Wearable battery recharges as soldiers walk

The Department of Defence announced last night that the CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation) is developing a new wearable, rechargeable battery system for the Australian Army.

The technology -- known as the flexible integrated energy device -- is one of eight new proposals selected by the Defence Science and Technology Organisation as part of its capability and technology demonstrator (CTD) program, which funds R&D into technology with military potential.

The device would function as a "wearable, rechargeable battery system ... that could turn a soldier's movements into electrical power which could be used to recharge the battery", according to the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) Web site.

"At the moment, these technologies are only in their conceptual stage. What the CTD program does is fund the development of demonstrator models for these technologies," said a DSTO spokesperson. "For us, the CTD program is an extension of the acquisition process."

"DSTO is working with companies including Tenix, BAE Systems, Thales, L-3 Nautronix and Tectonica as well as CSIRO to develop new technologies that could result in major savings for Defence, spin-offs for civilian applications and export opportunities," Dr Roger Lough, chief defence scientist for DSTO, said in a statement.

While some technologies in the CTD program -- including the flexible integrated energy device -- may have civilian and commercial applications, "it would be up to the individual developers to find commercial partners and make that happen," said Holland.