Birds flapping their wings produce electricity

US biologists introduce technology that generates electricity from the bird's wings, bats or butterflies to power a biometric data capture device.

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Technology creates new electromagnetic fields

Data collection equipment mounted on pigeons. (Photo: Michael Shafer)

Experts from the University of Northern Arizona have developed a small-scale version, with pendulum resonance frequencies flapping wings to generate electricity. The prototype was tested on trained pigeons.

" We created a device for flying animals that is part of our daily routine, and is useful for nightlife, as long as they are moving. It can generate energy from that activity, "said Ryan Shipley, co-author of the study.

According to phys.org, energy from the butterfly or butterfly's wing flapping motions is enough to provide a device for gathering data on location, migration habits or physiological statistics .

To track flying animals, the researchers used a device that was small, lightweight and operated for about 5 days. Solar panels have a longer lifespan, but need to store energy when watching at night.