Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], June 25 (ANI): Dr Ranbir Singh Thakur and Dr Manish Khangta, assistant professors of Himachal Pradesh University, were granted an international design patent for the interdisciplinary invention titled 'Energy Harvesting Smart Shoes Insole' from the Comptroller-General of Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks Intellectual Property Office, Government of the United Kingdom (UK).

According to a press release, this design patent is the result of collaboration with the researchers of Maharaja Agrasen University, Himachal Pradesh. A fully functional prototype of the 'Energy Harvesting Smart Shoes Insole' is also developed using a combination of piezoelectric materials and innovative energy conversion mechanisms, demonstrating the technology's potential for real-world applications.

Anyone can easily fit this innovative smart shoe insole into any type of shoe. This insole turns kinetic energy generated from walking or running into usable electrical energy and stores it in an inbuilt battery. This smart shoe insole aims to charge devices such as mobile phones, fitness trackers, or other smart gadgets without the need for external charging, the release said.

According to the press release, Dr Ranbir Singh Thakur previously obtained design patents for the innovation titled 'Employee Behaviour Tracking Chair' and Digital Billboard in the years 2021 and 2023, respectively. Dr Ranbir Singh Thakur is a passionate promoter of interdisciplinary collaborations and continues to explore new frontiers in future technologies for the advancement of both academia and industry. Besides this, he has also done a solar power installation course from the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology, Calicut. He has also published over 40 research papers in reputed journals/edited books and attended over 60 national and international seminars. He has written four books on diverse subjects and is working as an editor and reviewer for several international journals of repute.

Dr Manish Khangta is an accomplished researcher with a strong academic background and experience in interdisciplinary studies to tackle complex global challenges. He has published 28 research papers and 3 books so far. He has also attended many national and international seminars and conferences. He has presented his research papers in countries like Dubai, Singapore, Sharjah and Malaysia.

The vice chancellor of Himachal Pradesh University, Prof. Mahavir Singh and Registrar, Gian Sagar Negi, congratulated them on their accomplishment. (ANI)