Fossil fuel reserves have been depleted and renewable energy sources are failing to meet the demand. Desperate for a solution, a bizarre, alternate opportunity occurred: harnessing energy that is produced by dogs.
In this speculative project, a startup named Pawsitive Charge capitalizes on this untapped resource with three innovative products that tap into the energy produced by our loyal companions: A dog wearable that charges phones using energy from walking with piezoelectric elements, combined with solar panels. A device that generates power via a dynamo in a flexi leash as it winds and unwinds. A gadget that converts tail wags into energy using a Faraday generator with copper wire and magnets.
The bond between humans and dogs becomes entwined with the act of harvesting energy, creating a strange mix of appreciation and misuse. Desperate, the world has embraced this dark and unusual solution. All devices produce real energy to light up an LED, symbolizing energy generation.
Photo: John Kücükcay
Photo: John Kücükcay
Photo: John Kücükcay
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Photo: Werkstätte Digitale FotografieJulia Hahnl
AT / JP
Julia Hahnl is a designer and computer scientist currently studying in the Design Investigations department at the University of Applied Arts and pursuing a Master’s in Media and Human-Centered Computing at the Technical University of Vienna. She previously did an exchange at Design Academy Eindhoven. Her work merges technology, media and visual arts to inspire critical reflection on the role of technology in the present and future.
Credits
John Kücükcay – Photos and Video
Caro Laa – Motion Graphics
Dog Modeling provided by Elizabeth Sharp and Cora
Project created as part of her studies at Design Investigations
at the University of Applied Arts Vienna.
Presented in the context of the European Digital Deal project. European Digital Deal is co-funded by the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union and by the Austrian Federal Ministry for Arts, Culture, the Civil Service and Sport.
