Imagine a world where smartphones, laptops, wearables, and other electronics are powered without batteries. Researchers from MIT and elsewhere have taken a step in that direction, with the first fully flexible device that can convert energy from Wi-Fi signals into electricity that could power electronics.
Researchers from MIT and elsewhere have designed the first fully flexible, battery-free “rectenna” — a device that converts energy from Wi-Fi signals into electricity — that could be used to power flexible and wearable electronics, medical devices, and sensors for the “internet of things.”
This is a great invention because in many countries and regions WiFi signals are ubiquitous. So you can use it to get unlimited amount of energy (it is not actually unlimited, but anyway it is free). Energy could be used to power up battery-free devices. Also soft rectennas could be really big in order to generate more electricity.
During experiments scientists were able to generate about 40 microwatts of power. The power levels of Wi-Fi signals were around 150 microwatts. It is just enough for LED or silicon chips with minimal consumption. Usually these chips work inside implantable medical devices. Not every medical implant could be equipped with battery (there are many reasons) so «free» electricity is a good way to power up these devices.
