uBeam, realizing battery miniaturization and lightweight devices

Techcrunch reported that Meredith Perry, founder of uBeam, has finally revealed details regarding the company's wireless charging technology and safety.

uBeam, which emphasized that if this technology is commercialized, batteries will become smaller and devices will become lighter and thinner, announced that it has received $23.4 million in funding from investors.


▲ Interest in wireless charging technology for smartphone batteries is also growing.
The photo shows consumers operating smartphones in the exhibition hall.

uBeam's charging technology will initially be released in the form of mobile phone charging cases, but it is planned to be applied to hearing aids, tablets, sensors, light bulbs, computers, flat-screen TVs, and more in the future.

This charging technology, which supplies power through ultrasonic transmission, works by having a transmitter installed on an indoor wall convert energy and data into ultrasound, then detecting receivers within the room that request energy or data and emitting ultrasound. The receivers use ultrasonic transducers to convert this back into electrical energy and data, which are then transmitted to connected devices for charging.

However, there is a disadvantage that the transmitter and receiver must be within the line of sight. Instead, unlike speakers or light bulbs, uBeam's transmitters do not radiate power indiscriminately but aim an ultrasonic beam at the receiver. It was reported that if the transmitter detects something blocking the line of sight, such as a wall, window, or the human body, transmission is immediately stopped.

The company claimed that uBeam's ultrasound operates in a range much higher than the audible frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, making it inaudible to humans, and that 99.9% of the ultrasound is reflected from the skin. The company asserted that no harmful cumulative effects occur even with prolonged exposure to uBeam.

Since uBeam's ultrasound does not interfere with existing communication systems or electronic devices, it can be used in aircraft, automobiles, offices, or hospitals. The media reported that it is not yet certain whether uBeam will sell the transmitter as well.