Wireless power is becoming a realistic option for enterprises, with several innovative methods emerging to eliminate reliance on traditional cables. Among these methods are induction charging, ambient IoT solutions, midrange power transmission, and laser power beaming.
Induction Charging
Induction charging, also known as near-field charging, is the most developed option and currently dominates the wireless power market, expected to account for 89% of its estimated $16.6 billion value in 2025. Induction charging is being adapted for various uses, including powering vehicles in commercial and public transport settings. For instance, Detroit introduced its first electric roadway in 2023, allowing vehicles to charge wirelessly while parked or driving over specialized road sections.
UPS is set to utilize this technology by installing stationary wireless chargers at its Detroit facility, marking a significant shift toward fleet electrification. Other states, like Florida and California, have plans to launch similar electric road projects by 2027 and 2028 respectively. Meanwhile, Europe leads with functional wireless roads already in place, allowing vehicles to charge while on the move.
Numerous companies, like HEVO, Plugless Power, and WAVE, are offering solutions for this charging method, including applications for electric buses and delivery vans.
Ambient IoT and Medium-Range Charging
Ambient IoT primarily harnesses solar energy, but the advent of medium-range charging proves even more transformative. Relying on radio frequency energy, these systems can transmit power to devices at varying distances, creating possibilities for sensor-equipped logistics applications. For example, devices such as the Wiliot IoT Pixel can operate wirelessly at distances up to 30 feet, making them particularly valuable for monitoring conditions in supply chains.
Companies like Energous are pushing the boundaries with end-to-end solutions that integrate wirelessly powered sensors and cloud monitoring. The developing ambient IoT ecosystem aims to replace batteries in devices with systems that can maintain energy without user interaction, thus simplifying operations in sectors like logistics and healthcare.
Laser Power Beaming
For further distances, laser power beaming is at the forefront. It has the potential to power drones or even collect energy from remote solar panels. DARPA recently achieved a wireless power transmission record of over 800 watts at a distance exceeding five miles. The capability to transmit power from space solar collectors down to Earth is also under exploration, promising solutions for reliably powering regions without wired infrastructure.
Future endeavors include establishing a power grid in space, as demonstrated by companies like Star Catcher Industries which aim to transmit energy between satellites.
Conclusion
The trend toward wireless power in enterprises is gathering momentum, driven by the demand for more efficient operations and the reduction of physical limitations presented by cables. As these technologies continue to develop, we may witness a fundamental shift in how power is delivered and consumed across various sectors.
For more information on wireless power technologies, visit HEVO, Wiliot, and DARPA’s wireless power initiatives.
