Researchers at Satbayev University in Almaty are developing a compact device that can generate electricity from noise and mechanical vibrations in the surrounding environment. Scientists say the technology could help power sensors and monitoring systems in remote areas where traditional energy sources are difficult to maintain.
Mechanical vibrations are repeated movements that occur around a system’s equilibrium position. They are created by many everyday processes, including sound waves, wind, moving machinery, and transportation systems. Although these vibrations are common, researchers say they remain an underused source of energy.
The research team aims to capture these vibrations and convert them into electrical power. The electricity could operate small electronic devices without relying on batteries or wired power connections.
Technology designed to harvest energy from sound and vibrations
The new device focuses on capturing energy from vibrations that occur within a frequency range of several tens to a few hundred hertz. This range is commonly found in natural environments and industrial settings where sound and motion constantly produce mechanical vibrations.
The system uses an electromagnetic converter to turn these movements into electricity. As environmental vibrations move internal components inside the device, they generate small electrical signals that can be collected and used to power electronic systems.
Project leader Albanbay Nurtay said the goal is to develop a reliable energy source for remote technologies.
“We are developing a device that will efficiently convert mechanical vibrations into electrical energy and serve as an autonomous power source,” Nurtay said. “This will help ensure the continuous and reliable operation of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors in remote regions.”
Researchers say the device could allow sensors to generate electricity from background noise and vibration instead of relying on batteries.
The electromagnetic principle converts motion into power
The technology is based on the law of electromagnetic induction. This principle states that electricity is generated when a magnetic field moves relative to an electrical conductor.
Inside the device, coils and magnets shift when exposed to vibrations from the surrounding environment. This movement produces an electrical signal that can be captured and used to power small electronic components.
Scientists at Satbayev University are developing device that can generate electricity from noise and environmental vibrations. The technology converts everyday mechanical vibrations into power for IoT sensors, potentially enabling self-powered monitoring systems in remote areas. pic.twitter.com/3GUwIMwFzs
— Tom Marvolo Riddle (@tom_riddle2025) March 9, 2026
Engineers are working to maintain high efficiency across different vibration conditions. Natural vibrations rarely occur at a constant frequency, so the system must operate effectively under varying levels of motion.
The team is also focusing on reducing energy losses and ensuring stable performance during long-term operation.
Research progressing through design and testing phases
The project is being carried out in several stages. Researchers first developed the conceptual design of the device and created detailed 3D and mathematical models to study how it would perform under different vibration conditions.
The next stage will involve building experimental prototypes and creating a specialized testing platform to measure the device’s performance. This platform will allow scientists to simulate various vibration frequencies and environmental conditions.
After analyzing the results, researchers will select a final prototype with the most effective technical characteristics. The final phase of the project will include publishing the scientific findings and filing a patent to protect the intellectual property.
Potential uses in industry, environment, and agriculture
Scientists say the vibration-powered technology could support monitoring systems used in industrial facilities, environmental research, and agriculture.
In industrial settings, sensors could use harvested vibration energy to monitor equipment performance or structural conditions. Environmental researchers could power remote monitoring stations that track climate patterns or ecosystem changes. Agricultural systems may also benefit by supporting sensors that measure soil conditions and weather data.
Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Education said the project represents an important step toward developing sustainable energy technologies. “Efficient use of natural vibration sources opens new opportunities for energy conservation and supports the implementation of sustainable development principles and goals,” the ministry said.
Researchers say the ability to generate electricity from noise and environmental vibrations could help create self-powered monitoring systems that operate reliably in remote locations while reducing reliance on disposable batteries.
