Bioengineers at the University of Auckland in New Zealand have developed a super-thin “dielectric elastomer” generator which can harvest the energy of footsteps! As opposed to piezoelectrics which can only harness the power of sharp, succinct motions, this technology is better tailored to the “large slow motions” we perform everyday. The thin, light package of components has the potential to suit a variety of applications that reach beyond fancy footwear.
