The Power of Footsteps

A team of college students came together to design a new traffic intersection that transforms the power of footsteps into energy. The theories behind piezoelectricity, or the conversion of movements and vibrations into electricity, have existed for over 100 years. Very few applications of piezoelectricity exist in this modern age. Upon researching this technology, they immediately realized a multitude of different avenues one could take to utilize it.
Piezoelectric plates are placed under the cross-walk so that vibrations and pressure fluctuations caused by cars and pedestrians can be converted into electricity.  The electricity is piped to power street lamps, traffic signals, cameras and other electronic devices located in the vicinity. What an awesome idea for busy metropolises.
Designers: Ian Jaye, Jovan Popovic & Patrick Houin