Energy Harvesting for Hands-Free Operation of Soldier Equipment

In this paper we present a Remote Control Unit (RCU) that can be attached to any location on a rifle, binoculars, etc., and be operated by a single finger of a soldier without removing his hand from the device. Even for a gloved hand a haptic feedback from the RCU will be realized. A RCU prototype, equipped with a single button, is used as a remote Push-to-Talk (PTT) device for the radio being carried by the soldier. The RCU is powered by the radio waves emitted by this radio. The RCU - being attached to the device - works with a receive unit (RXU) that is attached to and operates the radio. The RCU consists of a RF harvester, energy storage device, a button and a transmitter. Laboratory prototypes are demonstrated.