University of Wisconsin scientists developed a system to gather the power generated from walking. This invention fits into the sole of a sneaker, it also includes a battery for power storage and a USB port to charge a smartphone.
Smartphones use up a lot of energy by communicating with the cellular network, but the Wisconsin research has come up with shoes that could double as Wi-Fi routers. This would let a smartphone save power by communicating with the shoe, leaving the continuously powered footwear to communicate with the cell network. User-powered shoes would also permit much more precise location. This would benefit those who like more accurate measurements of activity. For example, a person who likes to track their steps throughout the day.
The scientists relied on “reverse electrowetting,” which Dr. Taylor and colleague Tom Krupenkin developed. This technique needs a very frequent input of energy to work well. Since walking is low in frequency, the scientists had to compensate for the lack of frequency by choosing various materials for their electrical properties. At the center of the sole in the shoe is a conductive liquid. The force of each heel strike drives compressed air into the system, forcing liquid droplets to bubble and burst again and again in rapid sequence—a high-frequency process that yields an electrical current sufficient for a variety of uses. Dr. Krupenkin says that walking can produce several watts of electricity, enough to power many devices, including flashlights and phones. A standard smartphone, he says, requires less than two watts.
This new invention would be a big step for technology. Many hikers can benefit from this shoe because being out in the wilderness without a phone could decrease there chances of being found \. This device could help ambulances, police, fire fighters, etc locate the location of the emergency more efficiently. This device could also hurt business that sell chargers, this would drastically decrease their profit.
Title: Scientists Generate Power from Walking
Time Published: Feb. 24, 2016 10:57 a.m. ET 
This system seems to support the idea of a more sustainable and less wasteful society. That millennials are drawn to these products and there is potential for global aid application bodes well for the future of this new technology.
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