Low Battery…the notification that causes daily anxiety for smartphone users all over the world. Scrambling for an outlet, we desperately try to keep our devices alive. More often than not, finding a convenient charging outlet is impossible, but fear no more, because a Chicago-based tech startup, AMPY, has heard your cries for help!
Founded by three PhD engineering students at Northwestern University, AMPY captures your body’s motion, converting the kinetic energy into mobile device power.
“A typical day of walking — about 8,000 to 10,000 steps — gives you another three hours of smartphone battery life, and if you add another 30-minute workout that day, you’d get around 6 additional hours,” says Tejas Shastry, Chief Executive Officer of AMPY.
The concept of motion charging is nothing new, but until now, devices were not small and flexible enough to be worn comfortably. By walking 10,000 steps or running for 30 minutes, AMPY claims to provide around three hours of smartphone charging. Weighing merely 3.53 ounces, measuring 3 sq. inches in length, and only .75 inches in thickness makes AMPY the most desirable product of its kind. Athletes and casual exercisers alike will find this product extremely valuable. Running, walking, cycling, and nearly any physical activity will not only be beneficial for your body, but also create a renewable energy source at your fingertips.
In addition to the device itself, AMPY is accompanied by a helpful mobile application. Once connected, the app will provide users with key data, such as the amount of energy created by your movement, calories burned, and carbon footprint offset. Crowdsourced funding has been instrumental in getting this technology in the hands of consumers. A Kickstarter campaign for AMPY raised more than half of the $100,000 goal within the last week from nearly 500 backers. So, what does technology this cool cost? Become a backer in the next 30 days to get AMPY for $75 delivered in June 2015. After this campaign, price climbs to $95.
The value of products like AMPY will continue to rise as the battle for clean, renewable energy rages on. Consumers will now have the power to produce their own energy as needed, while simultaneously encouraged to get up and move. The social and political applications are endless. There is an exciting future ahead for wearable technology, and AMPY is leading the way.