Overcoming annoying limitations
Researchers have recently unveiled a groundbreaking stretchable wearable device capable of generating power from body heat. This innovative prototype can light up an LED using just the warmth of your skin, presenting a promising solution to one of the main drawbacks of current fitness trackers and wearables—battery life.
The new device is designed to be flexible, durable, and efficient. It can harvest energy from human body heat, enabling it to power small electronics, including batteries, sensors, and LEDs. Remarkably, it remains functional even after being pierced and stretched thousands of times, showcasing its resilience.
Pioneered by a team at the University of Washington, this device represents a significant leap forward in wearable technology. Unlike traditional rigid devices that convert heat to electricity, this model boasts a soft and adaptable structure that conforms to the body. The researchers employed advanced simulations to select optimal materials and structures and fabricated nearly all components in their lab.
The device features three primary layers: a core of rigid thermoelectric semiconductors responsible for energy conversion, surrounded by lightweight 3D-printed composites that enhance performance and decrease weight. Liquid metal traces and droplets embedded in the design ensure stretchability and effective heat transfer, further improving the device’s functionality.
Beyond wearables, this technology could find applications in various sectors, such as electronics that generate heat. Conceptually, attaching these devices to warm electronics could harness excess heat to power sensors, especially beneficial in data centers where energy consumption and heat generation are significant concerns.
Additionally, these devices offer dual functionality, as they can also be used to heat or cool surfaces when electricity is applied. Future prospects include integrating this technology into virtual reality systems and other wearables, promising to enhance user experience through thermal sensations.
The ongoing development of this technology heralds a new era for wearables, emphasizing efficiency, durability, and sustainability in personal electronics.
