How many times have you changed the batteries in your remote control? It might get a little frustrating at times when you are watching you favorite show and suddenly the charges crumbles to absolute zero. Well, not anymore. Scientists at NEC, Japan and Soundpower have come up with new way of charging the batteries in the remote control; by using piezo-electric effect.

The announcement was made Nov 17, 2009. And the remote control was be exhibited at Embedded Technology 2009, a trade show that took place on Nov 18, 2009, in Yokohama City, Japan.

Power is generated using the piezo effect that occurs when a button is pushed. That is to say, when a crystal is compressed it emits a tiny bit of electricity which is harnessed and used to power this device. This is the same principle that is used in the electricity producing sidewalks in Japan. Video given below:

Well, What's more? It uses Radio waves to communicate with the TV, quite contrary to the exisiting IR data communication. Lets just hope these devices get evolved to awesome wireless applications.