Output details

Artificial heartbeat: design and fabrication of a biologically inspired pump

This co-authored journal article discusses the development of a biologically-inspired pump, intended for use in future generations of EcoBot - a robot which generates the energy it needs to function by digesting waste organic material. The research presents for the first time an artificial, muscle-driven pump powered by microbial fuel cells fed on urine, which has significant implications for biologically-inspired design, ecodesign, energy-autonomy and bio-robotics. The research was funded by an Early Career Starter Grant from UWE, the EPSRC and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. This interdisciplinary project brought together design, 3D printing, smart materials and energetically-autonomous robotics to create a novel, 3D printed ‘artificial heartbeat’ actuator, inspired by physical principles derived from the biological heart. Instead of a conventional electric motor, metallic ‘artificial muscles’ are employed which contract in response to electric current, compressing the body of the heartbeat actuator to effect its pumping action. The pump is powered by microbial fuel cells containing live microbes which produce electricity as they digest organic waste. Walters, the principal author of the article, designed and prototyped the pump.

The article details the design and prototyping of the heartbeat actuator and analyses the results of tests evaluating its performance. These results demonstrate its potential to be employed as a fluid circulation pump in future generations of microbial fuel cell-powered robots, performing tasks such as monitoring air quality and pollution levels. The article also envisages that the heartbeat actuator could form part of a future bio-robotic artwork integrating live biological elements and human-made electronic and mechanical elements.

The research has attracted considerable attention, including Science Focus (12 November 2012); and in the media, e.g. Fox News (‘Your pee could power future robots’, 9 November 2013).

The article was published in Bioinspiration and Biomimetics, vol. 8, no. 4 (2013), pp. 1-14.