Corky – the mouse that doesn't need batteries
Ditch the batteries, this is an eco corker!
New from the planet-loving corner of the room is the Corky, a concept mouse that ditches the mass-produced plastic in favour of – you guessed it – cork.
But this is no quirky sales gimmick – it’s one of the 18 finalists in the Greener Gadget Design Competition, and takes its place thanks to its use of energy-harvesting piezoelectric elements that harvest kinetic energy.
Or, if you prefer it in plainer language, every time you move the mouse around, or even just turn the scroll wheel, a few watts of energy are generated, meaning – in theory – you don’t need any batteries.
The Corky is still very much a concept product, but there are plans afoot to get it into production. So if you do find yourself surfing the web a few years from now with your battery-free Corky mouse, remember where you read it first.
User comments (4)
Leave a comment
mattyg0510 February 2010
With a cork mat I could use it floating in the bath!!
Report as inappropriateTalanzar10 February 2010
Class! Just pure class! This could revolutionise the office. Although i'm unsure if the energy generated from the pizoelectrics would be enough to power a wireless device inside. If it was wired then why would you need it to be power efficient as it would obtain its power from the USB anyway!
Report as inappropriatefoxandthehen10 February 2010
i was under the impression tat even quite efficient large (as in mouse sized) piezoelectric generators produce only a few milliwatts. I would like to see a source reference for the statement: "even just turn the scroll wheel, a few watts of energy are generated" As this, to me, seems completely impossible.
Report as inappropriateThis comment has been removed.
Join Channel 5
Creating an account is free, will only take a few moments and will allow you to enjoy the full benefits of 5FWD and Channel 5:
Leave a comment