Wireless power is one the Holy Grails of technology and something that has been searched for since Nikola Tesla fired up his giant coils in the 1890s. Now tech giant Intel has demonstrated WiTricity, a wireless power system. Intel was able to light a 60 watt bulb that uses more power than a typical laptop computer, at the California firm’s annual developers forum in San Francisco.
The ability to broadcast power would be a technological paradigm shift, enabling manufacturers to bring battery-free portable devices (laptops, mobile telephones, MP3s, and others) to market. By eliminating the battery, wireless power would also allow the devices to be smaller and have limitless power, something that would make consumers very happy.
Intel has a number of competitors including WildCharge, based in Boulder, Colo., and WiPower, based in Altamonte Springs, Fla., that have already announced related wireless charging technologies but they don't have Intel's resources and industry clout.
Wireless Power Systems
Intel WiTricity
Trend Themes
1. Wireless Power Systems - Wireless power systems are a disruptive innovation opportunity that could revolutionize portable device manufacturing by eliminating the need for batteries and providing limitless power.
2. Battery-free Portable Devices - The development of battery-free portable devices is a disruptive innovation opportunity that could lead to smaller, more efficient devices that never run out of power.
3. Wireless Charging Technologies - The advancement of wireless charging technologies is a disruptive innovation opportunity that could provide convenient, cord-free charging capabilities for a variety of devices.
Industry Implications
1. Technology - The technology industry has the potential to benefit from wireless power systems by developing and manufacturing battery-free portable devices.
2. Electronics - The electronics industry can capitalize on the trend of battery-free portable devices by creating smaller, more efficient devices with infinite power.
3. Energy - The energy industry can explore opportunities in wireless charging technologies to provide convenient and eco-friendly power solutions for a variety of devices.