified. In the future, the research group is considering applications such as rescue work and marine resource surveys by building a camera into the robot.