How the beat of our feet can generate power

Tiny generators turn the pulses of energy from all forms of human movement into electricity

Engineers and scientists are developing tiny generators that turn the kinetic energy of everyday movements into electricity which can then power sensors or provide electricity for remote installations.

The technology, known as power harvesting, is already being tested in helicopter frames, the floors of discos and in volunteers' knee joints in order to generate electricity. In the near future, harvesters could be used to recharge iPods and mobile phones, say researchers.

Even the gyrations of dancers are being used to generate power

Crystalline harvesters under its disco floor create tiny pulses of energy each time a dancer pushes down. The electricity created this way is used to offset the bar's utility bills

a pacemaker that is kept constantly charged by the beating of a person's heart

energy-harvesters that could be built into soldiers' boots