Hasta La Gadget!

According to a video posted by the National Defense Education Program, the U.S. Air Force special operations division is the driving force behind a fascinating new invention. The Remote Auxiliary Power System is designed to enable soldiers to charge electronic devices in the field. This isn’t a ruggedized battery system though, but rather a device that allows soldiers to get the juice they need directly from power lines — no outlet required!

To use the RAPS, a soldier simply tosses it over a power line, and the cutout on the peripheral locks it in place over the line. A small razor blade actually pierces the power line, and a built-in transformer steps the power down to a manageable level in order to power and/or recharge any electronic devices necessary in the field.

The device is still being developed, but extensive safety testing is already underway. One question that has been answered so far: the RAPS system has been so carefully designed that it is actually safe to use when it’s raining.

Visit the National Defense Education Program’s Web site to watch the “Power Harvesting: The Bat Hook” video.

[Via Gadgesteria]