Did you know your own body produces usable energy through body heat? The makers of the PowerWatch by Matrix have figured out how to harness body heat—and turn it into electricity. That electricity then recharges the smart watch while you wear it. There’s no need for a power cord or replacement batteries.
Imagine never having to remove your fitness tracker or other mobile gear to charge it. No waiting for more juice to keep tabs on your steps, sleep habits, calories burned, or even calendar notifications. The device is also water resistant for up to 50 meters (164 feet) depth, so there’s no reason to ever take it off.
How does the no-plug recharging work? The watch uses thermoelectric technology. Tiny semiconductor “legs” are sandwiched between two sheets of material. One side collects body heat and passes it through the semiconductors, which turn it into electricity. The more semiconductors used, the greater the voltage produced. (The PowerWatch tracks how much electricity the wearer produces each day too. Another way to compete with friends!) NASA uses similar technology to power the Voyager spacecraft and the Mars rover, Curiosity.
Soon, you could wear that space-age tech on your wrist. And it’s probably just the beginning for turning naturally occurring heat into usable electricity for other wearable tech.
