Bionic Knee Brace Harvests Energy From Walking

Time Magazine has named the Bionic Energy Harvester, a knee brace that harnesses energy from walking, as one of the Top 50 Inventions of 2008. The 3.5 lb brace works by generating power using the same technology that lets hybrid cars harvest energy from braking.

One minute of walking with a single brace generates enough power for half an hour of talking time on a cell phone. The harvester is capable of generating seven watts of electricity from each leg— enough to operate 14 cell phones.

The brace, developed by researchers at Simon Fraser University, uses the energy put into slowing down the knee joint at the end of a person’s step. While commercialization is many years away, the Canadian military plans on testing the device next spring. Eventually, The Bionic Energy Harvester could be used to power prosthetic limbs, medical devices, and communication devices for rescue workers.

The device is one of a number of recent inventions that aim to harness the energy of everyday activities.

Photo Credit: Bionic Power, Inc.