The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Indore, in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), has launched an innovative new product: energy harvesting shoes equipped with GPS tracking. This advanced footwear marks a significant advancement in wearable technology, with promising benefits for both military and civilian applications.

Under the leadership of Professor I. A. Palani, the shoes integrate Tribo-Electric Nanogenerator (TENG) technology, which captures mechanical energy generated from walking and converts it into electrical power. This stored energy can then be used to power small electronic devices, transforming the shoes into a portable and renewable energy source. Additionally, the footwear features real-time GPS and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technologies, providing precise location tracking that enhances safety and coordination for military personnel.

Professor Suhas Joshi, Director of IIT Indore, highlighted the military advantages of the new shoes, noting that they offer essential GPS and RFID systems. “These energy harvesting shoes provide a self-sustaining and reliable solution for various military needs. The real-time location tracking significantly improves operational efficiency and security”, Joshi explained.

While designed primarily for military use, the shoes have a range of potential applications across other fields. In elderly care, they can help families track the location of elderly individuals, particularly those with Alzheimer’s disease, offering safety and peace of mind. For child safety, parents can monitor their children’s whereabouts during school hours. In industrial settings, the shoes could be used to track worker attendance and activities, enhancing productivity and safety protocols. Athletes could benefit from detailed analysis of foot movements to improve performance and training, while trekkers and mountaineers could rely on the self-powered GPS feature for navigation and safety during expeditions.

This groundbreaking development places the Indian armed forces alongside the world’s most technologically advanced militaries, such as those in the United States and China, who are also exploring wearable technologies for improved soldier efficiency and safety. IIT Indore’s energy harvesting shoes represent a significant leap forward in both sustainable and practical solutions for various needs, highlighting the institute’s crucial role in advancing defense technology and beyond.