Out Of Juice? Just Strap on This Knee Brace

February 11th, 2008

Researchers from Simon Fraser University in British Columbia have developed a knee brace like device, that when worn while walking will charge an internal battery. The Biomechanical Energy Harvester (sounds more like an implant - it ain’t) generates power at the end of a walker’s step similar to that of an electric or hybrid car braking (that’s according to the researchers). Wearing the device on each leg can generate 5 watts of electricity at a normal pace. At a fast pace the device can generate up to 13 watts. With just one minute of walking and the Biomechanical Energy Harvester can power a standard cell phone for 30 minutes of talk time. That puts the Hymini to shame. Although, I doubt it costs a mere $49 like the Hymini. Dare I say: “The green energy race is on’.

More pics after the ‘leap’

Entry Filed under: Biometrics, Fitness, Green Energy, Science