Magnetoelastic tent could power small devices from wind and motion

Researchers have developed a magnetoelastic tent using smart textile layers that harvest energy from wind, inside movement, and fabric flexing, converting mechanical changes in magnetism into electricity to run small devices. In lab tests, a tiny magnetoelastic textile unit charged a 0.22‑μF capacitor to 5.8 V in 1.5 seconds, demonstrating a proof of concept for powering low‑power electronics like LEDs or sensors. The concept targets off‑grid or disaster settings where power is scarce, but questions remain about real-world energy output, durability, and scalable manufacturing before it could replace traditional power sources.