Daily Current Affairs : 9-August-2024

IIT Indore has made an exciting breakthrough by developing superior footwear designed for the defense force. These shoes integrate Tribo-Electric Nanogenerator (TENG) technology, which converts the mechanical power from human movement into electrical power. The energy generated as soldiers walk or run helps power small electronic devices while also enhancing the efficiency and safety of military operations.

How TENG Technology Works

Tribo-Electric Nanogenerators (TENGs) are devices that harness mechanical movement to generate electrical energy. The basic principle behind TENGs involves the interaction between different materials that create electrical charges when rubbed together or when they experience mechanical stress.

  • Active Materials: These are the materials in the shoes that generate electric charges.
  • Conductive Electrodes: These electrodes collect and transfer the generated charges into usable power.

In the case of the shoes developed by IIT Indore, the movement of soldiers as they march or run is enough to activate these nanogenerators, producing energy.

Applications within the Armed Forces

The footwear developed by IIT Indore is a significant advancement for military personnel. The shoes are not only designed to generate electricity for small devices, but they also include GPS and RFID technology. These features help track the soldier’s location in real-time, providing enhanced safety and operational efficiency.

Key benefits for military use:

  • Real-time Tracking: GPS and RFID allow for continuous location tracking.
  • Power Generation: The shoes can power small electronic devices without the need for external batteries.
  • Improved Safety: The tracking system helps in locating soldiers in challenging environments, ensuring faster response in emergencies.

Potential Civilian and Industrial Applications

While these shoes were initially designed for military purposes, their innovative technology holds promise for other sectors as well. Civilian, industrial, and athletic applications could all benefit from this technology.

Possible uses in different sectors include:

  • Civilian: Shoes could be used for personal safety, providing location tracking for individuals.
  • Industrial: Workers in hazardous environments could wear the shoes for safety, with real-time tracking ensuring prompt rescue if needed.
  • Athletic: These shoes could help athletes monitor their performance and track their movements for better training analysis.

Important Points:

  • IIT Indore’s Innovation: Developed advanced footwear for the armed forces using Tribo-Electric Nanogenerator (TENG) technology to convert human motion into electrical energy.
  • TENG Technology: Converts mechanical movement into electrical energy through active materials and conductive electrodes.
  • Key Components of TENG:
    • Active Materials: Generate electric charges.
    • Conductive Electrodes: Collect and transfer the generated charges into usable power.
  • Military Applications:
    • Power Generation: Shoes power small devices without external batteries.
    • GPS & RFID: Allow real-time location tracking for soldiers.
    • Improved Safety: Tracking aids in faster emergency response and locating soldiers in tough environments.
  • Potential Civilian and Industrial Uses:
    • Civilian: Provides personal safety with location tracking.
    • Industrial: Workers in hazardous environments can use these shoes for safety and real-time monitoring.
    • Athletic: Helps athletes track performance and movement for better training analysis.
  • Future Potential: The technology could become common in various fields, enhancing safety, performance, and efficiency.

Why In News

IIT Indore has developed advanced footwear for the armed forces, integrating Tribo-Electric Nanogenerator (TENG) technology that generates electricity from human motion, providing a sustainable power source for essential electronic devices during operations. This innovation not only enhances the mobility of soldiers but also supports mission-critical equipment without relying on external power sources.

MCQs about IIT Indore’s Innovation

  1. What is the primary technology integrated into the advanced footwear developed by IIT Indore for the armed forces?
    A. Solar energy technology
    B. Tribo-Electric Nanogenerator (TENG) technology
    C. Kinetic energy harvesting technology
    D. Wireless charging technology
    Correct Answer: B. Tribo-Electric Nanogenerator (TENG) technology
    Explanation: The footwear developed by IIT Indore uses Tribo-Electric Nanogenerator (TENG) technology to generate electricity from human motion.
  2. What is one of the key benefits of integrating GPS and RFID technology into the footwear?
    A. It allows the shoes to adjust their fit automatically.
    B. It tracks the soldier’s location in real-time.
    C. It powers the shoes through solar energy.
    D. It stores health data of the soldier.
    Correct Answer: B. It tracks the soldier’s location in real-time.
    Explanation: GPS and RFID technology embedded in the footwear allow for continuous location tracking, ensuring better safety and operational efficiency for military personnel.
  3. Which of the following is NOT a potential application of the footwear developed by IIT Indore?
    A. Civilian safety with location tracking
    B. Powering industrial machinery
    C. Monitoring athletic performance
    D. Enhancing military operational efficiency
    Correct Answer: B. Powering industrial machinery
    Explanation: The footwear is designed to power small devices but is not intended to power large industrial machinery. Its potential applications are in civilian safety, athletic performance monitoring, and military use.
  4. How does Tribo-Electric Nanogenerator (TENG) technology work in the footwear developed by IIT Indore?
    A. It uses solar panels to collect energy from sunlight.
    B. It generates electricity by converting mechanical movement into electrical energy.
    C. It generates energy by capturing heat from the soldier’s body.
    D. It uses chemical reactions to produce power.
    Correct Answer: B. It generates electricity by converting mechanical movement into electrical energy.
    Explanation: TENG technology works by converting the mechanical energy from walking or running into electrical energy, which is used to power small devices.

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