No Batteries Required: New Wireless Technology May Power Range Of Mobile / Wearable Devices

Forbes ^ | 9/3/2013 | Reuven Cohen

[Titus-Maximus]

Wearable technology seems to be a hot topic these days. Most of the major technology players have some form of wearable device in the works. Samsung is calling its product line, Galaxy Gear, which they say will encourage “a smarter life.” The hope is that Internet technology will move from being something that is some-what independent of us to something that is literally woven into our daily existence. From your shoes to your shirt, stove to your toilet, the future may be found in connecting every part of our lives. This is sometimes referred to as the “Internet of Things.” Yet a fundamental problem still remains. How to power all these things?

Here’s the question, would you use a “smart watch” if the battery only lasted 10 hours? For me the answer is probably no. But thanks to a new breakthrough from researchers at the University of Washington this problem may soon be a thing of the past.

The researchers have created a new wireless technology they describe as Ambient Backscatter. A UW website explains the concept further, “it transforms existing wireless signals into both a source of power and a communication medium. It enables two battery-free devices to communicate by backscattering existing wireless signals. Backscatter communication is orders of magnitude more power-efficient than traditional radio communication. Further, since it leverages the ambient RF signals that are already around us, it does not require a dedicated power infrastructure as in RFID.”

[Titus-Maximus]

Pulling excess energy out of the air and using it. I like it. This could be big....

[Jeff Chandler]

I for one would not want my toilet to be connected to the Internet.

[Windflier]

Sounds like the film, ‘Minority Report’. I don’t want every facet of my life interwoven into the internet. It’s the ultimate total imprisonment of the individual.

[Lazamataz]

Problem is that someone generates that power at cost and will want to recoup some of the cost, when others tap it.

[reed13k]

I’m still waiting for a self charging device that utilizes the earth’s magnetic field to create a current within the conductor to sustain itself - the problem is the current capable of being induced is so small... but I’m still tinkering...

[C210N]

How can a device get enough power from airwaves...

I’m sure they’ve figured it out... must have a built-in power amplifier.

Actually, reminds me of Wireless Power Strips.

[Jmouse007]

If it is wireless, our nefarious government, it's corrupt and lawless alphabet agencies along with THEIR "law enforcement" agencies can gain access to and CONTROL of any and ALL of those "wireless" devices for their own necarious purposes. I am reminded of the movie Irobot: " You are experiencing an accident!" Also the technology surreptitiously used in the movie Enemy of the State for the purpose of tracking and framing an inocent man for crimes he did not commit comes to mind.

As for this push to control and spy on the individual and our own populace under the guise of "convenience"... No thanks, they can keep it.

[ProtectOurFreedom]

I for one would not want my toilet to be connected to the Internet.

Why not? Think of all the wonderful benefits of a talking, observent and snooping toilet...

• "You seem constipated today. Try 'E-Z-Bowel, the smooth laxative.' "
• "Your urine is rather dark today. Have you had your liver enzymes checked lately?"
• "It appears you are not eating your five daily servings of vegetables and fruits. We have increased your order of fruits and vegetables for you and you can pick them up on your next trip to Kroger."
• "You used three sheets of toilet paper during this visit, exceeding your allotment of one sheet. To compensate, you are allowed zero sheets on your next two visits."
• You flushed twice this visit. 'Courtesy flushes' are not allowed by EPA Reg 54-AR57-Q. You are hereby denied flushes for your next two visits."
• "Your 'aroma'is particularly intense today and the neighbors are complaining. Let me turn the fan on for you. In addition, we've notified Kroger that beans are now on your 'Purchase not allowed' list."
• "This is IPAB. Your CARE REQUEST is denied because you ignored our health recommendations for the past four months. Please take the red pill and get some extra rest."

[fella]

Wearable technology seems to be a hot topic these days. Most of the major technology players have some form of wearable device in the works.

Considering that our government spooks have compromised all this technology, people are literally being encouraged to put the chains of slavery on.

[fella]

The toaster from “Red Dwarf” comes to mind.

[B4Ranch]

Do you have a cell phone?

[PapaBear3625]

The ability to provide charging power at a distance is not such a big deal for a device that you wear.

It WOULD be a big deal for a device that could now be permanently implanted inside you.

Imagine a device that you could use to buy and sell stuff, securely attached to you so it could not be lost. You could have a choice of having it implanted in your hand or on your forehead.