Free portable charging chair using clean energy

Ford's new smart bench will help pedestrians connect to Wi-Fi and charge their phones for free using solar energy.

New smart benches installed in London.

Ford has announced a partnership with startup Strawberry Energy to deploy a network of smart benches, providing solar-powered mobile phone charging points and Wi-Fi access for pedestrians in London.

The company said it will start with a pilot of 20 Smart Benches, double the number installed by Strawberry Energy earlier this year. Wi-Fi connectivity and phone charging, both wireless and via free sockets, will be available for not only smartphones but also tablets, cameras and wearables.

The new benches also help people plan their journeys, and the technology provides information on noise levels, CO2, humidity and temperature in the surrounding environment. This information will be provided free of charge to bench users and city planners to help them make future decisions.

The bench offers a variety of features that help users charge their batteries, connect to Wi-Fi, and provide information about their travel itinerary.

“We believe the city of the future is a place where people feel happy, safe and connected, so we are designing future streets to serve a variety of purposes: walking, cycling, driving, connecting with people, and of course, businesses and services that contribute to the economies of countries,” said Sarah-Jayne Williams, Director of Ford Smart Mobility in Europe.

“Walking, driving and using public transport are some of the ways people get around in cities like London, and these Smart Benches will help deliver the new, increasingly connected lifestyle we’re aiming for.”

“Many people like to walk for exercise, for convenience, or simply to spend more time outdoors,” says Miloš Milisavljević, founder and CEO of Strawberry Energy.

But what stops them from walking is not being able to access map apps, social media, and news sites on the go. Smart benches in Islington, Lewisham and Southwark will play a vital part in how London’s pedestrians enjoy their lives.”

According to Dantri