I came across this article the other day that talks about placing a small "generator" in shoes to power small electronic devices. Basically (and I'm only bothering with this explanation because we have a disproportionate number of people in engineering and other science-related disciplines on the team), they stick a piezoelectric crystal in the sole of the shoe. When the wearer walks/runs, they deform the crystal, which generates a voltage. This, in turn, can be used to power small electronics. I just think "energy harvesting" is a cool concept, and it is the latest and greatest way to reduce the weight/bulk of batteries for all of the sensors used in the wearable monitoring systems used for training (like the heart rate sensor). And, for all of you who might disagree with my definition of "cool", I'll leave you with this... imagine the potential for shake weights!!! #20
... and yes, for all of you engineers, I did choose the word potential on purpose!
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