The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Indore has created unique shoes for Armed Forces personnel that generate power and track the wearer’s position in real time. This innovation, which Professor I A Palani spearheaded, has the potential to enhance army safety, coordination, and effectiveness, according to IIT Indore director Professor Suhas Joshi.
The first batch of 10 pairs has already been sent to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The shoes use Tribo-Electric Nanogenerator (TENG) technology, which produces power with each stride. This electricity is stored in a device placed in the soles and can be used to power tiny equipment, providing a useful alternative for soldiers in isolated areas.
In addition to electricity generation, the shoes are equipped with GPS and radio frequency identification (RFID) technologies, allowing for real-time location tracking. This capability is not only useful for military personnel, but it also has the potential to follow senior citizens with Alzheimer’s, schoolchildren, climbers, and manufacturing workers.
Furthermore, these smart sneakers can correctly analyse athletes’ movements and improve their performance.
