Pneumatic Robotics

I had previously proposed autonomous construction robotics. The problem with such robots was the energy source. The chemical batteries have limited energy storage and they require lithium which is scarce. The second best choice of energy source is combustion.

It would be wise to pressure a gas and use pneumatic systems to do the work instead of electric motors. Most parts required to build a pneumatic system are not scarce like the rare earth magnets for motors. Additionally, motors require high power semiconductors which are exported as well. With a pneumatic system, the semiconductor requirement would be less demanding.

My proposition is to heat up carbon dioxide to generate pressure for the pneumatic system. Carbon dioxide has higher vapor pressure than air and water, therefore more efficient to use. Most important part is the higher efficiency of converting chemical energy to usable kinetic energy. Additionally, as an energy source anything that burns can be used. This allows such robots to operate in rural regions or 3rd world countries. If some of the carbon dioxide is lost in the closed loop, it can be replenished by a carbon dioxide filter on the exhaust. The pneumatic system would also generate the necessary electric power for its electronics using an alternator. As a result, only a starter battery would be required to build such a robot.