IDG Contributor Network: IoT devices could be powered by Wi-Fi radio waves, researchers say

The University of Washington is placing itself at the forefront of a quest to find ways to power the micro-sensors that will be used for the Internet of Things (IoT).

Scientists at UW are exploring two concepts that, with some development, they think might be ultimately suitable for keeping the devices running.

One is technology that researchers there call PoWi-Fi, or Power over Wi-Fi. It's a way to charge wireless devices through Wi-Fi radio waves.

Another is a potential method for harvesting energy through changing temperature and atmospheric pressure.

Both could be suitable for the micro-sensors needed for the IoT.

Batteries

The large numbers of sensors proliferating on our internet need powering. What's wrong with common batteries, you might ask?

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