Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University, in Pennsylvaniahave developed an innovative technology that could eliminate the need to carry small electronic devices.
Known as “Power-over-Skin”, This innovation uses the human body as a means of transmitting electricity, allowing devices such as earbuds and smart rings to work without traditional batteries.
This is an idea that, in some ways, has already been considered before. Last year, the first inventor of cell phones, known as the “father of cell phones”, Marty Cooper, . However, there are also those who argue that this idea .
The system is based on radio frequency signals (RF) to wirelessly transfer energy through the skin. It consists of a transmitter, which applies RF energy to the user’s skin, and a receiver, which converts this energy into usable energy for electronic devices.
The transmitter can be integrated into common objects such as smartphones ou smartwatcheswhile the receiver powers low-energy consumption devices placed in other parts of the body, explains .
According to Chris Harrison, co-author of the recently online study, the key advance is based on optimizing the body’s natural properties to facilitate efficient energy transfer. By using frequencies of around 40 MHz, researchers achieved effective conduction of energy through the body while minimizing signal loss.
The technology also works through clothing, thanks to capacitive coupling, a phenomenon that allows the transfer of energy through an electric field without direct contact with the skin. This means that a person can put their cell phone in their pocket and it will continue to provide power to devices such as headphones or smartwatches without needing to charge them.
While Power-over-Skin’s immediate applications are for low-power devices, its potential goes beyond consumer electronics. In the future, it could power medical implants, allowing long-term health monitoring without the need for maintenance or battery replacement.
Although promising, the technology is still in the prototype phase and is not yet ready for commercial use.
