Cardboard-Based Facile Triboelectric Sensor for Footstep Monitoring and Illuminating Shoes

This paper presents the design and implementation of a cardboard-based triboelectric nanogenerator (CB-TENG) sensor for illuminating light and monitoring footsteps in children’s shoes. The sensor utilizes the triboelectric effect, where the material becomes electrically charged after friction to generate power from the foot’s motion. The sensor is integrated into the shoe’s sole and utilizes a simple circuit to convert the generated electricity into a usable form to power an LED light. The sensor also includes a step-counting mechanism to track the number of steps taken. Using a low-cost and sustainable material such as cardboard in the sensor’s design makes it an affordable and eco-friendly solution for illuminating and monitoring children’s shoes. The sensor was tested and found to have a high energy conversion efficiency, and the LED light provided sufficient illumination for the wearer. The step-counting mechanism was also found to be accurate in tracking the number of steps taken. The proposed sensor has the potential to be a useful tool for parents and caregivers to monitor the activity levels of children and ensure their safety in low-light conditions.