What are the most novel applications of thermoelectrics?

There are two main categories of applications of thermoelectrics. The first is cooling and heating (thermal management) and the second is power generation.

The term “novel” changes meaning from person to person and over time.

My favorite application and probably most useful to humanity is in the category of power generation.

Thermoelectrics can be used to convert body heat into electricity and this electricity is used to power electronics that allow implantable medical devices to operate without batteries. The advantage is the patient no longer needs to have surgery to replace the batteries. This reduces patient psychological and physical pain, reduces financial strain for the patient and health care system.