Structural power, energy, actuation, and mobility in intelligently directed systems enabled from nanocrystalline metals

Abstract Energy and motility in the context of robotics and intelligent systems is often an afterthought, if not a neglected element, in the overall design and performance of such devices. Yet the critical factor in many demanding applications of robotic and unmanned systems, particularly discrete and remotely deployed systems, is the endurance and operational readiness due to limits inherent in the power and energy resources available to the intelligent system. The current research fundamentally revisits and challenges the notion that energy and power are discrete elements in intelligent systems. What is offered and explored in this research is expanding the potential of truly multifunctional materials to embrace an enabling framework for mass, volume, and energy efficiency in the unique context of intelligent systems—to include robotics, unmanned systems, semi- and fully autonomous intelligent agents. Specifically, the unique properties of a new alloy are exploited and demonstrated to provide both structural and energy elements that can be strategically and simultaneously recruited to provide the robust inputs needed for continuity of intelligent agent performance.