<p>Nanogenerators, since their invention in 2006, have experienced rapid growth in global research. The invention of the triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) in 2012 further accelerated the expansion of this new scientific and technology discovery, which has now become an interdisciplinary field of research and applications, encompassing materials science, physics, chemistry, and electrical engineering. Nanogenerators are uniquely positioned to harness high-entropy energy that is low-intensity, abundant, and widely distributed in the environment. It has led to emerging concepts such as “Blue Energy,” which provides grid-scale renewable energy from ocean waves, and human-powered electronics, which leverage biomechanical energy as the sole source of electricity. Additionally, nanogenerators have introduced new principles in chemistry and catalysis, using mechanical energy to drive charge transfer at interfaces. To support the rapidly growing nanogenerator community, this issue of <i>MRS Bulletin</i> curates feature articles that explore the core aspects of nanogenerator-related studies, from fundamental science and performance improvements to a wide range of representative applications. This article provides a historical overview of nanogenerators in both scientific and technological impacts in a wide range of fields such as medical science, robotics, environmental protection, human–machine interfacing, security, and even marine science.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>