Section outline

  • If electricity is what powers a robot, then batteries are like the lunchboxes robots carry around to get their energy! A robot without power is just a lifeless machine. So in this section, we’ll explore how energy is stored and supplied to robots.

    • 🧃 What Is an Energy Source in Robotics?

      In robotics, an energy source provides the electrical power needed for components like motors, sensors, and the brain (microcontroller) to work.

      Most beginner robots use batteries or rechargeable power banks as their energy source.

      🧱 Types of Batteries Used in Robots

      Battery Type Features Used In
      AA/AAA Alkaline Non-rechargeable, cheap, easy to find Toys, simple circuits
      9V Battery Compact, easy to connect Mini projects, breadboards
      Li-ion / Li-Po Rechargeable, high power Drones, advanced robots
      Power Bank (USB) Portable, rechargeable, higher capacity Arduino-based robots, Raspberry Pi

      🪫 Remember: Never mix old and new batteries. It can cause leakage or power imbalance.

      🧠 Fun Fact: Why Do Robots Prefer Rechargeable Batteries?

      • They save money over time

      • They reduce electronic waste

      • Some can be charged using solar panels 🌞 – yes, solar robots exist!

    • 🪛 How Batteries Connect in Robots

      Batteries are connected using:

      • Battery holders (to keep them secure)

      • Jumper wires (to pass power to the circuit)

      • Switches (to turn the power on/off)

      Make sure to always:

      • Match the voltage requirement of your robot

      • Check polarity (positive and negative sides)

      🎯 Tip: Connecting a battery the wrong way might damage your robot.

       

    • ⚖️ Choosing the Right Battery

      When building a robot, think about:

      1. Voltage required by the components (e.g., 3.3V, 5V, 12V)

      2. Current (mAh) needed — higher mAh = longer usage

      3. Weight and Size — big batteries may not fit in small robots

      4. Rechargeability — saves cost in long term

      🔌 Aww Moment Example:

      Did you know that some tiny insect-sized robots run on coin cell batteries and still manage to fly or crawl?

      And some robots inspired by nature use body heat or solar panels to recharge — like how plants use sunlight! ☀️🌿

      🧪 Try This: Battery Power Test

      Use two different types of batteries to power a small motor:

      • Observe the speed of rotation

      • See which one lasts longer

      • Record your results!

      Battery Type Speed (Fast/Slow) Duration (How long it runs)
      AA Battery    
      9V Battery    

      🧯 Battery Safety Tips

       

      • Don’t short the battery terminals (it can get hot 🔥)

      • Store batteries in a dry place

      • Dispose of old batteries responsibly — don’t throw them in regular dustbins

      • Avoid charging non-rechargeable batteries (they may explode)