# Energy-Recycling Stairs These Stairs Store Energy to Make the Ascension Easier on Joints By Ell Smith | Published 2017-07-14 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/energy-recycling-stairs References: [newatlas](http://newatlas.com/energy-recycling-stairs/50472/) & [theconversation](http://theconversation.com/energy-recycling-stairs-could-add-a-spring-to-your-step-80720) These energy-recycling stairs are a creative alternative to the structure's traditional form. Although we're told it's good for our health, taking the stairs can be a difficult and oftentimes painful experience. Shortness of breath and a heightened heart rate can't compete with the [knee and joint pain](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/knee-joint-exoskeleton) people with mobility issues face while tasked with this daily chore. To combat the aches of climbing the stairs, without eliminating the exercise benefits, a team at [Georgia Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spherephones) and Emory University have developed this unique climbing system that helps put a spring in every step. The staircase stores energy from people descending, and uses that [energy to compress itself](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/efficient-energy-harvesting) when people are ascending, an innovation that makes climbing the stairs 37% easier ton the knees than before. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.9/10 - Popularity: 55% | Activity: 23% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Energy-recycling Stairs:** These stairs store energy to make climbing easier on joints. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Fitness Equipment:** Innovative energy-recycling stairs offer a new avenue for fitness equipment manufacturers to incorporate technology in their products. - **Smart Buildings:** The development of energy-recycling stairs presents an opportunity for smart building developers to integrate sustainable and efficient features into their designs. - **Healthcare Technology:** The use of energy-recycling stairs in healthcare facilities can improve patient mobility and offer a new solution for those with joint pain or mobility issues. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Concrete Spiral Staircase Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cadenza.md) - [Elevated Leisure Habitats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/elevated-leisure-habitat.md) - [Stride-Assisting Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/evolve-mvmt.md) - [Smart Posture Insoles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/esteps-health.md) - [Space-Saving Exercise Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stair-stepper-climber-sfs021001.md) - [Adaptive Walking Aids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roami.md) - [Stair-Climbing Robotic Vacuums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ascender-robot.md) - [Modular Customization Exoskeletons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modular-exoskeleton.md) - [Regenerative Cycling Equipment](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/energy-keeper.md)