The Mars Bot solar Generator Tracks the Sun to Store Electricity
Portable photovoltaic systems are excellent for producing electricity in remote locations, but the inconvenience of regularly relocating them to stay in sunlight can be burdensome. Jackery’s Solar Generator Mars Bot presents a solution to this issue by autonomously repositioning itself.
Presenting itself to the public for the first time at CES 2024, the bot was recently honored with a Best Inventions of 2023 Award by Time magazine. Named after NASA’s Opportunity Mars rover, it draws inspiration from the same.
Rugged Design and Efficient Solar Power Storage
The robot, equipped with a sturdy aluminum alloy body that is resistant to impact, waterproof, and dust-proof, has four wheels. In fact, It is outfitted with 600W foldable solar panels, claiming a maximum solar conversion efficiency of 25%. Energy is stored in a built-in 5-kWh lithium battery, and access to it is facilitated through ports situated on one side.
However, employing a light sensing and tracking system, the arrangement of solar panels on the Mars Bot adjusts its tilt and position in relation to the robot’s body to continuously capture the maximum sunlight. In addition, the robot physically moves across the ground to align with the sun’s trajectory, avoiding shadows and optimizing its exposure to light. It’s worth noting that the robot does consume a portion of the electricity it generates while in motion.
Intelligent Navigation and Pending Features
The Mars Bot is said to navigate around obstacles using an AI-driven “intelligent movement system,” though confirmation is pending on whether it incorporates a geofencing mechanism to prevent straying too far from the user. As of now, there is no information available regarding pricing or availability for the Solar Generator Mars Bot. The video below provides a detailed overview of the bot’s features.
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