The dream of being able to send an electric current through the air, from one location to another, hasn’t been realized on a commercial scale, but it looks that many companies going to make it a reality very soon.
On January 29, Xiaomi and Motorola released their remote charging technology, taking the lead in the era of true wireless charging, which brings this scene, which only exists in science fiction movies, into reality. Imagine the future of charging? Perhaps once you enter the home, your phone could be automatically charged in the pocket or in the hand, and all your devices are free of charging cables or bases like connecting to Wi-Fi.
Actually, companies like Ossia, Energous, and Humavox already had Radio Frequency wireless charging products. For example, on September 9, 2013, announced its wireless power technology built on the same principles and frequencies as Wi-Fi at TechCrunch Disrupt. Ossia’s Cota system, which was demonstrated in 2017, can charge up to 32 devices simultaneously within a range of 9 meters.
Xiaomi claimed the core of this technology lies in spatial positioning and space energy transmission. The remote charging base has 5 built-in phase interference antennas to locate the phone and transmits waves through a phase-controlled array of 144 antennas. At the same time, the receiving end on the cell phone can convert the wave into electric power. At present, Xiaomi has achieved 5-watt remote charging for multiple devices within a radius of several meters.
Xiaomi hoped that this technology can also be used in smartwatches, bracelets, and other wearable devices. The living room of the future can be completely free from wire bondage, where speakers, lamps, and other small smart home products could all be wirelessly charged.
Motorola also debuted its own remote charging product in a video, which shows two smartphones charging over distances of 80cm and 100cm. However, the charging would stop when a person’s hand is placed in front of the charging station. Motorola didn’t give additional information, but this charging station appears to be much smaller than Xiaomi’s.
For now, remote charging is at the concept stage, so it will take some time for commercial use. But for the smart home, smart wear such as low-power devices, this technology might actually work and significantly reduce the use of wire. In conclusion, it is very reasonable to imagine a future of wireless homes in the near future.
