By harnessing every footstep, Pavegen floor tiles turn walkways into energy sources and help cities convert pedestrians into power. What if that “spring in your step” could be converted to energy? Imagine your footsteps providing enough power to light the path you’re walking on, or even contribute to the overall load at the supermarket you cruise or the airport you rush through to catch a flight. For Pavegen CEO and Founder Laurence Kemball-Cook, every footfall provides an opportunity. “My idea was a floor tile that would convert the kinetic energy from a footstep into electricity,” Kemball-Scott explains in an interview with The Guardian. “Every time someone steps on the tile, they generate seven watts of power. The energy is stored within batteries, and then used to power lighting when it’s needed. It’s an off-grid power source for cities.” Kinetic Energy Recovery With its triangular design, the Pavegen tile captures the downward force applied by each step across its surface. Outfitted with flywheels in each corner, one tread applies enough pressure to spin the tile’s tiny turbines. Electromagnetic induction transforms this kinetic energy into electrical energy, which can then be stored or used. Describing the tiles to Bloomberg News as “a viable new type of off-grid energy technology,” Kemball-Cook strongly believes in the product’s potential for “a low-carbon contribution wherever there is high footfall, regardless of the weather.” Durable Design Though Kemball-Cook’s prototype met with lukewarm support – Al Gore and Shell were a few early advocates – improvements in durability and generation potential have increased interest in the Pavegen tiles. Kemball-Cook improved on the power generation of the initial concept by adding additional flywheels and a triangular design. The latest version of Pavegen is also stronger and more reliable. “The floor is one of...