Academics from the American University of Colorado at Boulder (CU Boulder) have developed a new wearable device. It is unique in that it is capable of turning the human body into a biological battery, as it is powered by the user himself.
As the website SciTechDaily writes, the device is a cost-effective wearable "thing" that can be stretched. This means they can be worn as a ring, bracelet and other accessories that touch the skin. The device uses the wearer's natural heat. In other words, it uses thermoelectric generators to convert internal body heat into electricity.
The device can also generate roughly 1 volt of energy for every square centimeter of skin. That's less voltage per area than current batteries provide, but it will still be enough to power products like fitness bands and smart watches.
That's not all - the "craft" can also repair itself if it breaks and is fully recyclable. This makes it a cleaner alternative to mainstream electronics. “Every time you use a battery, you're depleting it and you'll eventually have to replace it. The nice thing about our thermoelectric device is that you can wear it and it gives you a constant supply of energy," said Associate Professor Jianliang Xiao of CU Boulder's Department of Mechanical Engineering and one of the lead authors of the scientific paper on this unique device.
According to Jianling, the device could be on the market in 5-10 years, if he and his colleagues solve some of the issues related to its design. A revolution in power is coming "wearables'?
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