The number of connected IoT devices is expected to grow from 16.7 billion in 2022 to 27 billion in 20251, globally. Which wireless power technology will charge them all up?
IoT devices are embedded with electronics, software, and sensors that allow them to collect and exchange data over the internet. They’re often used to monitor and control physical processes, collect data about the environment, and automate tasks.
This, you know. But you might be wondering: Why does IoT need wireless power to continue to thrive? Which technologies are best suited for most IoT industries? And how much will it cost? This article helps explain.
Why Do IoT Devices Need Wireless Power?
Traditionally, IoT use wired electricity or batteries to function, but with billions of these “Internet of Things” devices entering the market, it’s simply physically impossible for batteries to keep up with the demand for power. The world does not have enough resources or people power. Disposable batteries and products is a losing proposition.
Enter: wireless power over air.
Wireless power over air can deliver power to multiple IoT devices simultaneously, without batteries or people intervention. It also lengthens the lifecycle of a product and decreases service needs.
Cota Real Wireless Power is an example of a radio-frequency-based wireless power technology that has been proven to work today for IoT.
Examples of IoT Devices that Can Be Powered WirelesslyManufacturing, construction, healthcare, logistics and transportation, retail, and energy are some of the top industries that are driving IoT market growth.2 IoT devices examples are:
All of these IoT devices are well suited for wireless power transfer. |
The big question is, which wireless power technology is best for the future of the Internet of Things?
Which wireless power technology works best for IoT?
When considering wireless power transfer for your IoT sensors and devices, here are a few questions to consider:
- Does it work well within your IoT’s environment
- How many devices can it power simultaneously?
- How close does the transmitter have to be to efficiently deliver power?
- How quickly can you develop a proof of concept to show that it is compatible with your IoT products?
- Is it safe to use while people are in the area?
- Is it scalable and secure?
Ossia’s flagship product, Cota Real Wireless Power, can power multiple IoT devices simultaneously, over the air, efficiently and safely. Once installed, the entire system is securely managed over the cloud. We have programs established to help partners prove compatibility, validate use cases, and get up and running quickly.
There are many different types of wireless power transfer technologies, with advantages and disadvantages of each. Read more about the different types in this post, “How does wireless power work?”
What are the costs of wireless power for IoT
When determining which wireless power tech to use, cost is also important. Wireless power transfer requires a small receiver chip embedded in the IoT device and a transmitter to receive the device’s beacon signal and send power along those paths. Costs include:
- Licensing
- Hardware development
- Integration
- Utilities
When considering costs, also factor in the cost savings or benefits of switching to wireless power:
- Decreased budget required for batteries and battery management
- Reduced labor costs
- Decreased customer service calls
- Longer IoT device lifespan (replace devices less frequently)
- Improved environmental footprint
- Increased IoT device growth potential
Because the number of IoT devices is in the billions, you should find that the cost savings and benefits will quickly outweigh the costs of adopting wireless power.
Have questions about how wireless charging would work for your suite of Internet of Things? We’re here to help.
Related sources that help answer the question: “How Will Wireless Power Impact the Internet of Things?”
- How Wireless Power Is Up-Leveling Industrial IoT
- Wireless Power Technology Will Lead to Smaller IoT Devices
- Real Wireless Power: The future of IoT innovation
- Medical IoT Devices: Establishing IoT & Wireless-Driven Healthcare & Medical Infrastructure
- New Research Shows Real Wireless Power to Significantly Impact IoT Growth and Corporate Sustainability Goals
1 https://iot-analytics.com/number-connected-iot-devices/
2 https://iot-analytics.com/number-connected-iot-devices/
