IIT Indore and DRDO Develop Energy-harvesting Shoes with GPS tracking

Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) Indore has developed a shoe in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) which harnesses energy from human motion to power electronic devices and having a satellite-based GPS module for precise live location tracking, a release stated.

The Institute has successfully delivered 10 pairs of innovative Tribo-Electric Nanogenerator (TENG) based shoe sole energy harvesting units to the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. It showcases a significant leap in integrating sustainable energy solutions with advanced tracking technologies. The shoes, developed under the expert guidance of Prof I A Palani, faculty at IIT Indore, are designed to harness energy from human motion to power electronic devices.

Director of IIT Indore, Prof Suhas Joshi said, “The military applications of this technology are noteworthy. The real-time location tracking capabilities enhance the safety and coordination of military personnel, boosting operational efficiency and security. The TENG-powered shoes can support essential GPS and RFID systems, providing a self-sustaining and dependable solution for various military needs.”

As the demand for efficient and portable power sources continues to rise, IIT Indore’s innovations, including the TENG-based shoe sole technology and other advanced DRDO projects, are set to revolutionise energy harvesting, real-time tracking, and various defence and industrial applications. These advancements offer sustainable and practical solutions for a wide range of needs, highlighting IIT Indore’s pivotal role in pioneering the future of defence technology, Joshi added.

Additionally, Prof Palani said, “The TENG system in these shoes utilises advanced tribo-pairs, Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP) and Aluminium, to generate power with each step. This energy is stored in a central device within the shoe sole, ensuring a reliable power source for small-scale electronic circuits. Additionally, the shoes feature sophisticated tracking technology, including RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) with a 50-metre range and a satellite-based GPS module for precise live location tracking.”

Beyond military use, these TENG-powered shoes hold promise for civilian and industrial applications. For families with elderly members, especially those with Alzheimer’s disease, the shoes offer peace of mind through reliable location tracking. Working parents can monitor their children’s whereabouts throughout the school day, and schools can use RFID technology to maintain accurate attendance records. In industrial settings, the shoes are useful for attendance tracking and worker monitoring, the release added.

The athletic industry can also benefit from these shoes by analysing athletes’ foot movements, which can help improve performance and training techniques. For trekking and mountaineering enthusiasts, the shoes provide reliable tracking during expeditions with their self-powered GPS feature, ensuring safety and efficient navigation, it added.