Next Generation of Wireless Chargers

A new wireless charging system called Cota recently debuted at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show, and it has mobile device manufacturers buzzing. Capable of charging dozens of devices simultaneously, the system could turn charging pads and wall chargers into relics of the past.

The base station consists of hundreds of compact, omnidirectional antennas and a small power receiver that detects any Cota-enabled devices within 30 feet. Transceivers in the devices send packets of information to the base station – including their current location and power level – and Cota automatically directs the necessary power to charge the battery. The system operates at 2.8 Gigahertz – well out of range of interference from other radiofrequency devices such as Bluetooth and WiFi. The system also monitors patterns in device usage to ensure that they’re all charged to capacity, and unlike traditional chargers that are “always on,” Cota hibernates when not in use to conserve energy.

The small package can be integrated easily and cost-effectively into virtually any rechargeable device. Base stations could be installed at home, office, restaurants, and other public spaces to provide continuous charging anywhere, anytime.