One of the core challenges for on-the-go busy individuals is a fast accessible energy source to power up their hand-carry devices. Fortunately, thanks to an enthusiastic group of scientist in China and the U.S., there will soon be a way to power these devices by gathering energy from simple body movements and sunlight.

They have revealed a prototype fabric that is capable of harnessing natural clean energy. According to Live Science, these "smart textiles" are made from low-cost polymer fibers with metal and semiconductor coatings, which allow the textile to harness energy.

The innovative technology is still in progress and needs further development before it manages to hit the store shelves. However, the developers are happy and confident that it will be completed in the future.   

What to Expect

Being a very practical device, a lot of people are excited and wondering about the new type of technology.

Based on an article from Mashable, they received an email coming from two of the scientist working on the project, Wenjie Mai of Jinan University and Xing Fan of Chongqing University, stating that users can actually charge smartphones, tablet computers, audio devices and other small devices. The two scientists wrote, "We expect it can be a product for the everyday consumer in the future."

This product will not be limited to individual use only. Once completed, the developers plan to produce these in large amounts as it is a better alternative for solar panels and even wind turbines.

But, before that will happen, "It must first prove to be cost-effective, energy efficient and durable," said Rigoberto Advincula, a Professor at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland and a member of the American Chemical Society.

Rigoberto anticipated that it will take about five years before the first commercial product will be made available to the general public.