Fujitsu developing technology for wireless electricity
How’s this for futuristic? Fujitsu Laboratories announced the development of a new technology that can charge electric devices like phones, laptops, and even electric cars wirelessly, and they hope to have the technology in production by 2012.
Details of this technology were presented at the 2010 conference of the Institute of Electronics, Information and Communication Engineers (IEICE) on September 14th at Osaka Prefecture University. It is an improvement over so-called “wireless” charging mats because it achieves greater charging distance by transmitting power over magnetic fields; according to Fujitsu, the distance can be up to “several” metres.
Another remarkable aspect of this technology is that it increases charge times manifold. In fact, Fujitsu claims that devices can charge in 1/150th of the time normally required.
It sounds like the major drawback to this technology is going to be cost. Fujitsu hasn’t made any definite claims about pricing, but considering how devices would need to be built with coils and capacitors for receiving transmitted power, it could necessitate a complete overhaul of almost all consumer electronics if implemented on a wide scale.
What really makes this technology exciting are the implications for electric cars. Imagine if major streets were all broadcasting electricity to be received by cars driving over it. There would be no need for “gas” stations to refuel, and you could drive for a nearly limitless time.
Proof, that soon the future will look like this. Next step: moving sidewalks everywhere.
