
Large-scale bipedal platforms — anthropomorphic robots of 15–20 metres in height — have long been constrained by a fundamental energetic barrier: no existing power storage or transmission technology can deliver the sustained 10–100 MW required for dynamic locomotion and operation at this scale. This paper proposes CryoLink, a novel power umbilical system that resolves this constraint through the combination of cryogenically cooled copper conductors maintained at approximately −190°C via a closed-loop liquid nitrogen (LN2) circulation jacket, a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) inner liner, and a carbon fibre composite outer protective sheath. By reducing conductor resistance by approximately an order of magnitude relative to room-temperature operation, CryoLink enables high-power transmission through a lightweight, mechanically flexible cable. The system is paired with a mobile ground support platform housing two NuScale Small Modular Reactor (SMR) modules providing 154 MW total electrical output with a 24-year fuel lifespan. A supplementary high-power burst mode, termed Overdrive, is described wherein reserve reactor capacity is redirected to actuator systems for short-duration peak performance. All proposed component technologies exist at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6–9. This paper argues that the power problem in large-scale bipedal robotics is closer to resolution than previously recognised, and provides a systems-level engineering framework for further development.
liquid nitrogen, cryogenic systems, robotics feasibility, bipedal robotics, small modular reactor, power transmission
liquid nitrogen, cryogenic systems, robotics feasibility, bipedal robotics, small modular reactor, power transmission
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