The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Indore has developed innovative footwear for military personnel that not only generates electricity but also provides real-time location tracking. This significant advance was announced by IIT Indore officials on Tuesday, marking a major breakthrough for the Indian Armed Forces.
According to publicly available information, the institute handed over the first ten pairs of these boots to the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO).
Professor Suhas Joshi, director of IIT Indore, said that these boots are expected to significantly enhance the safety, coordination and operational efficiency of army personnel.
State-of-the-art technology
Developed under the guidance of Professor I A Palani, the shoes feature Tribo-Electric Nanogenerator (TENG) technology. The TENG technology converts the mechanical energy generated by walking into electricity, which is then stored in a device built into the sole of the shoe. This stored energy can power small electronic devices, providing soldiers in the field with a portable, renewable energy source.
In addition to generating electricity, the shoes are equipped with GPS and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. This enables real-time tracking of military personnel, which can improve strategic coordination and ensure the safety of soldiers during operations.
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Wide applications and potential
While the primary focus of these high-tech boots is to benefit military operations, their potential application extends beyond the battlefield. The real-time tracking function can be used to track the movement of elderly people with Alzheimer’s disease, children and mountain climbers. It also has industrial applications such as tracking attendance and worker activities, increasing productivity and safety in a variety of environments.
Global context
The development of such advanced footwear is a major step forward for the Indian Armed Forces, putting them at par with other technologically advanced military forces around the world. Similar initiatives have been undertaken by countries such as the United States and China, where research and development of wearable technology for military applications is underway. These countries have also explored the integration of energy harvesting technologies and real-time tracking systems to improve the effectiveness and safety of their troops.
