The new energy-generating device was made by combining piezoelectric composites with carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP), a commonly used material that is both light and strong.

This composition allows it to transform vibrations from the surrounding environment into electricity.

"Everyday items, from fridges to street lamps, are connected to the internet as part of the Internet of Things (IoT), and many of them are equipped with sensors that collect data," said Fumio Narita, co-author of the study and professor at Tohoku University. "But these IoT devices need power to function, which is challenging if they are in remote places or if there are lots of them."

In order to leverage the vibrational energy, the team relied on piezoelectric materials' ability to generate electricity when physically stressed. This was then combined with the durability and lightness of a material like CFRP.

"We pondered whether a piezoelectric vibration...