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While new developments in computer technology make wearable electronics increasingly smaller and combine many features, the problem of power supply continues. Some devices have managed to charge using solar energy, but batteries are still an integral component. However Researchers at Future Interfaces Group found that: A remarkable way to eliminate this barrier is by using the Power on Skin approach, which utilizes the user’s intra-body RF energy. It potentially eliminates the need for batteries as it does not require any contact other than the user’s skin.

research paperThe paper, published by Andy Kong, Daehwa Kim and Chris Harrison of Carnegie Mellon University, states that the human body is especially efficient at producing 40 MHz RF energy. Using this through a ‘worn receiver’ provides power without using any invasive tools. Researchers have devoted much of their efforts to optimizing these receivers for usable size, weight, form factor, and power efficiency. The receiver can potentially be placed anywhere and because it is capacitive, it can even work on clothing; Theoretically, it could create the potential to be integrated into a smartphone.

Researchers have demonstrated the technology with devices such as a Bluetooth ring with a joystick, a set-it-and-forget-it medical patch that records the user’s health data, a sun exposure patch with a screen, and various other devices. Other future possibilities include: VR/AR headsets and new types of wearable devices. Because the body constantly produces energy, people can wear multiple devices at the same time without having to take them out and charge them.

Virtually any on-body device can be self-powered, eliminating the need for batteries, reducing weight, and reducing device bulk. This will also eliminate the need to unplug and recharge devices unlike typical devices. battery operated wearables This could spur the wearable industry to create a new generation of battery-free devices that are lighter and thinner devices. It would also reduce dependence on rare earth minerals needed for battery production.

Assuming there are no negative side effects, this has the potential to be revolutionary. It can power anything from a relatively simple watch to other wearable devices, including fitness trackers and medical devices. The only requirement is that the device in question be able to consume a relatively small amount of power; you won’t have a full fat GPU and CPU running your body’s IF radiation.

The research paper compares the idea to mechanical watches, which have a self-winding mechanism and use wrist movements to wind the mainspring. These have largely been replaced by a more accurate and cheaper quartz mechanism that uses batteries, but we are now potentially looking at a more sophisticated way of harnessing energy from the user’s body.

However, location on the body and transmission distance are very important. The team investigated four transmitter locations (right sole, abdomen, left ankle, and face) that could be potentially useful for AR/VR headsets. Each transmitter had six receiver locations (right ankle, nape of the neck, sternum, left and right biceps, and left index finger) typically where wearable devices are commonly used. The highest recorded power came from the test device with the shortest distance between the transmitter and receiver, with an average of 1.53 mW, while the lowest recorded power was 5.3 μW. Although possible, efficiency is reduced through clothing transfer.

Despite proof of concept from more than a dozen experiments, this research shows great potential in battery-free Power-Over-Skin technology. This power was enough to power microprocessors and sensors, display output, and perform wireless communication when plugged into different locations. The transition to the final product will take time, like any innovation.

The questions are: if and when?