Batteries are the most commonly used power source for mobile robots. In today's designs, lead-acid batteries have largely been replaced by lithium chemicals. The two most common lithium chemicals in these applications are variants of lithium-ion (Li-ion) and lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4).

Choose a lightweight battery：

Batteries make up about 20% of the volume and weight of a typical robot. What's more, the percentage goes up as you work with smaller microbots. In other words, for every 10 pounds of the robot, 2 pounds is just batteries. Imagine lugging a small refrigerator -- just to make a small device work! Batteries are not only heavy and bulky but also expensive. This makes them important components to be carefully designed. Therefore, choose a thin battery.

The high energy density of lithium-ion batteries makes them require less space and weight：

The high energy density of lithium-ion batteries means less space and weight are required compared to other chemistries. This makes them valuable in robots where saving space and weight are important considerations.Because of this, many researchers are looking at harnessing the power of lithium-ion for use in powering robotic applications.

Lithium ions contain dangerous chemicals：

The lithium ion cobalt dioxide lithium chemical is classified as a hazardous substance. Causes an allergic reaction to the eyes and skin on contact. This cobalt-based lithium is toxic because it inhibits small amounts of cobalt into the electrolyte at high temperatures. May be dangerous if ingested or inhaled. There is evidence that lithium-ion battery positive plates contain lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) in the current collector. The battery manufacturer may not be able to confirm this.Users should consider using safer lithium-ion chemicals that are not classified as dangerous, such as lithium manganese (LiMn2O4),

It can be effectively used in some applications that use a single battery：

One of the biggest differences between Li-ion and other battery types is in their use with a PCM. Without a PCM, the cell and pack voltages are the same. This reduces cost by not needing a voltage boost circuit. Because the voltage of a Li-ion battery is higher than other chemistries, it can be used effectively in some applications that use a single cell. This includes low-power products like wireless sensors and small robots that need voltages from 1.8V to 3.8V.

LiFePO4 batteries are non-toxic and easy to handle and dispose of as needed：

Because LiFePO4 batteries are less toxic than other chemicals, they are much easier to recycle. They can even be thrown away in ordinary household waste. Although we recommend that you check the rules and regulations in your area.

To deal with the harsh industrial environment such as high temperature, shock, and vibration：

Lithium-ion batteries are the type of battery used in most consumer electronics today. Based on dangerous chemicals, it's always ticking away, waiting to catch fire and explode. The LiFePO4 battery is relatively mild chemically. It can usually cope with harsh industrial environments such as high temperature, shock and vibration.

High current load and high discharge speed：

Batteries powered by lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) are an excellent choice for powering robots. It can handle the high current loads required by sensors, microprocessors, and motors in the robot without getting hot or catching fire. They can easily be discharged at speeds up to 10 times their capacity without causing any major damage.

The LiFePO4 battery has a lower energy density：

The energy density of LiFePO4 batteries is about 40% lower than that of other lithium chemicals such as Li-Ion and LiPo. This may seem like a drawback, but it makes them safer than other chemicals. Because they don't release excess heat during the charging process. This makes them ideal for applications where temperatures are high or batteries may be physically damaged, such as in robotics or R/C cars. They are also more secure in applications that may be overcharged.

Depends on the size of the discharge rate you need：

If you do not need high discharge rates then Li-ion is the preferred choice for robotic applications. When higher discharge rates are needed then LiFePO4 is the better choice but can result in slightly lower energy densities and run times for certain types of robots.

Cost-effectiveness difference：

LiFePo4 batteries are a type of rechargeable battery that is commonly used in power tools and robot kits. They can be good replacements for Lithium-ion batteries, but LiFePO4 batteries have their unique benefits. They have a longer cycle life between 1,000 to 10,000 cycles. Compared to the 500-1,200 cycles of a typical lithium-ion battery, this makes them a cost-effective choice. Hichipcom will also launch some special offers from time to time, if you need to buy, please click here to learn more.

Battery energy storage capacity of LiFePO4 is lower than that of Li-ion：

The Swiss team found that relatively new lithium iron phosphate batteries, known as lithium iron phosphate batteries, outperformed lithium-ion technology in terms of energy density. The researchers found that repeated cycles of charging and discharging did not degrade the battery's performance. After 200 cycles, it retains up to 92% of its initial capacity.

Lithium iron phosphate resists thermal runaway during charging and discharging：

A lithium-iron phosphate battery is a rechargeable battery that features reduced internal resistance and increased safety over nickel metal hydride and lithium-ion batteries. The lithium iron phosphate battery is immune to thermal runaway, making them ideal for high temperature and high discharge environments such as in the automotive industry and military applications.

LiFePO4 has higher thermal stability than Li-ion：

Solid state technology has been long studied, but there are still some technical barriers. Past studies have shown that solid polymer lithium batteries have higher thermal stability than LiFePO4 batteries, which provide more security for aircraft and nuclear power plants against abnormal conditions.

High long-term storage characteristics：

Both Li-ion and LiFePO4 have good long-term storage characteristics.In many cases, lithium-ion and lithium iron phosphate have been used in laboratory tests, and both batteries are generally believed to have good long-term storage properties. So no matter what kind of battery you choose, you can get good benefits.

conclusion：

No battery is perfect. Each chemistry has its advantages and disadvantages. Battery performance is always affected by the design of the chosen system. Lithium-ion and lithium iron phosphate batteries will continue to be used as power sources for mobile robots, but current research into the use of recycled electric vehicle batteries may drive the adoption of these older technologies in specific applications.If you are troubled by the battery problem of the robot, you can click here to consult us. We will help you choose the right battery.