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Scientists Create Endless Power from Magnets

by Evan Shamoon on July 9, 2007 at 11:19 AM




Scientists at the United Kingdom's University of Southampton have created a tiny generator for use in devices where replacing batteries is difficult. The device is less than one cubic centimeter in size, and uses "vibrations in the world around it to make magnets on a cantilever at the heart of the device wobble to generate power" -- kinda like the hatch on Lost, only smaller.

"The big advantage of wireless sensor systems is that by removing wires and batteries, there is the potential for embedding sensors in previously inaccessible locations," project researcher Dr. Steve Beeby told the BBC. Though developed to sit inside air compressors, the device will likely make a perfect fit in pacemakers, where the beating of the human heart would itself be strong enough to keep the magnets inside the device wobbling, and thereby generating power -- much like the battery in your car.

Next up: Mojo-powered vibrators.

From the BBC


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