Wireless communication devices 'could be powered by walking'

e14news — Fri, 08 Oct 2021 03:18:59 GMT

Current Revision posted to Documents by e14news on 10/8/2021 3:18:59 AM
Researchers in the US have developed a way to generate electricity from human motion, meaning wireless communication device users may soon be able to power their phones simply by going for a stroll.

The device, which is designed to fit into a shoe, takes the energy of moving micro droplets and converts it into electrical current.

The study, the results of which are published in the journal Nature Communications, was conducted by researchers at the University of Wisconsin.

"Humans, generally speaking, are very powerful energy-producing machines," observed Professor Tom Krupenkin from the university's mechanical engineering department. "While sprinting, a person can produce as much as a kilowatt of power."

And according to the scientists, that is more than enough to power a standard mobile phone.

In other industry news, a new report has suggested that Apple is set to launch a cheaper version of its iPhone 4 in a bid to compete with Nokia and Microsoft in some international markets.

Reuters news agency suggested that Apple is in talks with Chinese mobile operators, claiming the handset could be launched within weeks.

Posted by Simon Jones