The GO Kin Turns Your Steps Into Electricity

The GO Kin Turns Your Steps Into Electricity

It’s a shame, really, that there aren’t electric sockets on every street corner. Battery storage is constantly improving, but it’s still not at the stage where we can reliably stay powered — there’s always a danger you’ll run out of juice mid-way through the day. But the days of such inconveniences may be numbered, thanks to the power-generating tech that GO Kin are working on with their new, prototype backpack.

It works like this; the base of the backpack holds a dynamo with two cords attached. As the wearer, you connect these cords to the back of your lower legs (either by clipping them onto your boots or using the supplied ankle straps) and the movement of your legs drives the electricity-making dynamo.

The GO Kin Turns Your Steps Into Electricity

It must be said that it is quite an ungainly product in its present state — I doubt that the GO Kin will grace the catwalks of London or Paris any time soon — but its rugged effectiveness is undoubtable. According to GO Kin, five minutes of brisk walking is enough for twenty-five minutes of call time, and you can either charge directly via Mini USB, or store the power you generate in the included lithium-ion battery. The backpack’s internal power unit also has two USB ports, and you can charge the internal battery straight from the mains. In future editions, the GO Kin team want the battery pack to be able to log and export data, effectively turning it into a smart pedometer (along the lines of the Misfit and Fitbit), as well.

The GO Kin Turns Your Steps Into Electricity

Right now, GO Kin is trying to gain crowdfunding on Kickstarter, with folks who pledge $395 upwards receiving one of the first-gen backpacks, which are due to start shipping from November onwards.

You can find out more about the GO Kin here.

Mark is best known for writing about apps, but he also loves the tactile, hardware side of technology. Being a professional photographer, he's pretty handy with a camera, and he's a self-confessed tweetaholic.
Join the Discussion

You Might Also Like

Flashlightgo EDC flashlights: They shine light on your outdoor adventures

Flashlightgo EDC flashlights: They shine light on your outdoor adventures

I’ve got adventurers in my family. So when the holidays roll around or their birthdays are near, I know exactly what to buy: EDC gadgets. A palm-size, lightweight design characterizes EDC products, so they’re ideal for my favorite boaters and..
Apple Wonderlust: The new iPhone 15 Pro with USB-C, Apple Watch Series 9, and more

Apple Wonderlust: The new iPhone 15 Pro with USB-C, Apple Watch Series 9, and more

We’re following the Apple September event. Everyone who follows Apple know that this one’s all about the—you did not hear it!—new iPhone 15. The event began at the Apple Park with Tim Cook and showed us glamorous Apple Watch upgrade..
Everdure KILN R Series review: An outdoor pizza oven for home that has a rotating table

Everdure KILN R Series review: An outdoor pizza oven for home that has a rotating table

Elevate your home pizza nights with the Everdure KILN R Series. This pizza oven for your backyard cooks pizza in 2 minutes. Plus, it has a rotating table, giving you an evenly-cooked pie, every time. Anyone who loves pizza knows..
Vitaloop review: This filtration water bottle purifies water from nearly any source

Vitaloop review: This filtration water bottle purifies water from nearly any source

Want to drink fresh, safe water while you hike? Maybe you’re not sure about the water quality at your school or office. Well, that’s where the Vitaloop can help. This filtration water bottle cleans water from pretty much any source...
Withings ScanWatch Light & ScanWatch 2 health smartwatches are like personal health assistants

Withings ScanWatch Light & ScanWatch 2 health smartwatches are like personal health assistants

Withings ScanWatch Light and ScanWatch 2 are both health-focused smartwatches equipped with features for tracking movement, heart rate, and menstrual cycles. Plus, they boast an impressive 30-day battery life. Smartwatches offer a wide range of features and functions that make..
Lenovo Legion Go gaming handheld levels up gaming with its portable controllers

Lenovo Legion Go gaming handheld levels up gaming with its portable controllers

Powered by the AMD Ryzen Z1 Series processor, Legion Go is Lenovo’s first Windows 11 gaming handheld device. It creates an immersive experience for its gamers. The IFA 2023 event has brought us a delightful surprise in the form of..