IIT Indore's new army shoes generate electricity, offer real-time tracking
What's the story
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Indore has created a pair of innovative shoes specifically designed for the armed forces.
These shoes, developed under the guidance of IA Palani, Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at IIT Indore, utilize Tribo-Electric Nanogenerator (TENG) technology.
They are equipped with features that can enhance the safety and coordination of military personnel while boosting operational efficiency and security.
Technological innovation
Shoes generate electricity with every step
The TENG technology in these shoes generates electricity with every step.
It uses Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP) and aluminum to convert the mechanical energy from walking into electricity, which is then stored in a device embedded in the shoe's sole.
This stored energy can power small electronic devices, offering a portable and renewable energy source for the soldiers in the field.
Enhanced features
GPS and RFID are integrated
In addition to generating electricity, the shoes are equipped with sophisticated GPS and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology with a 50-meter range.
The satellite-based GPS module can help with precise live location tracking of military personnel.
This real-time tracking can improve strategic coordination and ensure the safety of soldiers during operations.
Academic impact
IIT Indore's contribution to defense technology
"These advancements offer sustainable and practical solutions for a wide range of needs, highlighting IIT Indore's pivotal role in pioneering the future of defense technology," said Professor Suhas Joshi, Director of IIT Indore.
The development of such advanced footwear represents a significant leap for the Indian armed forces, aligning them with other technologically advanced military forces worldwide.
Similar initiatives are underway in the United States, NATO allies, and China.
Broader applications
TENG-powered shoes have potential beyond military use
The potential applications of TENG-powered shoes extend beyond military use.
For families with elderly members, especially those with Alzheimer's disease, the shoes can aid keep track of them through reliable location tracking.
Working parents can monitor their children's whereabouts throughout the day, and schools can use RFID technology to maintain attendance records.
In industrial settings, the shoes are useful for attendance tracking and worker monitoring.
The athletic industry can use them to analyzing foot movements, thereby improving performance/training techniques.