Prospector IX: Human Powered Systems Technologies

Recent advances in the technologies relevant to harvesting human power, as presented at the workshop, suggest that unobtrusive systems might be built in the range from microwatts to a few watts. As the Army becomes more mobile, a premium is to be paid for capability, reliability, autonomy and minimal mass systems. The frontline soldier, more often than not, does not have access to energy for recharging his power sources and therefore, must carry all his required power sources to complete his mission. The ability to harvest human energy, if favorable in terms of reliability, size, weight, and energy efficiency might translate immediately into increased autonomy time, increased capability, reduce or eliminate certain logistics items, and, perhaps, reduced cost. Fieldable technology rarely equals laboratory prototype or theoretical capability. Obstacles sometimes are fundamental and perhaps can be finessed through appropriate R&D, innovative techniques, and skillful engineering. This workshop attempted to explore some of the possibilities. As confirmed by the plenary speakers and the working groups, there are a number of potential applications where harvesting of human energy could be applied. Typical are: (1) Personal battery chargers, (2) Medical sensors, (3) Display power sources, (4) Gun sight power, and (5) Rangefinder.