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Las Vegas Gets "Kinetic Tiles" That Power Lights With Foot Traffic (arstechnica.com)

An anonymous reader quotes Ars Technica: A New York-based startup called EnGoPlanet has installed four streetlights in a plaza off the Las Vegas Strip that are powered exclusively by solar and kinetic energy. The installations aren't mere streetlights though -- they also power a variety of environmental monitors, support video surveillance, and, for the masses, offer USB ports for device charging.

The streetlights are topped by a solar panel crest, and have "kinetic tiles" on the ground below them. These panels reportedly can generate 4 to 8 watts from people walking on them, depending on the pressure of the step. The renewable energy is then collected by a battery for use at night. The solar-plus-kinetic energy design is useful on those rare Vegas days without too much sun -- as long as there is still plenty of foot traffic.

5 of 86 comments (clear)

  1. Re:I'm no physicist but... by sunking2 · · Score: 1, Funny

    Good thing you aren't a physicist.

  2. Progress by ChrisMaple · · Score: 4, Funny

    Pretty soon now we'll reach the middle of the 19th century, and we'll have treadle powered sewing machines.

    --
    Contribute to civilization: ari.aynrand.org/donate
  3. Re:I'm no physicist but... by PopeRatzo · · Score: 3, Funny

    Walking on a sidewalk fitted with these kinetic tiles would feel somewhat similar to walking up a slight incline.

    I've seen the people walking around Las Vegas. They could stand a little extra exercise.

    --
    You are welcome on my lawn.
  4. Foot powered video surveillance by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    ..but unfortunately sarge, all the surveillance footage stopped abruptly after the gunman shouted "Nobody move"

  5. Re:little brother powers big brother by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Funny

    FUCK THIS and FUCK THEM!!!

    You goddamned useless fucking sheeple taking surveillance up your ass and gleefully giving all your money to the elites.
    You are gonna wake up one day and wonder WHY THE FUCK you didn't listen to people warning that you're enslaved.
    NOTHING for you slaves but a bowl of grits and a tin roof, ALL spoils and power for them, NONE for you.

    FIGHT BACK or lose.