Over-the-Air Wireless Charging Technology

Wi-Charge, a leader in long-range wireless power solutions, is attempting to expand its Over-the-Air (OTA) wireless charging technology by partnering with Belkin to implement their technology into the consumer market. A report was released at the end of April announcing the partnership between Wi-Charge and Belkin, although Belkin refuted the extent of their partnership at this point. Nonetheless, there is a degree of partnership between Wi-Charge and Belkin which shows the demand for the expansion of OTA wireless charging throughout many market verticals. The Internet of Things (IoT) is continuing to expand with the adoption of Low Power Wide-Area Network (LPWAN) technologies, allowing more devices to be connected that run off of battery power.

With the expansion and evolution of IoT devices, some wireless devices will need a more efficient way to be charged so that the batteries don’t have to be changed often or need to be plugged in to be charged. In the Smart Home market alone there are a multitude of different devices that could benefit from this technology such as smoke detectors, doorbells, and remotes. Consumer devices like phones and laptops would also benefit from this charging technology, but it will be a difficult market to adopt as these devices require higher amounts of charging power, which this technology cannot yet provide. The reported partnership between Wi-Charge and Belkin, which may not be a done deal just yet, still shows the potential for this technology. The adoption of wireless battery powered devices is spanning just about every industry, which provides ample opportunity for OTA wireless charging adoption, as well.

The current OTA wireless technology is not wide-ranging or very powerful, but the technology can be very effective as it continues to grow. Currently, with Wi-Charge technology, 1W of power is sent to devices within a 40-foot range and line of sight. A small, mounted transmitter is plugged into an AC or DC outlet and the transmitter is able to communicate with devices holding a Wi-Charge Receiver. The transmitter is able to “convert electricity into safe infrared beams”, according to Wi-Charge’s website. Again, there are many limitations to the current version of the technology, but the technology is greatly beneficial and will continue to improve. Our recommendation is for IoT device consumers, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), and suppliers to express interest in this technology so that Wi-Charge and other companies push to expand the technology.

The end goal for interested parties in this technology would be for all wireless IoT devices to seamlessly be charged wirelessly and OTA. Many consumer devices like smartphones, smartwatches, and headphones allow for wireless charging from the chargers to the device, but a wire is still necessary from the charging device to a power source. Consumers are always looking for ways to limit the number of wires connected to the devices at their workplace or in their homes, and this technology will allow for additional reduction of wires in those places. There will be substantial demand for over-the-air wireless charging in several IoT market verticals, especially as the technology continues to evolve.