The InStep Nanopower Shoes Create Electricty as You Walk
Souzan Michael — August 30, 2011 — Tech
References: host.madison & technabob
Now that I think about it, I'm shocked that scientists have not thought of this before, but they are finally here: the InStep Nanopower Shoes that create electricity while you walk. Using liquid metal, the shoes can create about 10 to 20 watts of power.
The best part is that you can use that power to charge some of the technological gadgets that you have on you all the time, like your cell phone and iPod.
Researchers Tom Krupkin and J. Ashley Taylor at UW-Madison have been working on the InStep Nanopower Shoes using a process called reverse electrowetting.
The way these shoes work is simple: liquid metal is stored in pouches located in the heel and sole of the shoe and as you walk, you start pumping nano-sized drops of the metal through tiny channels, creating electricity. The electricity is stored in a battery at the center of the shoe, which you can then use to charge whatever you may need.
The best part is that you can use that power to charge some of the technological gadgets that you have on you all the time, like your cell phone and iPod.
Researchers Tom Krupkin and J. Ashley Taylor at UW-Madison have been working on the InStep Nanopower Shoes using a process called reverse electrowetting.
The way these shoes work is simple: liquid metal is stored in pouches located in the heel and sole of the shoe and as you walk, you start pumping nano-sized drops of the metal through tiny channels, creating electricity. The electricity is stored in a battery at the center of the shoe, which you can then use to charge whatever you may need.
Trend Themes
1. Energy-creating Footwear - Personal devices are constantly in use, so creating new ways for them to charge is becoming increasingly important.
2. Reverse Electrowetting - Innovations in materials science that harness the power of liquids are unlocking new ways to generate energy.
3. Wearable Energy Technology - As people continue to demand more innovative solutions for powering their devices, wearable technology that generates energy is becoming increasingly popular.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion & Apparel - Footwear companies can partner with technology firms to develop wearable energy-generating products.
2. Electronics - There is an opportunity for electronics companies to incorporate wearable energy-generating technology into their products.
3. Materials Science - Further research into liquid metal and other advanced materials could lead to the development of new energy generation technologies.
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