Intel showed off a wireless electric power system that analysts say could
revolutionise modern life by freeing devices from transformers and wall
outlets (see video below).
Intel chief technology officer Justin Rattner demonstrated a Wireless Energy
Resonant Link at the California firm's annual developers forum in San
Francisco.
Electricity was sent wirelessly to a lamp on stage, lighting a 60 watt bulb
that uses more power than a typical laptop computer.
Most importantly, the electricity was transmitted without zapping anything or
anyone that got between the sending and receiving units.
"The trick with wireless power is not can you do it; it's can you do it safely
and efficiently," Intel researcher Josh Smith said in an online video
explaining the breakthrough.
"It turns out the human body is not affected by magnetic fields; it is affected
by electric fields. So what we are doing is transmitting energy using the
magnetic field not the electric field."
Examples of potential applications include airports, offices or other buildings
that could be rigged to supply power to laptops, mobile telephones or other
devices toted into them, according to Smith.
The technology could also be built into plugged in computer components, such as
monitors, to enable them to broadcast power to devices left on desks or
carried into rooms, "Initially it eliminates chargers and eventually it
eliminates batteries all together," an analyst said of Intel's wireless power
system
John, VK5BUI
• In this video clip, Intel CTO Justin Rattner showed off a research project from his labs that powers electronics wirelessly. The big idea is to someday cut the last cord in laptops!
