Ever thought your footsteps would light up your house? Very soon this will be true. Thanks to Elizabeth Redmond, a student of University of Michigan’s School of Art and Design. For her senior thesis project Elizabeth wanted to design something that would help people understand the importance of energy in one’s life and she came up with POWERleap tiles.

Our body produces loads of energy at rest, while walking, running, etc. Elizabeth decided to make use of this energy to generate power. These floor tiles are comprised of lead zirconate piezoceramic plates which generate electric power on being subjected to mechanical stress. These tiles on being bent produce a charge that can be converted into electrical energy. Also, the power generation stops when you are not around. So, the next time you go on a vacation you need not worry about any appliance in the house that you left switched on.

Elizabeth wishes to take this efficient, eco-friendly product to the next level and is looking for funds for the same. She hopes that in the next few years this project of hers would find its way to the flooring of our homes. Wishing her luck…

Via EcoGeek