Step into future: Hoshiarpur boy harnesses power of footsteps
A student from Hoshiarpur has developed an innovative project that could transform how we think about power generation — by harnessing energy from the simple act of walking.
Sanchit, a Class VIII student from Mount Carmel School, has caught the attention of local education officers, scientists and sustainability enthusiasts with his science project, “Power beneath our feet,” which uses piezoelectric technology to convert footsteps into electricity.
The idea emerged during a visit to Green View Park in Hoshiarpur, where Sanchit observed the various methods used to power streetlights, including electricity and solar panels. A thought occurred to him: could human movement, something as commonplace as walking, be tapped into as an energy source? This question led him to explore piezoelectricity, a process where materials like Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT) generate an electric charge when pressure is applied.
With this principle in mind, Sanchit designed a model that embedded piezoelectric sensors beneath high-footfall areas such as walkways and pavements. The pressure from footsteps activates the sensors, producing a small but measurable electric charge, which can then be stored in batteries. The stored energy could be used to power LED streetlights, particularly in parks and public spaces. “Each step produces about 2 to 5 joules of energy,” explains Sanchit. “That might seem small, but when you multiply it by the thousands of people walking daily, it adds up. Over time, this energy can be used for practical applications like lighting, small displays, or even sensors for smart cities.”
Sanchit’s model has already been successfully tested on a small scale in his school science lab, where pressure plates connected to LEDs lit up with each step. His innovation has impressed not just his teachers but also local scientists and education officers. District Science Coordinator Dr Rajesh Mehta commended Sanchit’s visionary approach, noting, “Such innovative thinking at a young age is commendable. This idea has great potential for the development of smart cities and the integration of renewable energy. If further developed, it could help address our growing energy demands.”
“People often walk on footpaths or in parks without realiSing the potential energy their movement creates. If they knew that their steps could power a streetlight or charge a phone, it could encourage more walking and reduce reliance on fossil fuels,” he adds.
Sanchit envisions implementing this technology in high-traffic areas such as school entrances, railway stations, stadiums and city squares, where the potential for generating energy is significant. With support from government and private-sector collaborations, these systems could be installed and tested on a larger scale.
Dreaming of becoming an engineer focused on renewable energy and smart infrastructure, Sanchit expresses his goal: “I want to help create cities where energy is generated not just by machines, but by people themselves—without harming the planet.”
As the world faces increasing urban power consumption and climate concerns, ideas like Sanchit’s offer a promising glimpse into a cleaner, more sustainable and people-powered future, where every step truly counts.
Jalandhar