Written by AZoSensorsFeb 12 2021
Scientists from the University of Colorado Boulder have designed a novel, affordable wearable device that turns the human body into a biological battery.
A thermoelectric wearable device worn as a ring. Image Credit: Xiao Lab.
Described recently in the
Science Advances journal, the device is so flexible that it can be worn like a bracelet, ring, or any other accessory that makes contact with the skin. The device also taps into an individual’s natural heat using thermoelectric generators to turn the internal temperature of the human into electricity.
In the future, we want to be able to power your wearable electronics without having to include a battery.
This âringâ could turn the body into a battery
A thermoelectric power generator worn as a ring. Credit: Xiao Lab.
Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have developed a new, low-cost wearable device that transforms the human body into a biological battery.
The device, described in the journal Science Advances, is stretchy enough that you can wear it like a ring, a bracelet or any other accessory that touches your skin.
It also taps into a person’s natural heat–employing thermoelectric generators to convert the body’s internal temperature into electricity.
“In the future, we want to be able to power your wearable electronics without having to include a battery,” said Jianliang Xiao, senior author of the new paper and an associate professor in the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering at CU Boulder.