Researchers in various industries may be focusing on alternative ways to harness energy in an efficient and environmentally conscious manner, but some arenas still remain untouched like pedestrian power; that is, until the PediPower Shoes were developed. It is a specially designed footwear that harnesses the kinetic energy generated while people walk.
Created by a group of students at Rice University who have dubbed themselves The Agitation Squad, Carlos Armada, Julian Castro, David Morilla and Tyler Wiest, the PediPower Shoes was a collaborative effort with Motion Analysis Laboratory at Shriners Hospital for Children in Houston, Texas. Focusing mainly on the heel, since majority of people walk heel to toe, the PediPower Shoes can deliver an average of 400 milliwatts, which is enough to power a small device.
Electricity-Generating Footwear
The PediPower Shoes Harnesses Kinetic Energy from Pedestrians
Trend Themes
1. Alternative Energy Generation - The PediPower Shoes showcase the potential for harnessing kinetic energy in alternative ways, opening up opportunities for innovations in alternative energy generation.
2. Wearable Technology - The development of PediPower Shoes demonstrates the growing trend of integrating technology into everyday wearables, paving the way for advancements in wearable technology.
3. Sustainable Fashion - The PediPower Shoes highlight the intersection of fashion and sustainability, pointing towards potential disruptive innovations in the sustainable fashion industry.
Industry Implications
1. Energy - The PediPower Shoes present an opportunity for the energy industry to explore new methods of energy generation through human movement.
2. Technology - The PediPower Shoes offer possibilities for the technology industry to further integrate smart features into footwear and other wearables.
3. Fashion - The development of PediPower Shoes introduces a potential disruptive innovation in the fashion industry by combining fashion-forward footwear with sustainable energy generation.