Going the distance

Mobile robots have great potential in agritech and we’re seeing more of them, but they struggle to match the agility and efficiency of humans due to energy challenges and integration issues. Portable energy supplies are also a limitation, especially at small scales.

Scientists at Cornell University have created a small frog-like machine that can carry 22 times its weight and can utilise energy (methane) stored at much higher density than is possible with lithium Ion batteries.

Could we see more autonomous devices with heftier energy storage and longer operational times working in the harsh agriculture environment?