How everyday activities in your home can generate energy

Passive interfaces like light switches or doorknobs are hardware that can store energy, but can only use the energy for its intended purpose. However, research is finding new ways to harness and adapt this energy: turning the doorknob could turn on the alarm system, or opening the freezer could turn on the light in the kitchen.

By integrating intelligent functions such as sensors and energy generation, Dr. Jeeeun Kim converts passive interfaces into adaptive interfaces and modifies the hardware so that it can be used in non-traditional ways. These interfaces will support people with disabilities, automate domestic tasks, and power millions of computers.

Kim, an assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science & Engineering at Texas A&M University, is the recipient of the The National Science Foundation Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Award, that will support this research.

“Everyday design problems are difficult to solve based on previous experience,” Kim said. “Even those with well-known personal goals, such as reducing utility bills, require expertise to implement the latest scientific advances in real life due to a lack of tools to support end users like you and me.”

3D printed augmentations

The project aims to raise users’ awareness of everyday computing challenges and redesign opportunities using 3D printed extensions. An example of extensions is attaching an attachment to a window slider or refrigerator door hinges, which then converts the energy created by sliding the window or opening the refrigerator door into energy that can be used in new ways. With the expansion, for example, turning a doorknob could trigger a burglar alarm, or opening a refrigerator could activate the refrigerator’s inventory display.

This research will build on new methods for capturing interaction properties that are highly conceptual, as well as critical manufacturing parameters for complex extensions that are efficient and accurate. This allows users to access smart extensions at minimal cost.