Robot subs powered by fish poo

The US Navy has created a device that could recharge underwater robots using fish poo, as well as other organic material on the sea bed. Underwater robots are useful for showing us what lies beneath the waves, but their short battery life can make them impractical. However, the US Navy believes it has found a way to solve this problem and send underwater robots on longer missions. The solution is microbial fuel cells (MFCs). These channel the natural energy produced by bacteria feeding on organic gunk, such as fish poo, on the seabed. As bacteria breaks down the muck, they generate an electric current. An electrode (a metal rod that carries electricity) in the seabed can then transfer this energy to the MFC. Meriah Arias-Thode, a scientist who works with…

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The Week Junior (Digital) - 1 Issue, 180

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