iNanoEnergy generator SEM closeup 2

Portugal’s iNanoEnergy start-up is developing wearable generators small enough to embed in clothes and shoes to generate usable power. This close-up of a miniature generator combines two technologies with space heritage. ‘Thermoelectricity’ involves converting heat into electricity, often applied to power spacecraft in deep space from radioactive decay. ‘Piezoelectricity’ generates electricity from compression or other mechanical stress, and is used in spacecraft sensors and actuators.