IIT Indore designs high-tech shoes for Indian armed forces that generate electricity with each step

In a majorbreakthrough, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Indore has developed innovative footwear for the Indian armed forces called Tribo-Electric Nanogenerator (TENG) which can not only generate electricity with every step but also provide real-time location tracking.

IIT Indore delivered ten pairs of TENG shoes to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Tuesday (Aug 6). The high-tech shoes are equipped with sophisticated tracking technology, including RFID and a satellite-based GPS module for live location tracking.

Professor Suhas Joshi, the director of IIT Indore, has said that these shoes are expected to significantly enhance the safety, coordination, and operational efficiency of Indian Army personnel.

The shoes were developed under the guidance of Professor IA Palani, harnessing the Tribo-Electric Nanogenerator (TENG) technology. The TENG technology converts the mechanical energy generated from shoes by walking into electricity, which is then stored in a device embedded in the shoe’s soles.

The stored energy in shoes’ soles can power small electronic devices, providing a portable and renewable energy source for soldiers in the field.

The shoes are also equipped with GPS and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, which will allow real-time tracking of military personnel, which can enhance strategic coordination and ensure the safety of soldiers during operations.

Broad application of high-tech shoes

There are several broad potential applications of these TENG-powered shoes that extend beyond military use. Like for families with elderly members, especially those with Alzheimer's disease, the shoes offer peace of mind through reliable location tracking. Working parents can monitor their children's whereabouts throughout the school day, and schools can use RFID technology to maintain accurate attendance records. In industrial settings, the shoes are useful for attendance tracking and worker monitoring.

Athletes can also use these shoes to analyse foot movements, which can help improve performance and training techniques. For trekkers and mountaineers, these shoes can provide reliable tracking during expeditions with their self-powered GPS feature, ensuring safety and efficient navigation.

The development of such advanced footwear is a significant step forward for the Indian armed forces, placing them on par with other technologically advanced military forces around the world. Similar initiatives have been undertaken by countries like the United States and China, where research and development in wearable technology for military applications have been ongoing.

(With inputs from agencies)