FollowMachines have evolved in complexity and efficiency for over thousands of years, along with our technological advancement. This journey started with the human powered machines constructed to meet our basic needs. Those days, machines that depended on pedaling with hands or legs were much in vogue. However, this trend was thwarted by the growth of the idea that energy obtained through fossil fuels can power machines for better results. However, recent developments promise the return of the era of pedal-powered machines.
Need for change
Pedal powered machines would be ideal in the present context of our changed lifestyle and search for alternative ‘green’ sources of power. Not just this, these machines are eco friendly as they do not contribute to environmental pollution. With little encouragement though, many inventors have recognized this very need and are inventing such machines.
What is next?
1. Haier’s bike powered washing machine prototype
Bike-powered Washing MachineHaier presents its bike-powered washing machine prototype at IFA
What’s new
The washing machine is the first of its kinds, powered solely by human energy. It has a lithium-ion battery that gets recharged when the user pedals an exercise bike attached to the machine. The machine was first unveiled in 2010 by the Chinese electronic goods manufacturer, Haier.
What difference it will make
A lot of electricity is consumed in households through washing machines. This not only adds to the environmental problems but also adds to our financial woes at a time when prices of everything are soaring all over the world. Haier’s human-powered washing machine aims to address both the issues. Moreover, pedaling can be a good exercise that you can do without having to hit the gym for your daily exercise.
2. Pedal powered Laptop charging solution invented at MIT
Pedal powered Laptop charging solutionPedal powered Laptop charging solution invented at MIT
What’s new:
Keeping our laptops recharged for that crucial extra hour is a problem faced by all, especially in areas where there is frequent load shedding or during some natural disasters when there is no electricity. Developed by the students of MIT, this new technology promises to end our dependence on electricity for recharging laptops. The new method converts the mechanical energy produced during pedaling into electrical energy to recharge our laptops.
What difference it will make:
Pedal-powered laptops will not only save the users their electricity bill but, also, it will enable people to get themselves some exercise even while completing their business assignments. The bike for pedaling has been designed ergonomically and can be adjusted according to the need by users with different heights.
3. Water Island is an Exercise in Filtration
Pedal Powered Water IslandPedal Powered Water Island by Jakub Szczesny
What’s new
It is a first of its kind human-powered river water purification system. Designed by Jakub Szczesny, this system has been used to purify polluted water of the Vistula river in Poland. It is also called as water purification island . This system has a floating platform that is fitted with nine pedal-based fitness machines to pump out polluted water through four filters attached to a large tank placed overhead in the center.
What difference it will make
Availability of clean water is a major problem in many parts of the world today. Also, in most such affected areas, people have the least access to electricity. The water purification island can be used in those areas and could prove to be a blessing for many. Not only this, it can be used to re-emphasize the collective responsibility of people towards climate change and the fact that it can be averted if people work on the solutions unitedly.
4. A Pedal-Powered Food Processor
Pedal-Powered Food ProcessorPedal-Powered Food Processor by Christoph Thetard
What’s new
Designed by Christoph Thetard, this appliance can be used for multiple purposes inside the kitchen. You can use this machine to grind or blend different items in the kitchen by using your legs to provide pedal power. Moreover, the pedaling machine is covered in a beautifully designed wood case that will add to the beauty of your kitchen.
What difference will it make
Using this appliance will be fun as well as a statement of your intent against climate change and the fossil fuels based machines. Like other pedal powered machines, it will also save you a bunch of money on electricity bills and contribute to the economy of the household. Experts believe that the fight against climate change can succeed only through a change in attitude of the people. This human-powered kitchen appliance will certainly contribute to that purpose.
Source: ecofriend
