Scientists suggest that the brace could be used by campers and soldiers to power GPS locators and satellite phones in areas with limited access to electricity. It could also charge prosthetic knees, eliminating the need for periodic surgery to replace the batteries in the joint.

The current version of the knee brace is just a proof-of-concept; the team plans to make the device less bulky while still retaining its energy harvesting capabilities. We think this is a great idea with lots of potential (even if it was created in part by a University of Michigan professor). Hopefully we can get a working model before CES next year so we'll never need to worry about our laptop running out of juice. [Science via Science Daily, Reuters, BBC]

Sure, stuff like the USB Warming Mouse, USB Warming Blanket, and the USB Heating Gloves, are good ideas on paper, but imagine what happens when you get up to answer the phone and forget your knees are still attached to your laptop? – Jason Chen

Product Page [Vavolo via Warmest Coolest Gadgets]