Power generating clothing may be a reality soon

27 Jul '12

2 min read

Apparels that generate power with the help of human body movements are likely to soon become a reality.

According to a research conducted by Auckland Bioengineering Institute, New Zealand, power gadgets, such as heart rate monitors, may soon be available in the markets worldwide.

Mr. Ben O’Brien, a Research Fellow at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute, told Fibre2fashion, “For approximately six years, we have been working on ways to generate power from human motion using artificial muscles.”

“There are many groups in the world working on the same technology, but what sets us apart is our emphasis on making the control electronics small and light enough for portable applications,” he adds.

Talking about the present stage of their research, Mr. O’Brien explains, “Currently, our research is at the stage of ‘technology transfer’, and talks are on with companies that might be interested in our technology and may further like to tailor it according to their applications.”

When quizzed about the possible applications of the ‘electricity generating clothing’, he avers, “The medical applications seem very promising, maybe one could generate electricity from breathing and use it to power a heart rate monitor.”

Talking about the business prospects of this kind of clothing, Mr. O’Brien says, “This technology has huge business potential and we have received a pretty good response form the companies worldwide.”

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India