Kinetic Energy Devices Can Power & Secure Devices Using Walking Gait
It is possible that many of us may not be aware that we can create kinetic energy when moving or walking. The latest research has shown that the kinetic energy created is unique to each individual and can be used to authenticate the individual’s identity.
Walking converts what type of energy?
The kinetic energy created can also be used to power personal devices used by individuals. Individuals can create security and power by using the walking energy suitable for wearable technologies.
Nowadays, wearable and personal devices have become an integral part of an individual lifestyle. A massive amount of personal data is collected and stored on these devices. Personal accounts, and movements, including power walking technique, activities, and location, are all linked and recorded.
People are using devices like Apple watches, FitBits, and heart rate monitors, among others, to keep track of their health. The market size for personal wearable technologies is forecasted to reach $150 billion by 2026.
Data security and password
Some of these wearable devices are prone to attacks. A person can connect discreetly to another person’s wearable device and misuse their data by passing them off as their own. An attacker can use the stolen data to gain health discounts from insurance companies that access wearable devices.
Mobile technologies used to monitor health need identity authentication to prevent impersonation attacks and protect personal data. Passwords are mostly pin codes and user-created passwords, often too simple and used across various accounts. Maximum data breaches happen due to stolen passwords.
The most promising solution for authentication that requires no information or cannot be compromised is the gait recognition or walking style of the individual. Wearing kinetic energy devices that have sensors such as accelerometers, humane movement can be measured.
Everyone has a unique walk, even if they are silly. The different gait of the individual that affects different parts of the body can be used as a digital fingerprint. The walking style or gait can be used to authenticate the user’s identity. The advantage of gait authentication is that they are spontaneous and available because of daily activity.
Individuals can be a power source
Sampling a person’s movement by accelerometer requires power which may become challenging due to limited power availability. Adding a bigger battery to the device is not feasible practically, or charging every now and then is not practical.
Kinetic Energy harvesting (KEH) is the solution to the power issue. It translates the person’s motion into electrical energy that trickle charges the wearable device and improves the battery life of wearable devices.
How to create kinetic energy?
KEH wearable products are already in the market with a wearable motion charger, the first of its kind that can transform the kinetic energy of a user into battery power. Another is the smart boots that use the user’s steps to power embedded sensors, light, and GPS.
Conclusion
The unique movements of a user, when captured by the KEH wearable products, allow one to get a continuous and secure authentication tool that promises development to a flourishing wearable device industry.