Dead Flies and Mice Could Power Future Robots

Scientists are developing autonomous robots that can generate their own power. Microbial fuel cells could be the answer, since these microbes can turn any organic material into electricity. UK researchers say they could be the future of sustainable energy.

They're on the lookout for something that can fuel a truly autonomous robot. One that can extract power from any environment it operates in. And it would never run out of juice.

UK researchers are looking into microbial fuel cells, or MFCs. These tiny microbes can turn organic matter into electricity. This could potentially allow robots to function in remote, or even hazardous environments with no worry about their next battery charge.

This is because MFCs can extract electrical energy from any organic material that's digestible by the microbes in the fuel cell. All you need to do is to feed the MFC food - be it plant matter, flies or dead mice. And this will trigger a digestion process that can make electricity. Conventional fuel cells and batteries rely on a catalyst to speed up chemical reactions to make electricity. But they degrade and need replenishing. On the other hand MFCs just need food, and these microbes will continue to generate electricity..