RIEM News LogoRIEM News

Articles tagged with "wireless-charging"

  • USA's 1st Public EV-Charging Road — Where To Next? - CleanTechnica

    The article discusses the United States' first public electric vehicle (EV) wireless charging road, a one-mile stretch in Detroit, Michigan, developed by the Michigan Department of Transportation in partnership with Electreon. This road uses inductive charging technology embedded beneath the pavement to wirelessly charge EVs equipped with compatible receiver plates as they drive. Although the charging capacity is relatively modest at 15–16 kW, widespread implementation across urban areas could significantly reduce or even eliminate the need for traditional charging stops for many drivers. The project, operational since 2023, was part of a broader initiative involving Michigan state agencies and private partners like Ford, aiming to showcase the viability of dynamic wireless charging for various vehicle types including buses and delivery trucks. Despite the promising technology and pilot success, the article notes that as of 2026, no additional public wireless charging roads have been launched in the U.S., raising questions about the technology’s commercial viability and scalability. Electreon has pursued further trials and partnerships internationally, including

    energyelectric-vehicleswireless-chargingEV-infrastructureinductive-chargingsustainable-transportationelectric-road-system
  • Photos: Lego’s new bricks react to movement and sounds without using screens

    At CES 2026, Lego introduced Smart Play, a new system that integrates light, sound, and motion responses into traditional Lego bricks without using screens, preserving the classic hands-on building experience. Central to Smart Play is a standard-looking 2×4 brick embedded with advanced electronics, including a patented ASIC chip, accelerometer, LED array, speaker, and motion sensors. The system also features Smart Tag tiles with unique digital IDs and Smart Minifigures, enabling physical models to react dynamically to movement and proximity, such as a helicopter brick lighting up and playing propeller sounds that vary with motion. Smart Play includes BrickNet, a Bluetooth-based protocol allowing multiple Smart Bricks to communicate and coordinate effects across larger builds, with enhanced encryption and privacy controls. The system requires no setup or pairing, runs on rechargeable internal batteries charged wirelessly, and supports firmware updates via a phone app for ongoing feature additions. The first Smart Play sets, themed around Star Wars, will launch on March 1,

    robotIoTsmart-toysBluetoothsensorsinteractive-playwireless-charging
  • Red States Pitch The Wireless EV Charging System Of The Future

    The article discusses the emerging development of wireless electric vehicle (EV) charging systems embedded in roadways, highlighting efforts led by traditionally conservative states like Florida and Indiana. While the concept of charging EVs wirelessly while driving has long seemed futuristic, progress is accelerating. Michigan announced plans in 2021 to implement in-road wireless charging on public roads and is expanding these efforts to commercial delivery vehicles. Florida is advancing a similar initiative on State Road 516, a 4.4-mile stretch designed as a sustainable showcase incorporating solar power, native landscaping, and wildlife underpasses. The Florida project uses technology from the US firm ENRX, which employs electromagnetic induction coils embedded in the road to transfer energy wirelessly to specially equipped EVs, supporting a range of vehicle classes from passenger cars to heavy trucks. Indiana, despite historically low EV adoption and a reputation tied to coal and gas-powered vehicles, is also pioneering wireless charging technology. Purdue University engineers developed and tested an in-road wireless charging system demonstrated on a quarter

    energyelectric-vehicleswireless-chargingEV-infrastructureinductive-power-transfersustainable-transportationrenewable-energy
  • US roadway charges electric truck at 65 mph using wireless coils

    Engineers at Purdue University have successfully demonstrated a dynamic wireless power transfer system that charges a heavy-duty electric truck traveling at highway speeds. Conducted on a quarter-mile section of US Highway 52/231 in West Lafayette, Indiana, the trial involved a modified Cummins Class 8 electric semitractor drawing 190 kilowatts of power while moving at 65 mph. This wireless charging system uses transmitter coils embedded beneath the concrete pavement and receiver coils mounted under the truck, enabling real-time power transfer through the road surface. The power level achieved is unprecedented in the US, especially for heavy-duty trucks that require significantly more energy than lighter vehicles or existing wireless charging pads. The technology addresses key challenges such as transferring high power across relatively large distances through concrete to a moving, heavy vehicle. Purdue researchers emphasize the engineering precision required for this feat, noting it surpasses the power levels typical for consumer electronics by thousands of times. Cummins, which supplied the electric truck, praised the system’s high power and

    energyelectric-vehicleswireless-chargingdynamic-wireless-power-transferheavy-duty-trucksmagnetic-field-technologyelectric-truck-charging
  • Wireless EV charging hits 90% efficiency in Swiss real-world trials

