Backpack may replace batteries in war, hikes

Spare batteries may soon be a thing of the past, thanks to a new power-generating backpack designed by Biology professor Lawrence Rome.

The "suspended-load" backpack can dynamically power an electrical device or charge a battery while the wearer walks.

It produces enough power to run most electronic items, such as night-vision goggles, GPS systems and cell phones, Rome said.

Rome had initially become involved with the project at the request of the U.S. Navy almost two years ago.

During the 2001 invasion of Afghanistan, U.S. Special Forces experienced difficulty powering electronic equipment on extended expeditions. Carrying spare batteries was not viable, as they would greatly increase the weight load.

Despite the failure of several other scientists to find a solution when presented with the dilemma, Rome immediately saw the answer.

"The concept of how to do it came to me immediately. To build it took a while," he said.

His idea was to attach the external frame to the backpack with springs. This harnesses the motion of the wearer's gait, powering an attached electrical generator.

Over the last two years, Rome, with the help of two assistants, has built a working prototype of the backpack. Though it has performed well in the lab, further refinements are still necessary before it can be put to use.

"It will be one to two years before it will work in the marketplace," Rome said.

Despite the initial focus on military applications, Rome has since realized countless other situations in which the backpack could be utilized.

"Tsunami-relief and firefighting are just two examples," he said. "This isn't just a military problem, it's everyone's problem."

Rome's research has revealed other unforeseen benefits of the bag. Not only does the suspended-load backpack require less energy to walk with, but the attached springs also help to lessen the strain on the wearer's back.

It was these ergonomic features that caused the backpack to be the subject of a Wharton Entrepreneurial Programs project last spring concerning the feasibility of introducing the backpack to the marketplace.

Many students at Penn say they could benefit from a load-reducing backpack.

Wharton sophomore David Kwon said he would definitely be interested.

"I actually know a bunch of people that have back pain," he said. "I think a backpack that reduces strain is a really good idea."

However, Rome says that the backpack still needs a lot of work before it can be economically viable.

"In theory, it's a really good idea. It's difficult to know if it's a money-making idea," he said.

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