An amazing invention from Michigan State University. Thin as a piece of paper, sticks to you like a sticker and it harnesses power from being repeatedly folded during exercise.

There have been similar types of devices made before but this one is noteworthy because it is more powerful.

The unlimited potential applications this device could have on almost any current technology from swiping your phone’s screen to walking or even putting it on your pets as they play. Energy is created simply through motion and as the device is bent electricity is created.

“we’re on the path toward wearable devices powered by human motion,” said Nelson Sepulveda, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering and lead investigator of the project.
http://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2016/flexible-device-captures-energy-from-human-motion/

Transferring and storing that electricity is still under development. At the moment a piece about the size of the palm of your hand placed on your knee will create enough energy to power a cell phone with a 35 minute bike ride or work out.

Cool stuff eh? How does it work you ask.

The foundation of this technology is actually quite common it’s called Piezoelectricity and it’s most likely you have used this in modern lighters. Just like the image below. By applying pressure energy is created and you can channel it to be stored or to power something. In this example the energy is released to light gas on fire.

(image credit) http://global.kyocera.com/fcworld/charact/elect/piezo.html

“Piezoelectric Effect is the ability of certain materials to generate an electric charge in response to applied mechanical stress. The word Piezoelectric is derived from the Greek piezein, which means to squeeze or press, and piezo, which is Greek for ‘push’.”
http://www.nanomotion.com/piezo-ceramic-motor-technology/piezoelectric-effect/

(Example of piezoelectricity)

Learn more here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piezoelectricity

This new way of using that same idea is revolutionary because it is so incredibly small and thin and can be placed on anything that moves even the slightest to create electricity.

How much power you ask.

“The researchers conducted a few tests using different sizes of the piezoelectic sheet to measure its voltage. In one test a palm-sized sheet cranked out about 50 volts was able to power 20 LED lights.”
http://www.livescience.com/57167-flexible-film-captures-energy-from-motion.html

(maybe they used lights like these ones)

By including it in future touch screen designs when you swipe your phone with your finger over the thin film and pressure is applied; it’s that pressure can be used to create, channel and store electricity. Thus prolonging your phones battery.

Imagine your devices never ran out of power and never need to plug them in or keep a back up battery. You wouldn’t even need to rely on a sunny day. In the least it will reduce the down time and the power drainage so your electrical needs will be met for longer periods of time.

(image credit http://jamesdelectric.com/)
Cool stuff eh.