    A Swiss real-world trial led by Empa researchers and supported by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy and local cantons has demonstrated that wireless electric vehicle (EV) charging can achieve up to 90% efficiency, comparable to conventional cable-based systems. The INLADE project tested inductive charging technology under everyday conditions, including adverse weather and slight parking misalignments, confirming its reliability and efficiency. The system uses a ground-embedded transmitter coil to transfer energy wirelessly to a receiver coil in the car, with an in-vehicle display guiding optimal parking and safety checks to prevent charging if obstacles or living beings are detected between coils. Beyond convenience—allowing drivers to charge simply by parking without cables or connectors—the researchers highlight the potential for EVs to become mobile energy storage units. By automatically linking vehicles to the grid whenever parked, this technology could facilitate bidirectional charging and help stabilize power systems, supporting the energy transition. The project included retrofitting existing EVs with receiver coils and ensuring electromagnetic compatibility

    energywireless-chargingelectric-vehiclesinductive-chargingenergy-transitionEV-technologysmart-grid-integration
  • A US Wireless EV Charging Startup Is Poised For Global Impact

    The article discusses a significant development in the wireless electric vehicle (EV) charging sector, highlighting a new partnership between two industry leaders: InductEV from the US and Electreon from Israel. This collaboration aims to combine Electreon’s dynamic wireless charging technology—embedded in roadways for charging vehicles in motion—with InductEV’s ultra-fast static wireless charging systems, which charge vehicles while parked. The partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding, could create a comprehensive platform offering a full range of wireless EV charging solutions, potentially accelerating the global transition to electric mobility despite recent shifts in US federal energy policy. Wireless EV charging offers several advantages over traditional plug-in chargers, including enhanced convenience, safety, and accessibility, especially for individuals who may struggle with handling charging plugs. The technology also allows for more flexible and aesthetically pleasing charging station designs and reduces risks of tampering or theft. InductEV particularly emphasizes the benefits of static wireless charging for logistics operations, such as electric drayage trucks at se

    energywireless-chargingelectric-vehiclesEV-charging-technologyclean-energysustainable-transportationelectric-mobility
  • Wireless charging tech may unlock cheaper, smarter rover missions

    Scientists and the Imperial College London spinoff Bumblebee Power have developed a high-frequency Inductive Wireless Power Transfer (IWPT) system designed to wirelessly charge Mars rovers, potentially enabling longer and more cost-effective space missions. Unlike current rovers like NASA’s Perseverance, which rely on expensive and limited plutonium-238-powered Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (MMRTGs), Bumblebee’s wireless charging technology can transmit electricity over greater distances and with higher tolerance for misalignment. This capability is crucial for space applications where manual repositioning of charging points is impossible. Bumblebee Power’s IWPT system operates at three times the distance and with three times the misalignment tolerance compared to existing wireless chargers, allowing multiple devices to be charged from a single pad. Originating from Imperial College London’s Wireless Power Lab, the technology was initially intended for terrestrial electronics and electric vehicles but has promising applications for off-world exploration. By removing the need for physical power connectors,

    robotenergywireless-chargingMars-roverspace-explorationinductive-power-transferelectric-vehicles
  • France’s wireless highway delivers twice the power for heavy vehicles

