Scientists at the University of Colorado at Boulder have made a major breakthrough that could reshape wearable technology in the next five to ten years Researchers have developed a low-cost wearable that draws power from the human body using a thermoelectric generator

"A number of thermoelectric chips are inserted into a stretchy material called polyimine and connected by liquid metal wires

"Our design allows the entire system to be stretchable without significant strain on the thermoelectric material

"The thermoelectric generator is in close contact with the human body, allowing us to take advantage of heat that would normally be dissipated into the environment"

The result is a device that can extract about one volt of energy per square centimeter of skin Researchers estimate that a fast walk with a fitness tracker-sized device generates about 5 volts of energy

In addition to not having to remember where to put the charger, the design has two other major advantages First, it is self-healing If it tears, just pinch the torn edges together and it will reseal in a matter of minutes Second, it is as environmentally friendly as high-tech products If the device is to be disposed of, soaking it in a special solution can dissolve the base while separating the electronics, which can then be reused

"We are trying to make the device as inexpensive and reliable as possible, while at the same time having as close to zero environmental impact as possible," Xiao explains

Of course, there are many hurdles to overcome, which is why Xiao cited a time frame of five to ten years But if the issues are resolved, this could be a game changer for wearable technology, where battery life is often an Achilles heel

Some wearable manufacturers are attempting designs that reduce reliance on chargers, but they are by no means commonplace: the PowerWatch Series 2 uses a type of thermoelectric power generation, but is hampered by a high price of $499 and a design that is not for everyone The PowerWatch Series 2 uses a type of thermoelectric power generation Similarly, the Garmin Instinct Solar gets its power from the sun and has a battery that lasts 54 days longer than the regular Garmin Instinct However, it costs $100 more and simply delays the need for recharging, rather than eliminating the need for recharging altogether

Hopefully, once the low-cost, small footprint solution promised by the Colorado Boulder researchers is realized, wearable chargers will one day be a distant memory of the past Just don't expect the technology to be mature enough in time for the Apple Watch Series 7