Innovation

IIT Indore Designs High-Tech Shoes for Indian Armed Forces: A Step Towards Self-Sufficiency in Military Technology

• ByStartupStory     |    August 10, 2024

In a significant technological breakthrough, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Indore has developed an innovative footwear solution for the Indian armed forces. Known as the Tribo-Electric Nanogenerator (TENG), these high-tech shoes are capable of generating electricity with every step and provide real-time location tracking for military personnel.

The institute delivered ten pairs of TENG shoes to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Tuesday, marking a milestone in the collaboration between academia and defense in India. The shoes, designed with cutting-edge technology, are equipped with sophisticated tracking systems, including RFID and a satellite-based GPS module, to ensure live location tracking of soldiers in the field.

“This development is expected to significantly enhance the safety, coordination, and operational efficiency of our Indian Army personnel,” said Professor Suhas Joshi, Director of IIT Indore.

The shoes were developed under the leadership of Professor IA Palani, utilizing the Tribo-Electric Nanogenerator technology. The TENG technology harnesses mechanical energy generated by walking and converts it into electricity, which is then stored in a device embedded in the shoe’s soles. This stored energy can be used to power small electronic devices, providing soldiers with a portable and renewable energy source during operations.

In addition to power generation, the shoes are integrated with GPS and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, enabling real-time tracking of military personnel. This feature is expected to enhance strategic coordination and ensure the safety of soldiers during missions.

Potential Applications Beyond Military Use

While these TENG-powered shoes are designed for military applications, they also have broad potential uses in civilian life. For families with elderly members, especially those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, the shoes offer peace of mind through reliable location tracking. Similarly, working parents can monitor their children’s whereabouts throughout the school day, while schools can use RFID technology to maintain accurate attendance records.

In industrial settings, the shoes can be utilized for attendance tracking and worker monitoring, while athletes can use them to analyze foot movements, potentially improving performance and training techniques. For trekkers and mountaineers, these shoes offer reliable tracking during expeditions, with the self-powered GPS feature ensuring safety and efficient navigation.

The development of these advanced shoes represents a significant step forward for the Indian armed forces, placing them on par with other technologically advanced military forces around the world. Similar initiatives have been undertaken by countries like the United States and China, where research and development in wearable technology for military applications are actively ongoing.

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