    France has inaugurated the world’s first wireless charging highway on a 0.93-mile (1.5 km) stretch of the A10 motorway near Paris, enabling electric vehicles (EVs) to charge dynamically while driving. Developed by Israeli company Electreon in partnership with VINCI Autoroutes and supported by Bpifrance, the system transfers power wirelessly from coils embedded under the road to receivers on vehicles, delivering continuous power averaging over 200 kW and peaking above 300 kW. Independent tests by Gustave Eiffel University confirmed the technology’s safety, durability, and reliability under real traffic conditions, marking a significant advancement in dynamic wireless charging, especially for heavy-duty trucks. This pilot project, part of the “Charge As You Drive” initiative, supports multiple vehicle types including cars, buses, and freight trucks, allowing them to recharge on the move without stopping. This continuous charging capability could reduce downtime, enable smaller batteries, and lower operating costs, making electric freight transport more practical and

    energywireless-chargingelectric-vehicleselectric-trucksdynamic-chargingelectric-road-systemssustainable-transportation
  • World’s first motorway that charges EVs while driving begins trials

    France has launched the world’s first motorway equipped with a dynamic wireless charging system that allows electric vehicles (EVs) to recharge while driving. Located on the A10 motorway southwest of Paris, the “Charge as you drive” pilot project involves embedding coils beneath approximately 1.5 km of road to wirelessly transfer power to vehicles equipped with receiver coils. Early tests with various vehicle types, including heavy trucks and buses, have demonstrated peak power delivery above 300 kW and average power above 200 kW, showing promising results for real-world application. This technology enables continuous charging without stopping, potentially reducing battery size and weight, lowering costs, and decreasing raw material demands, particularly benefiting heavy-duty freight vehicles and contributing to reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The system works through electromagnetic induction, where coils under the road surface create a magnetic field that induces current in a vehicle’s receiver coil as it drives over the segment. This requires precise coil alignment, real-time monitoring, and durable infrastructure capable of withstanding heavy

    energyelectric-vehicleswireless-charginginductive-chargingsustainable-transportelectric-roadsEV-infrastructure
  • Mercedes ELF Tests Future EV Charging Solutions - CleanTechnica

    Mercedes is actively advancing future electric vehicle (EV) charging technologies through its Experimental Lade Fahrzeug (ELF) electric van, which serves as a mobile testing platform for a variety of cutting-edge charging solutions. The ELF supports multiple charging standards, including CCS (Combined Charging System) high-power charging and MCS (Megawatt Charging System) designed for heavy-duty trucks, as well as wireless charging. It also experiments with both AC and DC vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technologies. Mercedes emphasizes that efficient, intelligent, and sustainable charging is crucial to the broader goal of responsible electric mobility, and the ELF embodies this vision by integrating ultra-fast, bi-directional, solar, inductive, and conductive charging within a holistic framework. The ELF van is pushing the boundaries of charging power, aiming to increase CCS charging speeds from the current typical maximum of 350-400 kW up to 900 kW, potentially enabling a full charge in about 10 minutes. It also tests components such as cables

    electric-vehiclesEV-chargingenergy-storagevehicle-to-gridwireless-chargingrenewable-energyelectric-mobility
  • Figure 03 robot tackles household chores with realistic motion

    Figure AI has introduced its third-generation humanoid robot, Figure 03, designed to perform household and warehouse tasks with enhanced realism and efficiency. Standing five-foot-six, Figure 03 improves on its predecessor with advanced sensory systems, including cameras that process twice as many frames per second and offer a 60% wider field of view, enabling smoother navigation in complex environments. Each hand features a palm camera and highly sensitive fingertip sensors capable of detecting minimal pressure, allowing delicate handling of objects like glassware. The robot is lighter, smaller, and covered in washable mesh fabric with foam padding for safety, and it supports wireless charging through coils in its feet, providing about five hours of operation per full charge. The robot’s AI, named Helix, integrates vision, language, and movement to learn from human behavior, while upgraded actuators deliver faster, more powerful motion suitable for tasks such as sorting parts and packaging. Audio improvements include a louder speaker and clearer microphone placement, facilitating natural communication without distortion. Figure

    robothumanoid-robotAIroboticswireless-chargingsensorsautomation
  • CaPow Genesis power-in-motion tech receives CE Mark for European market - The Robot Report

