Researchers from the Institute of Human Obsolescence (IoHO) have found out how to harvest body heat and convert it into energy for mining cryptocurrency. For this purpose, they have created a special suit.
IoHO is founded by artist and researcher Manuel Beltrán in 2015. According to Manuel Beltrán’s idea, one day machines and robots will replace human labor force, which is why it is necessary today to research on biological work. The body-suit used to mine cryptocurrency is Manuel Beltrán’s most famous research projects as well as the most impressive art installation.
The tests of the suit lasted 212 hours. 37 volunteers were involved in the process. They had to lay down, while the suit converted the body heat to power. As a result of the tests, 127.2 watts of power were generated. This energy was enough to mine 16,590 cryptocoins. The researchers did not attempt to receive a bitcoin, mining for which consumes a lot of energy. They were focused on new promising cryptocurrencies, such as Vertcoin, StartCOIN, Dash, Lisk, Litecoin as well as Ethereum. 80 % of the earnings went to the volunteers.
Undoubtedly, conventional energy sources are still cheaper and more convenient than the method proposed by Manuel Beltrán. Nevertheless, the idea of the project is interesting for its possible future potential.
