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Electricity in the Air
Scientists have known for nearly two centuries how to transmit electricity without wires, and the phenomenon has been demonstrated several times before. But it wasn't until the rise of personal electronic devices that the demand for wireless power materialized. In the past few years, at least three companies have debuted prototypes of wireless power devices, though their distance range is relatively limited [see "Power Brokers," next page]. Then last year, a team at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology set the stage for wireless power that works from across a room.
2.12.2008 at 04:14pm - Comment by jsomeuserThe concept of wireless power is interesting but (and I mean a big BUT) given our current concerns about conserving resources this is not a good idea. It doesn’t make sense when we are switching to CFL’s and LED for lighting that we would employ a technology that cast energy off into the “ether” for the sake of connivance. This technology should only be employed where there is no viable alternative such as electronic implants. Wireless power will never be as efficient as good old copper wire.
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December 2009: Best of What's New
In our December issue, Popular Science names the 100 best innovations of the year: bombproof wallpaper, self-parking cars, the fastest helicopter, and 97 more. Plus inventor profiles and videos.
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