We write about “pedal power” a lot – as in bicycle transportation and ways that pedaling can create some energy. However, some mechanical engineering students at Rice University are looking to create PediPower, which can turn the motion from walking into a system to juice up portable electronics.
The students behind the project, who go by the name “Agitation Squad,” created a shoe-mounted generator mounted at the heel. Except for running the heel is typically the first part of the foot to make contact with the ground, and here the team mounted a device that is connected to a gearbox, and with every step a little energy is gathered as the gearbox turns a motor and sends electricity to a battery pack.
While still in prototype the goal of the Agitation Squad is for another team to pick up the project and see where they can take it. Perhaps in the future a walk to the store could provide some power to juice up the phone or portable music player. Video after the jump
Chrome’s new Truk Pro don’t actually reflect light but for those who want to ride to work in stylish shoes and walk straight into the office these shine out in so many other ways. The SPD compatible shoe allows riders to clip in while on the bike but be able to walk around those hardwood floors that so many converted loft offices now have these days. The shoes are even available in black and grey and cost less than $100. And since these feature 1000 denier Cordura you don’t even need to shine them up for them to look so good.