The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Indorein cooperation with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)has launched an innovative new product: energy harvesting shoes with GPS tracking. This advanced footwear represents a significant advancement in wearable technology and offers promising benefits for both military and civilian applications.
Led by Professor IA Palani, the shoes integrate Tribo-Electric Nanogenerator (TENG) technology, which captures the mechanical energy generated during walking and converts it into electrical energy. This stored energy can then be used to run small electronic devices, making the shoes a portable and renewable energy source. In addition, the shoes are equipped with real-time GPS and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technologies that enable precise location tracking that improves the safety and coordination of military personnel.
Professor Suhas Joshi, Director, IIT Indorehighlighted the military benefits of the new shoes, pointing out that they feature important GPS and RFID systems. “These energy harvesting shoes offer a self-sufficient and reliable solution to various military requirements. Real-time location tracking significantly improves operational efficiency and safety,” Joshi explained.
Although the shoes were primarily designed for military use, there are a number of potential applications in other areas as well. In elderly care, they can help families track the whereabouts of the elderly, particularly Alzheimer's patients, ensuring safety and peace of mind. For child safety, parents can monitor their children's whereabouts during school hours. In industrial settings, the shoes could be used to track the attendance and activities of workers, improving productivity and safety protocols. Athletes could benefit from detailed analysis of foot movements to improve their performance and training, while trekkers and mountaineers could focus on the GPS navigation with self-powered system and safety during expeditions.
This groundbreaking development puts the Indian Armed Forces on par with the world's most technologically advanced militaries, such as the US and China, who are also exploring wearable technologies to improve soldier efficiency and safety. IIT Indore's energy-harvesting shoes represent a significant advancement in both sustainable and practical solutions to diverse needs, and underscore the institute's critical role in advancing defence technology and beyond.
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