Energy-Harvesting Sensors Eliminate the Need for Batteries in Some Applications
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Energy-harvesting sensors that are made of fabric and eliminate the need for batteries in some applications are the focus of this podcast interview with Keith McMillen, CEO and founder of BeBop Sensors. Listen by clicking on the player above.
McMillen’s unique smart sensors–which grew out of his work creating musical instruments-can be used in numerous applications, including smart tires, gloves, game controllers and sensor insoles. They help solve numerous problems, McMillen says in this interview.
BeBop’s “Monolithic Fabric Sensor Technology” weaves sensors and electronics into fabric. The fabric can measure force, location, size, weight, shape, motion and presence. McMillen sees many possible applications in automative, health, sports and industrial markets for original equipment manufacturers.
About the Author
Lisa Cohn
Contributing Editor
I focus on the West Coast and Midwest. Email me at [email protected]
I’ve been writing about energy for more than 20 years, and my stories have appeared in EnergyBiz, SNL Financial, Mother Earth News, Natural Home Magazine, Horizon Air Magazine, Oregon Business, Open Spaces, the Portland Tribune, The Oregonian, Renewable Energy World, Windpower Monthly and other publications. I’m also a former stringer for the Platts/McGraw-Hill energy publications. I began my career covering energy and environment for The Cape Cod Times, where Elisa Wood also was a reporter. I’ve received numerous writing awards from national, regional and local organizations, including Pacific Northwest Writers Association, Willamette Writers, Associated Oregon Industries, and the Voice of Youth Advocates. I first became interested in energy as a student at Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, where I helped design and build a solar house.
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