An apparatus and method for powering a platform from an ambient electrostatic gradient are disclosed. The apparatus includes an ion powered platform comprises a platform body, an electrical load carrier by the platform body; and an electrically conductive probe. The electrically conductive probe is electrically connected to the electrical load at a first point thereon and adapted to generate electrical energy from an ambient electrostatic field gradient. The electrically conductive probe extends from the electrical load such that a second point thereon is vertically displaced from the first point and on the opposite connection of the load. The method includes comprises positioning a first point on an electrically conductive probe at least a predetermined vertical distance from a second point on the electrically conductive probe at which the electrically conductive probe is electrically connected to the electrical load; initiating relative movement between an ambient atmosphere and the electrically conductive probe; and supplying energy generated by an electrical potential created by initiating the relative movement to the electrical load.
