Electric Feet

More and more I'm seeing technologies that are becoming reality or close to becoming reality that were in Sci-fi stories a couple of decades ago. HERE is another one. Basically, engineers want to capture the energy from 'footfalls' or from your feet hitting the ground when you walk. By placing tiny piezoelectric motors in floors any vibration say from footfalls or passing cars or trains can cause the tiny motors to vibrate and generate electricity. The technology is advanced enough that it has actually been used in real products already. Apple and Nike recently released a plugin for the iPod to help in your jogging workouts that uses the technology. According to the engineers this technology can produce enough electricity to power facility and street lights in the busiest parts of large cities. And they are making claims that it can power entire buildings. Cool.