    CaPow Technologies Ltd., an Israeli company specializing in wireless power delivery for mobile robots, has received CE certification for its Genesis power-in-motion technology, enabling its entry into the European market. The CE Mark confirms compliance with the EU’s health, safety, and environmental standards. The Genesis platform provides wireless charging to automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) as they operate, eliminating downtime and ensuring continuous throughput. CaPow emphasizes its robot-agnostic, modular system that integrates easily into existing factory and warehouse infrastructures, minimizing installation time and operational disruptions. The technology has proven commercially successful in the U.S., with clients such as Hyundai Glovis benefiting from improved productivity and guaranteed 100% fleet uptime. CaPow highlights that wireless charging reduces the need for large robot fleets by up to 30%, cuts hazardous battery storage requirements, saves space, lowers carbon emissions, and supports scalable automation deployments. With CE certification, CaPow aims to expand its footprint across the European Economic Area and

    robotenergywireless-chargingautomated-guided-vehiclesautonomous-mobile-robotsindustrial-automationCE-certification
  • Porsche unveils wireless charging for its next all-electric model

    Porsche has announced that its upcoming 2026 Cayenne all-electric SUV will feature wireless charging technology, allowing owners to charge their vehicle simply by parking over a specially designed charging pad. This system consists of a ground plate installed in a garage or driveway, which connects to the home electrical grid, and a vehicle plate integrated into the underside of the Cayenne EV. Energy is transferred via a magnetic field, enabling automatic charging without cables. The ground plate is air-cooled and built to function in temperatures ranging from -40 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring year-round usability. The wireless charger delivers up to 11 kW of power with approximately 90% efficiency, making it nearly as effective as traditional wired home charging solutions. Porsche aims to combine convenience with performance to encourage wider adoption of electric vehicles. While wireless charging has been tested by other manufacturers like BMW, Porsche is the first to offer it as a production-ready option, though it will be an optional feature requiring pre-installation during vehicle production

    energywireless-chargingelectric-vehiclesEV-technologyPorscheinductive-chargingelectric-mobility
  • Chipolo, an AirTag rival, debuts rechargeable trackers with a six-month battery life

    Chipolo, a competitor to Apple’s AirTag, has introduced new rechargeable tracking devices: an updated LOOP tracker and a slim CARD designed to fit in wallets. Unlike AirTags that use replaceable CR2032 batteries, Chipolo’s devices feature rechargeable batteries lasting about six months per charge. The LOOP charges via USB-C, while the CARD supports Qi wireless charging. Both devices are made with at least 50% post-consumer recycled plastic, appealing to eco-conscious consumers aiming to reduce e-waste. The new trackers offer an extended Bluetooth range of 400 feet (120 meters) and are compatible with Apple’s Find My network and Android’s Find Hub. They emit loud rings—up to 125 dB for the LOOP and 110 dB for the CARD—and include features like out-of-range alerts, customizable ringtones, and a ring-and-blink mode for locating items in the dark. Both devices are waterproof and dust-tight with an IP67 rating, meaning they can withstand immersion in

    IoTBluetooth-trackingrechargeable-batteriessustainable-materialswireless-chargingsmart-devicesitem-trackers
  • Google launches its own ‘MagSafe’ with PixelSnap

    Google has introduced PixelSnap, its own magnetic accessory system similar to Apple’s MagSafe, designed for the newly launched Pixel 10 series. PixelSnap enables users to attach various magnetic accessories such as wireless chargers, stands, grips, and cases directly to their Pixel 10 phones. Google is also releasing official PixelSnap cases and compatible accessories, including a Ring Stand that attaches like a puck and can be used as a phone stand. All new Pixel devices support the Qi2 wireless charging standard, with the Pixel 10 Pro XL offering 25W wireless charging and the Pixel 10, 10 Pro, and 10 Fold supporting 15W charging. Google is launching a PixelSnap charger priced at $39.99 and an optional stand for using the phone while charging or displaying widgets. PixelSnap cases start at $49.99, and the Ring Stand is priced at $29.99. The Pixel 10 series is compatible not only with PixelSnap accessories but also with certain MagSafe accessories

    IoTwireless-chargingMagSafePixelSnapmobile-accessoriesQi2-standardGoogle-Pixel
  • WiBotic obtains three certifications for wireless robot charging - The Robot Report

