Scientists at Southampton University (UK) have developed a device which could revolutionize the way in which heart pacemakers are kept working.

It consists of a tiny generator, which is powered by natural vibrations. At less than one cubic centimeter, the device is tiny. It operates by using surrounding vibrations to cause magnets on a cantilever to move, generating power.

What makes it unique is that it could be used to power devices that are in locations where it's difficult to replace batteries.

The research team is currently looking at ways of using it in medical implants, such as pacemakers. In this event, the vibrations from the beating heart would be enough to keep the device operating efficiently.

Prior to its possible use in medical devices, it's likely that it will be used on equipment in manufacturing plants, to power wireless sensors.

The research team also claims that the device could be used to power sensors on bridges and other structures, in order to monitor their condition. In the wake of the recent bridge collapse in Minneapolis, calls for the implementation of such a useful and possibly life-saving device may gather momentum.

(Work on this project was funded by the EU as part of the Vibration Energy Scavenging (Vibes) project. This project is looking at how environmental vibrations can be used to generate power.)