Eco Factor: Self-powered prosthetic limbs to harvest kinetic energy.
KCF Technologies will be receiving a $2 million grant to develop and commercialize self-powered prosthetic limb technology that will improve the quality of life for amputees and improve their ability to return to active military duty.
Prosthetic technology has improved considerably with the invention of computer controlled knee joints. However, limited battery life of these prostheses is a major drawback for military use. The $2 million funding will help KCF develop an energy harvesting device that can be integrated into the lower extremity prosthetic limb.
The energy harvesting system will generate energy from motion during walking and running activity to recharge the onboard batteries on the move.
Image Courtesy: Wikipedia
Via: Energy Harvesting Journal
