A turbine-inspired generator shows how overlooked industrial airflow could quietly become a new source of usable power
Updated
February 3, 2026 11:23 AM
Campus building of Chung-Ang University. PHOTO: CHUNG-ANG UNIVERSITY
Compressed air is used across factories, data centers and industrial plants to move materials, cool systems and power tools. Once it has done that job, the air is usually released — and its remaining energy goes unused.
That everyday waste is what caught the attention of a research team at Chung-Ang University in South Korea. They are investigating how this overlooked airflow can be harnessed to generate electricity instead of disappearing into the background.
Most of the world’s power today comes from systems like turbines, which turn moving fluids into energy or solar cells, which convert sunlight into electricity. The Chung-Ang team has built a device that uses compressed air to generate electricity without relying on traditional blades or sunlight.
At the center of the work is a simple question: what happens when high-pressure air spins through a specially shaped device at very high speed? The answer lies in the air itself. The researchers found that tiny particles naturally present in the air carry an electric charge. When that air moves rapidly across certain surfaces, it can transfer charge without physical contact. This creates electricity through a process known as the “particulate static effect.”
To use that effect, the team designed a generator based on a Tesla turbine. Unlike conventional turbines with blades, a Tesla turbine uses smooth rotating disks and relies on the viscosity of air to create motion. Compressed air enters the device, spins the disks at high speed and triggers charge buildup on specially layered surfaces inside.
What makes this approach different is that the system does not depend on friction between parts rubbing together. Instead, the charge comes from particles in the air interacting with the surfaces as they move past. This reduces wear and allows the generator to operate at very high speeds. And those speeds translate into real output.
In lab tests, the device produced strong electrical power. The researchers also showed that this energy could be used in practical ways. It ran small electronic devices, helped pull moisture from the air and removed dust particles from its surroundings.
The problem this research is addressing is straightforward.
Compressed air is already everywhere in industry, but its leftover energy is usually ignored. This system is designed to capture part of that unused motion and convert it into electricity without adding complex equipment or major safety risks.
Earlier methods of harvesting static electricity from particles showed promise, but they came with dangers. Uncontrolled discharge could cause sparks or even ignition. By using a sealed, turbine-based structure, the Chung-Ang University team offers a safer and more stable way to apply the same physical effect.
As a result, the technology is still in the research stage, but its direction is easy to see. It points toward a future where energy is not only generated in power plants or stored in batteries, but also recovered from everyday industrial processes.
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Can AI companions really help with our mental health?
Updated
January 8, 2026 6:35 PM
A laptop with the text "MENTAL HEALTH" displayed. PHOTO: PEXELS
As technology continues to weave itself into the fabric of our daily lives, it’s starting to play an unexpected role: supporting our mental health. AI companions—digital entities designed to hold natural, empathetic conversations—are emerging as a new frontier in emotional care. Unlike chatbots of the past, these AI companions leverage advanced algorithms and emotional intelligence to provide personalized support, making them more than just tools. They are companions in every sense of the word—always available, always listening, and always ready to offer comfort. But can AI companions truly help us feel better, or are they just another tech trend? Let’s dive into how these digital allies are reshaping mental health care and what their growing presence means for our emotional well-being.
Loneliness is often called an epidemic, with millions of people worldwide feeling isolated or disconnected. While human relationships are irreplaceable, AI companions offer a consistent and accessible alternative to combat feelings of loneliness.
These companions don’t just respond—they engage. They remember your preferences, ask follow-up questions, and adapt their conversations to your needs. Imagine having someone to talk to at any time of day, about anything on your mind, without fear of judgment. AI companions may not replace a human friend, but they can provide a sense of presence and connection that can be profoundly comforting.
In a world where reaching out to others can sometimes feel daunting, AI companions offer a simple solution: they’re always there. This consistency can help people feel less alone, fostering a sense of connection in an increasingly disconnected world.
We all experience moments of stress, sadness, or doubt, and having someone to turn to during those times can make all the difference. AI companions are designed with emotional intelligence, enabling them to recognize and respond to your feelings in real time.
Through sentiment analysis and adaptive learning, these companions can detect when you’re feeling low and tailor their responses to provide comfort. Whether it’s offering words of encouragement, suggesting self-care activities, or simply listening, they provide a safe space to process emotions.
Unlike traditional apps that focus on tracking habits or delivering generic advice, AI companions meet you where you are emotionally. This personalized approach can help users feel truly supported, even in their most challenging moments.
For many of us, expressing our thoughts and emotions openly can feel like a risk. Fear of judgment, misunderstanding, or even burdening others often holds us back. AI companions offer an alternative: a completely private, judgment-free space to share whatever is on your mind.
Talking things out—whether it’s frustrations from the day or deeper personal struggles—can be incredibly therapeutic. And with AI companions, there’s no need to worry about being misunderstood or dismissed. You can let your guard down, explore your feelings, and reflect on your experiences with total freedom.
This safe space for self-expression can be especially valuable for those who struggle to open up to others. It’s not about replacing human relationships but about having an outlet that’s always available and entirely focused on you.
Self-doubt is a common barrier to personal growth, and many of us battle negative self-talk daily. AI companions are programmed to combat this by offering positive reinforcement and encouragement.
For example, if you express doubt about your abilities, an AI companion might respond with affirmations like, “You’ve accomplished so much already—don’t forget how capable you are.” Over time, these small but meaningful interactions can help shift your mindset, replacing self-criticism with self-compassion.
This ability to mirror supportive, affirming conversations can build confidence and foster a more positive self-image. It’s a subtle but powerful way AI companions can contribute to emotional well-being.
AI companions are more than just a tech trend; they represent a new way of thinking about mental health care. By offering companionship, emotional support, safe spaces for self-expression, and tools for mindfulness, they empower users to take control of their well-being.
While they may not replace traditional methods of care, AI companions are making mental health support more accessible, immediate, and personalized. They’re a reminder that sometimes, the smallest interactions—an encouraging word, a moment of mindfulness, or a listening ear—can have the biggest impact.
As we embrace this new era of technology, one thing is clear: AI companions are not just about convenience. They’re about connection, support, and the potential to make emotional care a part of everyday life. And in a world that often feels disconnected, that’s something worth celebrating.