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This tiny computer is powered by radio waves

Batteries are always one of the biggest hindrances when it comes to making technology both smaller and more efficient. Battery life is often the first thing we consider when buying a new smartphone or gadget. Needless to say, computer engineers are constantly looking for ways to make the pesky battery a little less of a hassle.

A team of researchers from the University of Washington’s Sensor Lab and the Delft University of Technology has developed a new gadget that gets rid of the battery altogether. Instead, the device is powered by radio waves.

A quarter-sized computer could change everything from wearables to architecture

Introducing the Wireless Identification and Sensing Platform (WISP)

Named the Wireless Identification and Sensing Platform (WISP), the device is both a sensor and a computing chip that uses a basic RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader to capture radio waves and convert them into electricity. At the moment, WISP is very basic and only has as much processing power as the Fitbit; which is just enough to run sensors and transmit data. "Our vision is to have truly wirelessly reprogrammable software-defined battery-less computers wherever and whenever we want," said Przemyslaw Pawelczak, assistant professor at the TU Delft’s Embedded Software group.

The implications for the future

As battery constraints continue to be a barrier in the progression of technology, the development of devices like the WISP is a significant breakthrough. This approach not only promotes sustainability by reducing battery waste but also opens up new possibilities in fields such as wearable tech, smart homes, and even smart cities. In the future, the impact of this innovation could extend to a multitude of industries, including travel.

Envisioning a seamless travel experience with WISP

Travel could be transformed by WISP technology. Imagine luggage tags that track your belongings anywhere in the world without the need for battery changes, or architectural structures with integrated sensors that enhance the safety and efficiency of spaces without additional power requirements. As we stand on the cusp of such technological advancements, it is an exciting time for the intersection of travel and innovative technologies powered by harnessing ambient energies like radio waves.