Meredith Perry of the University of Pennsylvania presented a working prototype of a new wireless charging system for mobile devices. The technology uBeam is to convert electricity to ultrasound, which is "delivered" to a compact receiver connected to a smartphone or tablet. "Catch" the wave, the receiver converts it back into electricity.
"It's like Wi-Fi for charging. All other technologies require you to be in close proximity to the transmitter, "- said the researcher. Charging stations uBeam very thin, no more than 5 millimeters. This allows you to attach them to the walls or incorporated into other devices, such as laptops, to convert ultrasound energy. Ultrasound is beyond human hearing, and interferes with work or pleasure, Perry said.
Modern technologies require the placement of the receiver in the vicinity of the charging surface. At the same time uBeam enables wireless charging batteries at a certain distance.Thus, the user can freely move around the room with a smartphone in your pocket or bag without interrupting the charging process.
True, in contrast to the same Wi-Fi, ultrasonic waves can not pass through walls, and hence provide wireless charging the whole house or small office will not work. You will need to install a transmitter uBeam in each room.
UBeam company has already created a fully functional prototype of a wireless charging device using ultrasound. In the future we plan to release a complete solution for the consumer market. As expected, products uBeam will hit stores in the next two years.
According to Perry, it is planned to issue two types of chargers, one for small spaces such as homes and offices, and the second for large venues - stadiums, airports, hotels, concert and conference halls.