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Artificial heartbeat: Design and fabrication of a biologically inspired pump

Walters, Peter; Lewis, Amy; Stinchcombe, Andrew; Stephenson, Robert; Ieropoulos, Ioannis

Authors

Amy Lewis

Andrew Stinchcombe

Robert Stephenson

Yannis Ieropoulos Ioannis2.Ieropoulos@uwe.ac.uk
Professor in Bioenergy & Director of B-B



Abstract

We present a biologically inspired actuator exhibiting a novel pumping action. The design of the 'artificial heartbeat' actuator is inspired by physical principles derived from the structure and function of the human heart. The actuator employs NiTi artificial muscles and is powered by electrical energy generated by microbial fuel cells (MFCs). We describe the design and fabrication of the actuator and report the results of tests conducted to characterize its performance. This is the first artificial muscle-driven pump to be powered by MFCs fed on human urine. Results are presented in terms of the peak pumping pressure generated by the actuator, as well as for the volume of fluid transferred, when the actuator was powered by energy stored in a capacitor bank, which was charged by 24 MFCs fed on urine. The results demonstrate the potential for the artificial heartbeat actuator to be employed as a fluid circulation pump in future generations of MFC-powered robots ('EcoBots') that extract energy from organic waste. We also envisage that the actuator could in the future form part of a bio-robotic artwork or 'bio-automaton' that could help increase public awareness of research in robotics, bio-energy and biologically inspired design. © 2013 IOP Publishing Ltd.

Citation

Walters, P., Lewis, A., Stinchcombe, A., Stephenson, R., & Ieropoulos, I. (2013). Artificial heartbeat: Design and fabrication of a biologically inspired pump. Bioinspiration and Biomimetics, 8(4), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-3182/8/4/046012

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Dec 1, 2013
Journal Bioinspiration and Biomimetics
Print ISSN 1748-3182
Electronic ISSN 1748-3190
Publisher IOP Publishing
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 8
Issue 4
Pages 1-14
DOI https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-3182/8/4/046012
Keywords ecobot, artificial muscle-driven pump, microbial fuel cells, urine, actuators, 3D printing
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/926491
Publisher URL http://iopscience.iop.org/1748-3190/8/4/046012


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