KI-MAGNO

AI Quick Summary

Our project aims to explore the potential of harnessing kinetic energy generated through movement to power a range of innovative functions directly within footwear. This energy can be applied in multiple ways: it can be used to recharge low-energy devices such as fitness trackers and smartwatches, that typically rely on external power sources like batteries or wall chargers, or power features within the shoe itself. For example, through piezoelectric components, the energy could drive a heating element embedded in the insole, enabling temperature adjustments, or even change the color of the shoe, offering a dynamic and customizable user experience. This approach reimagines footwear as a self-sufficient, energy-producing platform, providing new functionalities that enhance user comfort while reducing dependency on external power sources thanks to a unique energy-harvesting system integrated directly into footwear, capturing energy generated from walking and storing it for later use. This innovation not only reduces the dependence on traditional power sources but also aligns with the growing demand for sustainable solutions in the Fashion & Lifestyle industry. What problem would you like to solve?Wearable technology frequently faces the challenge of consistent power supply, especially when access to electricity is limited. Our project proposes a solution that taps into kinetic energy generated by body movements, transforming this energy into a resource for multiple applications. Rather than focusing solely on recharging external devices, this energy could also be harnessed for innovative uses within the shoe itself. This opens the door to new functionalities in footwear, making shoes not just passive wearables but active, self-powered devices that enhance user comfort and adaptability. This approach aligns with a commitment to sustainability, reducing reliance on disposable batteries and external power sources, while offering practical, energy-efficient solutions that could benefit users in diverse settings, from urban environments to remote areas.How does the proposed solution solve the problem?Our solution is an energy-harvesting system embedded within footwear that captures kinetic energy generated from walking or running. This energy is stored in small, integrated batteries or capacitors, making it available to power low-consumption devices like fitness sensors or GPS modules. By harnessing the natural movement of the human body, this innovation transforms everyday activities into a source of renewable energy, allowing wearables to become more self-sufficient. For instance, a person weighing around 68 kg generates an estimated 67 watts of total power while walking at a pace of two steps per second. Although capturing this entire energy output would be impractical for health reasons, converting even 1% (approximately 0.68 watts) could be sufficient to power various devices available today. Who are the customers / users and what are the benefits?The primary customers include technology enthusiasts, athletes, outdoor adventurers, and people in remote areas who benefit from self-sufficient power sources. In addition, it targets companies in the fashion and wearable tech industry that are looking for sustainable energy solutions. Users benefit from extended usage times for their devices, a reduction in the need for external charging, and a lower environmental impact through reduced battery waste.How does your challenge and proposed solution address the needs of Fashion & Lifestyle industry (incl. research, society and end users)?The Fashion & Lifestyle industry is increasingly intertwined with technology, from smart textiles to connected accessories. This solution meets the industry's growing demand for sustainable energy options. By integrating the technology into fashionable, everyday footwear, the project offers an appealing combination of style and functionality. It enables brands to create products that appeal to eco-conscious consumers while offering practical benefits for those who rely on wearables for fitness tracking, health monitoring, or outdoor activities.Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)Our project aligns with SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, by providing a renewable energy source derived from kinetic energy. It also supports SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production by reducing reliance on disposable batteries and integrating sustainable materials into the design. Additionally, it contributes to SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, promoting innovation in the intersection of fashion and technology.Implementation and RisksInnovation Idea Workplan and Milestones:Feasibility Study (3 months): In partnership with the SUPSI Dipartimento tecnologie innovative - Istituto di ingegneria meccanica e tecnologia dei materiali we will evaluate suitable components and integration methods Prototype Development (6 months): Design and build functional prototypes in partnership with ID Geneve watches also.Testing & Iteration (6 months): Conduct field tests, refine design for optimal energy capture.Production Preparation (6 months): Set up manufacturing with selected footwear partner.Market Launch (Q2 2026): Roll out the first product line in select markets.Risks:Technical Challenges: Ensuring sufficient energy capture may be difficult. We will focus on optimizing design for low-power devices.Regulatory Compliance: Aligning with ergonomic and safety standards is crucial. Collaborating with orthopedic experts will mitigate this risk.ResourcesEstimation of Needed Resources and Work Packages:We estimate a need for CHF 100000, covering R&D, prototype creation, and initial production. Key resources include expertise in energy conversion technology, partnership with a footwear manufacturer, and marketing.Spending the Innovation Booster Awarded Amount:Spending the Innovation Booster Awarded Amount: The awarded amount of CHF 27,000 would be allocated as follows:Prototype development (CHF 5,000)Testing and certification (CHF 5,000)Initial marketing and outreach efforts (CHF 5,000)University research collaboration (CHF 5,000)Initial production run (CHF 7,000)How can the Innovation Booster – Fashion & Lifestyle help you?The Innovation Booster can support us by providing the initial budget to kickstart our research, connecting us with industry mentors, granting access to testing facilities, and facilitating partnerships with leading industries and investors. This support will help us accelerate the development of our prototype and bring our innovative solution closer to market readiness.

Project Idea Metadata

• Project Idea Name: KI-MAGNO
• Date: 3/7/2023 5:15:26 PM
• Administrators:
  • cristiano magnoni

Project Idea Description

What problem would you like to solve?

