Wearable device prototype powered by human movement

March 3 (UPI) -- Scientists in Britain have developed a new energy-harvesting device that will make it possible for wearable devices to be made entirely of recycled waste materials and powered by human movement.

The prototype wrist device was made from discarded paper wipes and plastic cups and can transmit Morse code. Scientists at the University of Surrey's Advanced Technology Institute said they're now working to translate the technology into smart watches.

They published their findings Thursday in the journal ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces.

"It won't be long until we have to ask ourselves which of the items we own are not connected to the Internet. However, the current Internet-of-things (IoT) revolution highlights the simple fact that our planet doesn't have the raw resources to continue to make these devices which are in such high demand," said Bhaskar Dudem, project lead and research fellow at the university.

"Our research demonstrates that there is a path to creating sustainable technology that runs on electricity powered by us, the users of that technology."

The team said the device prototype is self-powered due to materials that become electrically charged when they come into contact with each other. The materials, called triboelectric nanogenerators, use static charge to harvest energy through movement.

Ravi Silva, director of the ATI, said the energy-harvesting technology could possibly be used in other devices in the consumer, medical and security sectors.

"The core mission of the Advanced Technology Institute is to help build a world where clean energy is available to all," Silva said. "Our energy-harvesting technology embodies this key mission, and we stand ready to work with industry to ensure this technology reaches its full potential."