Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast How “Weird” Tech Is Reinventing Sustainability in Manufacturing and Beyond
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Oct 14, 2025 Explore how unconventional technologies are reshaping sustainability in manufacturing. Discover AirGen, which pulls electricity from humidity, and envision future applications for protein-based electronics. Learn about a unique EV hub that captures and purifies rainwater for drinking while providing solar charging. Meet Vero, a robot that uses AI to tackle litter in hard-to-reach places. All these innovations show how fringe ideas can become essential in driving meaningful change for a sustainable future.
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Electricity Harvested From Humidity
- AirGen converts ambient humidity into a continuous electric current using protein nanowires derived from microbes.
- The device can run indoors and at night, potentially powering sensors and wearables without batteries.
A Lab Accident Sparked AirGen
- The AirGen discovery began by accident when a student forgot to plug in a humidity sensor and it generated power on its own.
- Jun Yao and Derek Lovely combined nanoscale electronics with microbial protein nanowires to turn the accident into a working generator.
Protein Electronics As A New Power Class
- Protein-based electronics could create renewable power sources that don't depend on sunlight, wind, or large humidity levels.
- Scaling might enable wall paint or small patches that continuously power household devices.