Innovative Module that works with Energy Harvesting (Energy-Generating Rubber)

Energy-Generating Rubber and its Dedicated Power Circuit Enable Module that requires no charging.

Background

In the field of modules, which collect ambient data with sensors, analyze and transmit them, ensuring power source is a significant issue. Even though IoT systems are growing in number recently, there still are problems -device malfunction arises from dead battery and manpower expense and costs for battery change.

Solutions

Ricoh is developing modules based on Energy-Generating Rubber and dedicated power circuit which work with energy generated from load and vibration. Ricoh has produced Innovative shoes that generate power by walking, analyze acquired data and transmit them wirelessly by embedding the module into insoles of shoes. In addition, energy-generating rubber can be used not only as power source but also as plantar sensor. In the future Ricoh is aiming at Innovative shoes that can be benefit for healthcare purpose by visualizing walking features and balances.

Technical highlights