The folks at PowerBeam are demoing their wireless electricity technology this week at CES. If they get their way, WiTricity will one day do away with electric cords. Current technology allows a small plate to receive safe-as-radio-wave transmissions that are converted into electricity and can be used by gadgets placed on them. A desktop could be equipped with the pads and a PC would be able to run simply by being placed upon it. In the future, large plates could be embedded in building structures and entire homes could be powered using the technology.
PowerBeam turns electricity into a beam that is projected to a receiver pad or plate across the room. Current technology allows 1.5 watts of power to be beamed about 10 meters. The company’s co-founder concedes that while this is not enough to do significant work, the system can be scaled up. He hopes to remove the word ‘recharge’ from the language by making the devices ubiquitous.
Until original equipment and design manufacturers get involved, wireless electricity will be limited. Items in your pocket won’t power up just because you’re in proximity of PowerBeam plate. While that’s disappointing, getting rid of the spaghetti-tangle of wire that most of us disdain is a good start.
Wireless Electricity
PowerBeam WiTricity Lets You Turn On Without Plugging In (CES 2009)
Trend Themes
1. Wireless Electricity Technology - Opportunity to develop and improve wireless electricity technology, allowing for greater convenience and elimination of electric cords.
2. Ubiquitous Charging Pads - Opportunity to create and implement charging pads that are embedded in furniture, buildings, and homes for seamless and effortless charging of electronic devices.
3. Scalable Power Beam Systems - Opportunity to scale up power beam systems to increase the amount of power transferred wirelessly, enabling significant work to be done without relying on cords.
Industry Implications
1. Consumer Electronics - Consumer electronics manufacturers can explore the development and integration of wireless charging technology into their products to enhance user experience.
2. Smart Home Technology - Smart home technology companies can incorporate wireless electricity technology into their systems, allowing for effortless and wire-free power supply to various devices and appliances.
3. Architecture and Construction - Architects and construction professionals can consider embedding wireless charging infrastructure into building structures, offering a revolutionary way of powering homes and buildings.