Comparative Analysis of the Efficient Energy Supply of Microrobots Based on Graphene Phase-Change Materials

We analyze efficient power supply systems for inspection microrobots designed to inspect and repair damage, and replace humans in performing difficult or dangerous tasks. Analysis based on modern methods of estimation and calculation of the efficiency of power systems shows that various power sources for microrobots may include supercapacitors, batteries, and other power architectures. The most efficient energy storage systems use thermophotovoltaics or phase-change materials for energy conversion. It is shown that graphene-based phase change nanocomposites may be efficient devices for solar thermal-energy storage for microrobots. The incorporation of graphene nanoparticles may act as thermal keys to drive the locomotion of microrobots on surfaces. In swarm robotics, this opens up new opportunities for supplying energy to multiple microrobots used in various applications.