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Spotted: It’s difficult to capture the vibe of a nightclub, so Dutch company Energy Floors is doing the next best thing. Using kinetic energy floor tiles called Dancer, the company uses the power generated by dancers to produce electricity. Depending on the venue, the tiles can light up, a tally of energy produced can be displayed electronically, and other equipment can be hooked up to the tiles. The output from the tiles is customisable, and the energy generated can be sold back to the grid. 

But the company is not only focused on clubbers. For children, modules of the tiles act as outdoor learning assistants. Called Gamer, this type of tile is programmed with 12 different games available in three different levels of difficulty. Modules can be used in multiples to create large-scale installations across a variety of locations.

For use in public spaces, the tiles are configured for either indoor or outdoor use. The smart ‘Walker’ tiles gather energy and data from pedestrians, and the outdoor version includes solar panels. All data displays linked to the tiles are fully customisable, meaning that brands can seamlessly bring sustainable features like these tiles into their look and feel across multiple venues. Additionally, the tiles can be programmed to display bespoke messaging or designs, linked directly to a brand campaign or goal and updated as necessary.

Public walkways are useful testing grounds for innovative materials. A London mall installed energy-gathering floor tiles near an entrance, and a new material made from upcycled bricks that allows rainwater to filter through could replace swathes of urban concrete pavements.  

Written By: Keely Khoury