During CES the start-up Energous is showcasing a battery charging system that is able to charge multiple devices in the same room. The WattUp system uses an 'energy router' which targets RF signals to compatible devices over a distance of up to 6 metres.
The 'energy router' of the WattUp system recognizes compatible devices through a low energy Bluetooth connection. Based on information distributed over that connection, the devices, equipped with a special chip, can be localized after which the devices can be charged with highly targeted RF signals on the 2.4Ghz band.
According to Energous the WattUp system is able to charge multiple devices over a distance of up to 6 metres. The energy efficiency would be about 70% and the system is able to prioritize devices with low battery. An app allows to set preferences such as from which battery level the system should start charging a device.
There have been no devices announced equipped with the required chip but the chips can also be fitted in smartphone cases allowing the smartphone to be charged that way. The start-up is looking for companies interested in implementing the WattUp technology and claims it already has a deal in place with Foxconn. The company expects the first products should become available in 2016.
