A vibration powered generator has been developed by scientists at the University of Southampton, England, as part of the EU Vibes (Vibration Energy Scavenging) project. It's not the first such device, but apparently it is the most efficient. Ten times more efficient, in fact. The 1cm³ generator uses a cantilevered magnet to turn ambient vibration into a small amount of electricity (of the order of microwatts).
Developed for use in places where battery replacement is tricky or impossible, the generator was initially destined to power sensors in manufacturing plants. Project head Dr Steve Beeby says that the beating of a human heart is enough to power the device, which means that a self sufficient pacemaker is possible. We say put this inside a vibrator, and you'll have the ultimate perpetual motion device.
Good vibes power tiny generator [BBC News]
Project site [Vibes]
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