A backpack that generates power
Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a backpack that can actually generate electricity as its wearer walks. The suspended-load backpack can generate about seven watts of power solely via the motion of the person carrying it, which is achieved by detaching the pack's frame from the load it carries and harnessing the energy generated as the load moves up and down on vertical springs. The actual energy generated depends on the weight of the load and how fast the person walks, but is usually enough to charge several handheld devices at the same time. The pack is reportedly comfortable to wear, and doesn't weigh significantly more than a conventional pack. the idea for the backpack came from the U.S. Office of Naval Research with an eye on its soldiers, but we're hoping someone commercializes this with an eye on… well, us.
[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
