What's next: Self powered Computers

As we know it

These days touch screen technology is in vogue with touch screen tablets, laptops and smartphones ruling the market. Now, Samsung and Sungkyunkwan University in Korea have decided to move a step ahead and bring a revolutionary change in the way we use our gadgets. They are testing a technology wherein a touch screen can capture power through a user's touch. For this, the researchers have combined flexible, transparent electrodes to touch screens. These electrodes are made with energy trapping material that has a film which can tap our body's energy to supply power to the portable devices. Samsung and researchers here use the piezoelectric effect wherein some materials can generate electric current/potential when they are mechanically stressed. But the power conversion is pretty small and researchers have to devise a way to integrate many electrodes and wires in a large array. So, after a few years, you can use your hands to charge your touch screen gadgets.

Self powered computers

Need for change

After the advent of touch screen laptops and monitors, not much changes have been made in the computing technologies. Therefore, a change, possibly a technological revolution in the field of computers is the need of the hour. Therefore, scientists are making attempts to use DNA and enzymes to create a self-powered molecular computer. This computer will be a biochemical that will work like a living body, creating its own energy and monitoring its conditions. Scientist Ehud Shapiro and his colleagues have been working over this technology. They try to tap the energy which is released when a DNA section is broken. The energy released will be apparently trapped by a handy enzyme. This enzyme will also cut DNA input molecule in specific places and free the energy required to power the computer. This will be the first step in the field of biochemical computers.

DNA computing: Another helpful technology

Over the past 30 years, DNA molecules have been used to build nanoscale structures and devices. DNA is the basis of any biological entity. The potential applications of DNA in creating advanced structures can serve as a helpful tool that may allow development of several new technologies. DNA synthesis and sequence design can help in creation and invention of several devices and gadgets, even a biochemical computer that may be able to understand the genesis of human body and treat ailments.

What's next?

1. EcoPad

ecoPad

What's new?

EcoPad is a self powered tablet that uses the piezoelectricity film below the touchscreen. This film traps mechanical stresses and synthesizes them to produce energy. Therefore, it doesn't require a power source of charging outlet.

What difference will it make?

This product is designed in collaboration with FUJITSU and traps mechanical energy to charge the tablet. Therefore, it doesn't need any recharging as it gets its energy from human touch. Such technology can bring huge difference into the world as it is sustainable and environment friendly and doesn't require any electrical energy to operate.

Problems

The device has no charging outlet or another power source. Therefore, if the film doesn't work then the product wouldn't operate as mechanical stresses and touch provides it the energy to operate. Moreover, the technology is still in its infancy. It requires to be experimented in natural settings.

2. Tiny Self powered computer

Tiny self powered computer

What's new?

This computer is a 9mm Solar Sensor that is not just the smallest computer in the world, but it is also the only self powered computer. This computer has an ARM processor, solar cells and tiny battery.

What difference will it make?

This tiny computer is eco friendly. It harness solar energy to power itself. Therefore, it doesn't uses any non-renewable source of energy. A small device like this can make a huge difference to the environment and save it from degradation.

Problems

Firstly, this computer is really small. Although it is self powered and consumes lesser energy, yet it is not functional. One cannot use this computer on regular basis. If the same technology can be integrated into an average size computer than it will be more useful and functional.

3. Solar Panel powered Laptop

Solar Panel Powered Laptop

What's new?

This is a wireless laptop which is eco-friendly and sustainable. It is a self powered device and uses solar panels to charge itself.

What difference will it make?

This laptop can take the market by storm. Solar panels can charge the laptop. This means that the laptop is sustainable and avoids environmental degradation. At the same time, it makes laptop usage a hassle free experience, which makes it more user friendly.

Problems

The technology is useful. It can only face problem in cold areas where the sun isn't visible for days. In such areas, the laptop won't work.

Let's hope that these technologies see the computers market in near future. All of these technologies have the ability to bring a change in this world and make a difference.