Self-Sufficient Systems: Integrating Energy Harvesting with Smart Structures and Soft Robotics

Abstract

The burgeoning fields of smart structures and soft robotics promise a future of adaptive, compliant, and intelligent systems for applications ranging from biomedical implants to remote environmental monitoring. However, a critical bottleneck constraining their long-term deployment and autonomy is the reliance on conventional, rigid batteries, which necessitate frequent recharging or replacement, thereby limiting operational lifespan and increasing maintenance complexity. This review article posits that the integration of energy harvesting technologies directly into the fabric of smart structures and the constitutive materials of soft robots is the pivotal step towards realizing truly self-sufficient systems. We present a comprehensive analysis of the synergy between three core domains: advanced energy harvesting mechanisms (piezoelectric, triboelectric, pyroelectric, and bio-chemical), multifunctional smart materials (shape memory alloys, electroactive polymers, hydrogels), and the architectural principles of soft robotics. The article systematically reviews recent breakthroughs in material science that enable dual-functionality, where a material can simultaneously act as a sensor, an actuator, and an energy harvester. We explore innovative system-level designs that transform structural deformations, ambient thermal fluctuations, and even biochemical energy from the environment into usable electrical power to sustain onboard computation, sensing, and actuation. Furthermore, the paper addresses the significant challenges of power management, energy storage at the micro-scale, and system-level integration efficiency. By synthesizing the current state-of-the-art and projecting future research trajectories, this work aims to provide a foundational framework for the next generation of autonomous, maintenance-free intelligent systems capable of perpetual operation in unpredictable and inaccessible environments.