Wearable technology frequently faces the challenge of consistent power supply, especially when access to electricity is limited. Our project proposes a solution that taps into kinetic energy generated by body movements, transforming this energy into a resource for multiple applications. Rather than focusing solely on recharging external devices, this energy could also be harnessed for innovative uses within the shoe itself. This opens the door to new functionalities in footwear, making shoes not just passive wearables but active, self-powered devices that enhance user comfort and adaptability. This approach aligns with a commitment to sustainability, reducing reliance on disposable batteries and external power sources, while offering practical, energy-efficient solutions that could benefit users in diverse settings, from urban environments to remote areas.

How does the proposed solution solve the problem?

Our solution is an energy-harvesting system embedded within footwear that captures kinetic energy generated from walking or running. This energy is stored in small, integrated batteries or capacitors, making it available to power low-consumption devices like fitness sensors or GPS modules. By harnessing the natural movement of the human body, this innovation transforms everyday activities into a source of renewable energy, allowing wearables to become more self-sufficient.

For instance, a person weighing around 68 kg generates an estimated 67 watts of total power while walking at a pace of two steps per second. Although capturing this entire energy output would be impractical for health reasons, converting even 1% (approximately 0.68 watts) could be sufficient to power various devices available today. 

Who are the customers / users and what are the benefits?

The primary customers include technology enthusiasts, athletes, outdoor adventurers, and people in remote areas who benefit from self-sufficient power sources. In addition, it targets companies in the fashion and wearable tech industry that are looking for sustainable energy solutions. Users benefit from extended usage times for their devices, a reduction in the need for external charging, and a lower environmental impact through reduced battery waste.

How does your challenge and proposed solution address the needs of Fashion & Lifestyle industry (incl. research, society and end users)?

The Fashion & Lifestyle industry is increasingly intertwined with technology, from smart textiles to connected accessories. This solution meets the industry's growing demand for sustainable energy options. By integrating the technology into fashionable, everyday footwear, the project offers an appealing combination of style and functionality. It enables brands to create products that appeal to eco-conscious consumers while offering practical benefits for those who rely on wearables for fitness tracking, health monitoring, or outdoor activities.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Our project aligns with SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, by providing a renewable energy source derived from kinetic energy. It also supports SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production by reducing reliance on disposable batteries and integrating sustainable materials into the design. Additionally, it contributes to SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, promoting innovation in the intersection of fashion and technology.

Implementation and Risks

Innovation Idea Workplan and Milestones:

• • Feasibility Study (3 months): In partnership with the SUPSI Dipartimento tecnologie innovative - Istituto di ingegneria meccanica e tecnologia dei materiali we will evaluate suitable components and integration methods 
  • Prototype Development (6 months): Design and build functional prototypes in partnership with ID Geneve watches also.
  • Testing & Iteration (6 months): Conduct field tests, refine design for optimal energy capture.
  • Production Preparation (6 months): Set up manufacturing with selected footwear partner.
  • Market Launch (Q2 2026): Roll out the first product line in select markets.

Risks:

• • Technical Challenges: Ensuring sufficient energy capture may be difficult. We will focus on optimizing design for low-power devices.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Aligning with ergonomic and safety standards is crucial. Collaborating with orthopedic experts will mitigate this risk.

Resources

Estimation of Needed Resources and Work Packages:

We estimate a need for CHF 100000, covering R&D, prototype creation, and initial production. Key resources include expertise in energy conversion technology, partnership with a footwear manufacturer, and marketing.

Spending the Innovation Booster Awarded Amount:

Spending the Innovation Booster Awarded Amount: The awarded amount of CHF 27,000 would be allocated as follows:

• Prototype development (CHF 5,000)
• Testing and certification (CHF 5,000)
• Initial marketing and outreach efforts (CHF 5,000)
• University research collaboration (CHF 5,000)
• Initial production run (CHF 7,000)

How can the Innovation Booster – Fashion & Lifestyle help you?

The Innovation Booster can support us by providing the initial budget to kickstart our research, connecting us with industry mentors, granting access to testing facilities, and facilitating partnerships with leading industries and investors. This support will help us accelerate the development of our prototype and bring our innovative solution closer to market readiness.

Our project aims to explore the potential of harnessing kinetic energy generated through movement to power a range of innovative functions directly within footwear. This energy can be applied in multiple ways: it can be used to recharge low-energy devices such as fitness trackers and smartwatches, that typically rely on external power sources like batteries or wall chargers, or power features within the shoe itself. For example, through piezoelectric components, the energy could drive a heating element embedded in the insole, enabling temperature adjustments, or even change the color of the shoe, offering a dynamic and customizable user experience. This approach reimagines footwear as a self-sufficient, energy-producing platform, providing new functionalities that enhance user comfort while reducing dependency on external power sources thanks to a unique energy-harvesting system integrated directly into footwear, capturing energy generated from walking and storing it for later use. This innovation not only reduces the dependence on traditional power sources but also aligns with the growing demand for sustainable solutions in the Fashion & Lifestyle industry.