A research team from The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), led by Professor Liao Wei-Hsin, Choh-Ming Li Professor of Mechanical and Automation Engineering and Dr Li Xin from the Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, has developed two pioneering innovations: a battery-free wireless keyboard and a batteryless smart insole for gait monitoring. The inventions have recently received international 3wrecognition at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (IEIG), winning a Gold Medal With Congratulations of the Jury and a Bronze Medal respectively. These breakthroughs showcase CUHK’s dedication to innovative technology, sustainable development and impactful knowledge transfer. Battery-free wireless keyboard: redefining eco-friendly typing Traditional wireless keyboards, while portable, require frequent battery replacements or charging, leading to environmental waste and diminishing user convenience. The battery-free wireless keyboard utilises cutting-edge “kinetic-to-electrical” energy conversion technology, which transforms the kinetic energy from each keystroke into electrical power to operate the keyboard and transmit signals. The technology efficiently captures keystroke energy, ensuring stable, lag-free wireless communication and enhancing the overall user experience. Unlike solar-powered or radio frequency (RF)-based solutions, CUHK’s keyboard provides excellent reliability, low maintenance cost and environmentally friendliness. Dr Li said: “The wireless keyboard tackles the need for traditional batteries, reducing electronic waste while providing a sustainable and convenient solution for users. Powered by each keystroke, the keyboard achieves stable and efficient wireless communication, marking a breakthrough in existing battery-free technologies.” Batteryless smart insole: revolutionising gait monitoring Gait analysis is the systematic study of human movement patterns and characteristics, aiding in the early detection of chronic health issues, supporting rehabilitation, and enhancing sports performance analysis. However, traditional gait monitoring sensors require frequent battery replacements or charging, limiting their convenience and sustainability. CUHK’s batteryless smart insole integrates energy harvesting and sensing capabilities within a single piezoelectric-powered beacon. By harvesting kinetic energy from walking, it operates entirely without external power sources. This smart insole enables continuous, real-time gait monitoring by capturing parameters such as step frequency, step length, gait variability, and symmetry. Professor Liao said: “Our batteryless smart insole not only eliminates the need for battery replacement and charging but also provides continuous, real-time gait monitoring, opening new possibilities for long-term health tracking, early disease detection, comprehensive athletic performance analysis and fall-risk assessment.” He added that the invention is a wearable device that seamlessly integrates energy harvesting and motion sensing into a single unit, marking a significant breakthrough in piezoelectric technology and kinetic energy harvesting. Pathway ahead to impactful application The battery-free wireless keyboard and smart insole have received prestigious awards at the 50th IEIG. Professor Liao said: “These awards recognise our team’s dedication to developing sustainable and innovative technologies. We aim to continue refining these innovations, exploring broader applications and promoting environmental protection and sustainability in everyday electronic devices. We are eager to bring these inventions to market, aiming to deliver practical, sustainable solutions that enhance people’s daily lives and promote environmental responsibility.”
Source: Media release from CUHK Communications and Public Relations Office)
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