Robotics Research for a Book

[Jen]

Hi guys. As some of you know, I am working on writing/illustrating several children's books (working on two right now). One of them is a science fiction novel for children who range in age from 6-11. Many of the characters are robotic pets who become alive (The Velveteen Rabbit meets Star Trek).

I am working on conceptualizing the robots' mechanics at this point. My idea has always been that they are powered by kinetic energy that is stored in a battery, so when they are sitting still they are still "fully operational". I also want them to have a "positronic brain" of sorts, but have no idea what to call that or if it could be powered by kinetic energy. Can you help me figure out if this form of rob-energy is feasible? One of the most important things to do when writing is to really consider the functionality of your science... you  don't want to not annoy the nerds with illogical technology. :D Even if the kids don't care... the adults that may read this story to their children or just to themselves, may care very much. Inaccurate details, as we geeks know, can be like a bad song that gets stuck in your head all day—making it virtually impossible to concentrate on anything else.

Your help is appreciated. :)

[billybob476]

Kind of reminds me of kinetic watches:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automatic_quartz

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-kinetic-watches.htm

http://www.seikowatches.com/technology/kinetic/index.html

It was at the 1986 Basel Fair that SEIKO unveiled its first Kinetic prototype. Introduced under the trial name of 'AGM', it was the first watch in the world to convert kinetic movement into electrical energy

Perhaps combining the kinetic mechanism with some form of solar cells for generating energy when they are not moving for long periods of time would be cool as well.

[Jen]

Exactly. :) I have also been thinking of microbial fuel cells... like the robots that seek slugs. Decomposing slugs power the bot.

I found a robotics forum where grad students and others are discussing different ideas for robot autonomy- I've been hovering there for ideas and MAN do they have interesting ones. :D