    WiBotic has achieved three key safety certifications—FCC (U.S.), CE (Europe), and Giteki (Japan)—for its wireless robot charging products, including its 1kW wireless charging system. These certifications are critical benchmarks that demonstrate the products have undergone rigorous testing to meet stringent regulatory standards for safety, electromagnetic interference (EMI), and reliability. WiBotic emphasizes that such certifications are essential for ensuring safe deployment and scaling of robotics fleets, as they provide assurance that the technology operates within legal and safe parameters, minimizing risks such as overheating or malfunction. The FCC certification focuses on limiting electromagnetic emissions to prevent interference with other communication systems, requiring tests on radiated and conducted emissions as well as exposure limits to wireless frequencies. The CE mark mandates compliance with European safety, health, and environmental directives, often involving third-party testing, allowing products to be sold across the European Economic Area. WiBotic’s 1kW system met the FCC’s Class A device standards for industrial environments by

    robotwireless-chargingFCC-certificationCE-certificationsafety-standardsautomationrobotics
  • Japanese breakthrough could help make a 'fully wireless society'

    A research team at Chiba University, led by Professor Hiroo Sekiya, has developed a machine learning-based design method for wireless power transfer (WPT) systems that maintain stable output regardless of load changes, a property known as load-independent (LI) operation. Traditional WPT systems require precise component values based on idealized equations, but real-world factors like parasitic capacitance and manufacturing tolerances often cause unstable output voltage and loss of zero voltage switching (ZVS), which reduces efficiency. The new approach models the WPT circuit with differential equations incorporating real component behaviors and uses a genetic algorithm to optimize circuit parameters for stable voltage, high efficiency, and low harmonic distortion. Testing their method on a class-EF WPT system, the researchers achieved voltage fluctuations under 5% across varying loads, significantly better than the 18% typical in conventional systems. The system delivered 23 watts at 86.7% efficiency and maintained ZVS under different load conditions, including light loads, due to

    wireless-power-transfermachine-learningload-independent-operationenergy-efficiencyIoT-sensorselectromagnetic-fieldswireless-charging
  • Ultrasound system recharges pacemakers without invasive surgery

    A research team at the Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST) in South Korea, led by Professor Jinho Chang, has developed a novel ultrasound-based wireless charging system for implantable medical devices such as pacemakers. This system uses dual piezoelectric layers to capture and convert ultrasound waves into electricity with over 20% higher efficiency than previous methods. The device achieved a power density of 497.47 milliwatts per square centimeter in water and a total output of 732.27 milliwatts, enabling it to fully charge a 140mAh battery in just 1.7 hours without invasive surgery. The technology was tested under realistic conditions using 30mm-thick pig tissue to simulate human anatomy, where it still delivered 312.34 milliwatts. In practical experiments, the system fully charged a 140mAh battery in 1 hour and 40 minutes underwater at a 30mm distance, and a 60mAh battery

    energywireless-chargingultrasound-technologyimplantable-medical-devicesbattery-rechargingpiezoelectric-materialsmedical-technology
  • TILER Compact: The Wireless E‑Bike Charger That Starts When You Park - CleanTechnica

    TILER, a Dutch clean-tech startup, has developed the TILER Compact, a wireless e-bike charger designed to simplify charging by starting automatically when the bike is parked on a slim charging pad called the Tile. This system uses induction charging via a specially designed kickstand adapter, eliminating the need for cables and plugs. It offers charging speeds comparable to wired chargers and features a waterproof IP67 rating, allowing use in any weather. The Compact is compatible with about 78% of current e-bike systems, including major brands like Bosch and Shimano, and comes in versions suited for regular bikes and heavier cargo models. Its scalability allows up to 24 Tiles to operate from a single 230V power source, making it ideal for offices, mobility hubs, and delivery fleets. The technology has been proven in real-world conditions, with over 300,000 kilometers charged using earlier versions and more than 200 units currently tested across Europe. One fleet of 20 e-cargo bikes reportedly saved around €1,

    energywireless-charginge-bikeclean-technologysustainable-mobilityelectric-vehiclesinduction-charging
  • Astrobotic, WiBotic test lunar wireless charging system - The Robot Report

    robotIoTenergywireless-charginglunar-missionsAstrobotictechnology