SOCCKET to me, say Harvard grads

Harvard University graduates have found a way to harness the energy generated by kicking a soccer ball to power a lamp. The SOCCKET ball, which has a pendulum inside that swings backwards and forwards as the ball moves, generates kinetic energy. The energy is then transferred to a rechargeable battery that powers a small […]

Michelle Hammond 09 April, 2013

Harvard University graduates have found a way to harness the energy generated by kicking a soccer ball to power a lamp.

The SOCCKET ball, which has a pendulum inside that swings backwards and forwards as the ball moves, generates kinetic energy. The energy is then transferred to a rechargeable battery that powers a small LED lamp.

Just 30 minutes of play can power the lamp for three hours. The inventors hope to distribute the balls in low-income areas as a form of off-grid power.

Are there other unconventional sources of energy you could tap into?