Plug & Play Integrated Hybrid Power System for Humanoid Robot

Robotic platforms, such as humanoid robots and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) are significantly contributing to the capabilities of the U.S. Army. The BEAR humanoid robot offers exceptional capabilities for a robotic platform, but its mission duration is substantially constrained by the low volumetric energy density of rechargeable batteries. For maximum operational flexibility, the power source must be contained within the BEAR outer form and not attached externally to the back of the BEAR. This presents a challenging volumetric energy density requirement for its power source. No currently commercially available power systems can meet all of the power source requirements for the BEAR robot, including the energy density requirement. Aerodyne Research, Inc (ARI) with its teaming partner Busek Co. proposes to adapt ARI’s free-piston miniature IC engine (MICE) generator technology to the humanoid robot power source application. This technology can provide lightweight, compact power generation using JP-8 fuel that is well-suited for the challenging BEAR robot application. The power source will have hybrid capability, providing power from batteries alone, from the MICE generator alone, or from a combination of both, and will allow the batteries to be recharged while providing power to the robot during most of the mission.