Pedal-Powered OLPC Laptop for Kids in Afghanistan (Video)
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California 
on 10.13.09
Image via OLPC Afghanistan
A prototype for a pedal-powered charging option for OLPCs was created OLPC Afghanistan so children can still have access to the computers even during power outages. The station charges the laptop while it is being used, and can be run without difficulty by typical 3rd and 4th grade children.
There's one way to get all the extra energy out of a kid during class time! OLPC Afghanistan states, "The system connects the Freeplay hand crank with pedals underneath to enable the XO to be used as long as desired at home, into the night, etc; and it requires no additional or backup battery."
The laptops have very low power requirements in the first place - a significant reason why they were created at all - so keeping them charged in this manner would be practical.
More on OLPCs
$100 Laptop Version Two: One New and Improved Laptop Per Child
Buy Yourself a Laptop, Give a Laptop to a Child in Need
The Cheaper PC, the Smaller PC, and the Greener PC
Thirsty for more? Check out these related articles:
- How to Go Green: Gadgets
- Unplug Your Laptop Forever in 7 Steps
- PopTech's America Reimagined: Bringing Brains Together at the Coolest Conference You've Never Heard Of
- Ed Begley, Jr. on Green Elementary Schools, Biodiesel, and More
- How to Ride a Bike: The Most Basic Cycling Tip of All
- Electricity Monitoring at Home Saves Energy on Gadget Use
Comments ()
