Innovations for the planet: João Lammoglia's AIRE Concept

Most (if not all) of us use portable devices like mobile phones, tablets, etc. These have become an indispensable part of our lives offering functions as simple as an alarm clock to as complex as an augmented reality GPS. But one of the greatest problems of the massive use of these gadgets (and one that we realize only when they run out of battery in a situation where recharging is impossible) is that- well they all run on electricity, which in most cases is generated by non-renewable means like coal, etc. This is a 'predatory process' responsible for approximately half the emissions of harmful gases. And besides, the extraction of these fossil fuels provokes irreparable damage to our Earth.

On the other hand, many initiatives for the implementation of renewable energy are being taken like wind, solar, etc., but they clearly are not enough. We need some innovative solutions which are renewable and are available all the time.

"The ability to destroy a planet is insignificant next to the power of the force"~ Darth Vader

According to Brazilian product designer João Lammoglia, that force lies inside us! João spoke at the Franklin Templeton Investments partnered the TEDxGateway Mumbai in December 2012. He refers to a concept everybody who has watched The Matrix will be familiar with- human energy. He speaks of powering devices like heart pacemakers and by electrical simulations of the heart and brain implants that power artificial eyes, etc. through electrical impulses inside the brain. These technologies, although not available now, will be available in the near future.

In his words, "I feel that I have a debt to the planet. I feel that I have already taken so much from it that I need to give it back." As a product designer, he decided to invent products that would minimize his carbon footprint. Many of his products use passive energy, and the most promising of them is the AIRE Concept, which is 'a mask capable of converting our breathing energy into electricity', which can then be transferred to a gadget through a USB cable.

The technology is based on the principle of piezoelectricity, which in this case converts the vibrations of the air from our breathing into electrical energy. This makes it possible to use AIRE while sleeping, reading a book, or while running (for that extra boost of energy!). Not only does this reduce your carbon footprint, but also provides another incentive to go out and burn some calories!

This technology, which proves that we all can be a part of the solution, will have widespread applications in the field of healthcare, aerospace, rescue suits, etc.

Signing off, I'll share what João did:
"An idea is just good enough when it's shared, because

Ideas can complement each other.

Ideas can grow together.

and when that happens,

Impossible becomes temporary"

(Link to João's TEDx talk-->http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=69pQw6jmBsQ)

Dont forget to help this idea grow by sharing :)