University of Tokyo Wireless Charging Room
Photo credit: University of Tokyo
Say goodbye to cables, plugs or any other charging accessory, as researchers from the University of Michigan and University of Tokyo have developed wireless charging room. This system is capable of safely delivering electricity over the air, potentially turning entire buildings into wireless charging zones. In addition to charging smartphones and laptops, this technology could eventually be used for implanted medical devices and mobile robotics.


University of Tokyo Wireless Charging Room
To demonstrate the technology, the researchers constructed an aluminum test room that measures approximately 10 feet by 10 feet. They used the wireless charging technology to power lamps, fans and mobile phones that could draw current from anywhere in the room regardless of the placement of people or furniture. Previous iterations of this technology utilized harmful microwave radiation or required devices to be placed on dedicated charging pads, but this one uses a conductive surface on room walls as well as a conductive pole to generate magnetic fields.


University of Tokyo Wireless Charging Room

This really ups the power of the ubiquitous computing world—you could put a computer in anything without ever having to worry about charging or plugging in. There are a lot of clinical applications as well; today’s heart implants, for example, require a wire that runs from the pump through the body to an external power supply. This could eliminate that, reducing the risk of infection and improving patients’ quality of life,” said Alanson Sample, U-M professor of computer science and engineering.

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