A team from Spain’s Institute of Micro and Nanotechnology (IMN), led by researcher Marisol Martín González, is spearheading the development of self-rechargeable devices. With funding from the European Research Council’s Advanced Grants programme, they are creating a new thermoelectric material capable of converting the body’s heat and motion into electricity.

As the world strives for sustainability and innovative energy solutions, one question resonates with researchers and consumers alike: how can we optimise energy efficiency in everyday life? While large-scale renewable energy projects often dominate headlines, small-scale innovations, like self-rechargeable devices, offer transformative potential. These devices utilise human-generated energy, such as body heat and motion, to recharge wearables like smartwatches, fitness trackers, and medical sensors. Their development underscores the intersection of science, technology, and the quest for a more sustainable future. Read the rest in Transforming human energy into power: Innovations driving sustainability