IIT Indore & DRDO Develop Energy Harvesting Shoes with GPS Tracking and TENG Technology for Military & Civilian Use

INDORE, August 7, 2024 — The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Indore, in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), has launched groundbreaking energy harvesting shoes with GPS tracking. This innovation promises significant advancements in wearable technology, benefiting military operations and various civilian applications.

Footwear Integrates TENG for Energy and Tracking

Under the leadership of Professor I. A. Palani, the development integrates Tribo-Electric Nanogenerator (TENG) technology into the footwear, converting mechanical energy from walking into electricity. This stored energy powers small electronic devices, transforming the shoes into a portable, renewable energy source. The incorporation of real-time GPS and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technologies provides precise live location tracking, enhancing military safety and coordination.

Professor Suhas Joshi, Director of IIT Indore, emphasized the military benefits: “These energy harvesting shoes provide essential GPS and RFID systems, offering a self-sustaining and reliable solution for various military needs. The real-time location tracking significantly boosts operational efficiency and security.”

High Tech Shoes: Military and Civilian Uses

While primarily designed for military use, these high-tech shoes have potential applications in several other fields:

Elderly Care: Families can track the location of elderly members, especially those with Alzheimer’s disease, ensuring their safety and providing peace of mind.
Child Safety: Parents can monitor their children’s whereabouts during school hours.
Industrial Applications: Companies can track worker attendance and activities, enhancing productivity and safety protocols.
Athletics: Athletes can use the shoes for detailed analysis of foot movements, aiding in performance improvement and training.
Outdoor Activities: Trekkers and mountaineers can rely on the self-powered GPS feature for navigation and safety during expeditions.

IIT Indore Advances Military Technology

This innovation places the Indian armed forces alongside the world’s most technologically advanced militaries, such as those in the United States and China, who are also exploring wearable technologies to improve soldier efficiency and safety through energy harvesting and real-time tracking systems.

As IIT Indore continues to push the boundaries of advanced technology, the TENG-based shoes represent a significant leap toward sustainable and practical solutions for various needs. This development underscores IIT Indore’s crucial role in shaping the future of defense technology and beyond.

IIT Indore’s energy harvesting shoes with GPS tracking epitomize the fusion of sustainable energy solutions with advanced tracking technologies. This innovation not only enhances the operational capabilities of the Indian armed forces but also holds substantial potential for civilian and industrial applications. As technology evolves, such advancements are set to revolutionize multiple sectors, offering practical and reliable solutions for everyday challenges. For more details visit Official IIT Indore website.

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