Consumer robot designs present a challenge for Li-ion batteries

While most people’s idea of what robots do today might be based on industrial robots that put cars together on an assembly line, in fact, the consumer sector is fast emerging as a viable market for small, portable robots. These robots are taking advantage of advances in technology that mean very intelligent systems can be made in compact, lightweight form factors at viable cost.

Batteries are a very important part of these systems as the battery selection dictates how long a robot can go between charging. In this week's Engineers' Insight, Tim Parker looks at some of the options available to power companion robots.