Japan Develops New Tiles That Turn Footsteps into Electricity

Japan has developed new piezoelectric technology to convert footsteps into electricity.

These ground tiles would be installed in places like subways of cities where people walk a lot to provide a new source of renewable electricity.

Piezoelectricity is the ability for some material to generate an electrical charge after pressure is applied to it. The pressure slightly degrades the material and in return electricity is generated. 

These materials are connected together and are installed into floor tiles with a top layer made of a durable material like steel, springs, the piezoelectric material, and a baseplate. These tiles will be installed in parts of cities where foot traffic is heavy, such as the Shibuya station in Tokyo. 

This technology would be a new advancement in the field of clean energy. The tiles would only generate a small bit of electricity; however, as the technology develops, the tiles will grow in number and efficiency so they could be seen as comparable to wind or water-powered energy production in the future.

Tiles generating electricity poses some benefits, however the negative costs need to also be considered. If the plan is for these tiles to be installed in places where people walk, they will eventually wear out and need to be replaced or repaired. Depending on the day, the level of foot traffic in a given area may change as well, so the amount of electricity these tiles generate may be inconsistent.

Piezoelectric tiles are technology still in development and will take time before they are fully integrated in cities around the world. These tiles show promising new growth in the development of green energy; however, the costs should be considered as with any new emerging technology.