New technology allows wearables to be powered by body heat

Scientists have developed a new technological solution that could allow wearable electronic devices to be powered using body heat as the only source of energy.

Researchers from North Carolina State University have created a flexible thermoelectric energy harvester, using a liquid metal alloy of gallium and indium to connect its thermoelectric elements in series.

Mehmet Ozturk, professor of electrical and computer engineering at North Carolina State University, said: "Using liquid metal also adds a self-healing function. If a connection is broken, the liquid metal will reconnect to make the device work efficiently again. Rigid devices are not able to heal themselves."

This allows the system to maintain better skin contact, as well as offering improved ergonomic qualities and greater comfort for the device wearer. The technology is also able to rival current rigid systems in terms of its ability to convert body heat into usable energy.

Future research will focus on improving the efficiency of these flexible devices by using materials and techniques to further eliminate parasitic resistances.

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