What are the best ways to make your robot energy-efficient?

1. Efficient Design: Weight Reduction, Streamlined Shape and Efficient Mechanisms. 2. Energy-Efficient Components: Low-Power Electronics, effective power management systems to regulate energy consumption and Energy Recovery Systems. 3. Using Efficient Batteries 4. Sleep Modes

If we think in terms of first principles, we need to minimize losses to be the most energy efficient. We can minimize: 1. Electrical Power Transmission Loss: Choose a high voltage system to reduce current and thus the heat loss in the system 2. Friction Loss: It can be reduced by means of use of bearings, lubrications and also making the robot as light as possible. Also, it is important to design the robot in a way to minimize the inertia of moving parts. That's why we see robots getting thinner towards the end effector. 3. Losses in Energy/Motion Transmission: We can definitely go for direct drive and other mechanisms to minimize losses in transmission. e.g. Ball screws instead of 4-bar mechanisms.

Almost all the points are reasonable. But in my opinion, reduction of unnecessary features and bodies should help. The less the weight of robot, the less energy it would use for operation. But selection of right motors is also crucial along with weight considerations. Understanding what minimum weight a motor can work without making the bot topple, and most importantly perform the function it is meant to without errors.

Energy efficiency is less important than energy effectiveness. Add a bigger battery and be flexible in the time when you recharge the robot. Electricity is the most volatile commodity on the planet because supply and demand must always match, within grid and generation capacity limits. Sometimes electricity is very expensive and carbon intensive, and at other times it has a negative price and is CO2 neutral or better (yes that is possible). Add a decent sized battery and charge flexibly at low cost/low CO2 times and that will give better outcomes than outdated measures of "efficiency"

Integrated approach to be followed. It features power calculations, validations for selected power devices, sensitivity analysis in the context of weight reduction ( optimization), geometry optimization, motion analysis via 3D and simulations etc. it thus becomes multidisciplinary optimization problem. Adding the weights to different factors and sensitivity analysis will give clue regarding what should be more suitable target.

To enhance a robot's power efficiency, meticulous consideration must be given to selecting an optimal power source aligned with the robot's specifications. Additionally, power consumption can be reduced by optimizing key components such as minimizing weight, refining motor efficiency, and selecting energy-efficient sensors. Regular maintenance is essential for sustained efficiency. Lastly, periodic updates to the robot's program or algorithm contribute to ongoing improvements in power efficiency.