Data Transmission and Communication via Electrolytic Flow Channel

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel ionic data transmission method using electrolytic flow channels in elastomeric tubing, enabling decentralized control in soft robotics with improved signal conditioning and robustness.

Contribution

It presents the first use of redox flow battery electrolyte for dual power and data transmission in soft robotics, along with a simple signal conditioning technique for long-distance ionic communication.

Findings

Successful ionic data transmission over electrolytic channels

Decentralized control enhances system robustness

Effective signal conditioning addresses decay issues

Abstract

As an alternative approach to ionic data transmission with hydrogel as substrate, this work explores the possible applications of liquid electrolyte filling cavity of a stretchable, flexible elastomeric tubing, which is the primary ingredient used in redox flow battery systems. While hydrogel-based ionic impedance characterization and its data communication capability have been well studied, the multifunctional use of redox flow battery electrolyte for data communication, in addition to powering, is novel, especially in the context of soft robotics. This work also describes a simple signal conditioning technique that addresses the signal decaying problem due to long-distance ionic data transmission. Finally, we describe the prototypical design of a decentralized data communication between two, or possibly more, systems of power and control. This work presents the concept of a decentralized control of a robot's hydraulic actuation system, that will allow for the system's functional robustness in the event of one of the two, or possibly more, modules lose power or become severed from the robot's body.