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Medium⏱ time1.5 hr$ cost14

Solar Bug

A small solar cell powers a motor so a robot bug moves whenever the sun shines.

Start building ↓
fig — working model Result first

The build

Step 01

Wire the cell

Connect the solar cell to a storage capacitor.

Step 02

Add the motor

Link the capacitor to a small motor.

Step 03

Build the body

Mount it on a light frame with wheels.

Step 04

Sun-power it

In bright light it charges and lurches forward.

Working Principle

The solar cell trickle-charges a capacitor; when enough energy builds, it dumps into the motor for a burst of movement, then repeats.

The science behind it

A closer look

This 'solar engine' stores weak solar power until there's enough for useful work — efficient robotics on a tiny energy budget.

Take it further

Variables to test

  • 1 Bigger capacitor — longer pauses, stronger bursts?
  • 2 Compare shade vs full sun behaviour.

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