I once saw a technical paper where a research institute was able to pattern a functional antenna on the wings of a bee. The research was based on the fact that, given the right environment, you could train bees to associate any scent to that of honey (co-location). For example, explosives. Once trained, with antennas on their wings and a tiny RFID circuit, hives can be released in a city to seek out explosives. The RFID's can track their location...sort of (low power).
Bugnology is coming!
There are various research organizations (IMEC Belgium) looking into how to use the body's energy to power implantable devices (defib's, pacemakers, etc.) rather than batteries. They are looking at thermal, chemical, kinetic methods. The concept is birth to grave implantables that can also flex as the body grows and ages. They will be successful at some point. So it's a matter of developing these scavenging techniques, along with ultra low power semiconductors that will provide a foothold into the market. Once that happens, we all know the story. Incremental improvement, lower costs, larger markets, greater success.
Whether you can do this with a power hungry cell phone remains to be seen. For cell phones, the big energy draw are the RF power amps behind the antenna. The distance to the cell towers will determine the minimum energy needed. Maybe pico cells at shorter distances are the key.
On a lighter note. If they can develop internal energy scavenging, then I say they put a few USB ports on the outside of the skin. You've got the external supply and a friggin GREAT DIET PLAN!. Hey, you want to lose a few extra pounds, go to the airport and let travelers plug into you. Lose weight AND makes extra bucks! I'm writing a book called LOSE POUNDS WHILE YOU PLAY WOW! There's the answer to childhood obesity, and mobile energy.
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I once saw a technical paper where a research institute was able to pattern a functional antenna on the wings of a bee. The research was based on the fact that, given the right environment, you could train bees to associate any scent to that of honey (co-location). For example, explosives. Once trained, with antennas on their wings and a tiny RFID circuit, hives can be released in a city to seek out explosives. The RFID's can track their location...sort of (low power). Bugnology is coming!
There are various research organizations (IMEC Belgium) looking into how to use the body's energy to power implantable devices (defib's, pacemakers, etc.) rather than batteries. They are looking at thermal, chemical, kinetic methods. The concept is birth to grave implantables that can also flex as the body grows and ages. They will be successful at some point. So it's a matter of developing these scavenging techniques, along with ultra low power semiconductors that will provide a foothold into the market. Once that happens, we all know the story. Incremental improvement, lower costs, larger markets, greater success. Whether you can do this with a power hungry cell phone remains to be seen. For cell phones, the big energy draw are the RF power amps behind the antenna. The distance to the cell towers will determine the minimum energy needed. Maybe pico cells at shorter distances are the key. On a lighter note. If they can develop internal energy scavenging, then I say they put a few USB ports on the outside of the skin. You've got the external supply and a friggin GREAT DIET PLAN!. Hey, you want to lose a few extra pounds, go to the airport and let travelers plug into you. Lose weight AND makes extra bucks! I'm writing a book called LOSE POUNDS WHILE YOU PLAY WOW! There's the answer to childhood obesity, and mobile energy.