Mechanical Sensor Eliminates Need for Batteries (in Specific Circumstances)

How do we alleviate the e-waste problem (and possibly save a few bucks)? We circumvent the disposal process entirely by eliminating the batteries altogether.

OK, so we definitely can’t eliminate batteries for all purposes (and we’ll probably always need some form of energy storage), and according to one EU study, by 2025, we’ll be disposing of 78 million batteries every single day.

That said, researchers led by Marc Serra-Garcia and ETH geophysics professor Johan Robertsson have developed a mechanical sensor that doesn’t require an external power source and, according to Robertsson, utilizes the vibrational energy contained in sound waves.

The way it works is that words or particular tones or noises causes the sensor to vibrate, and that, in turn, generates a minute electrical pulse that can switch on an electronic device, eliminating the need for batteries (in very specific circumstances).

The prototype has already been patented and can distinguish between the words “three” and “four,” while future versions can recognize up to 12 words like “on,” “off,” “up,” and “down.” Newer versions are also shrinking in size.

And, of course, there’s the green benefits.

“Our sensor consists purely of silicone and contains neither toxic heavy metals nor any rare earths, as conventional electronic sensors do,” Serra-Garcia says.

And either way, the sensors aren’t disposed of afterwards, so there’s that.

As for applications, the sensors would be a great fit for monitoring infrastructure like bridges and buildings and medical devices that need continuous power.