Energous, a US RF-based charging developer for wireless power networks, and Japanese home IoT maker LIXIL are together developing wirelessly powered smart sensors for home and office. The collaboration is combining Energous’ WattUp wireless power transfer technology and LIXIL’s range of housing technology, including its IoT home solutions. The aim is develop a range of sensors without the need for battery replacement.

WattUp PowerBridge transmitters from Energous are capable of charging multiple devices simultaneously at-a-distance using RF-based wireless power. They transmit from 1W and up to 15W to IoT devices such as sensors, Electronic Shelf Labels and IoT tags. They also act as a data link for these devices. Multiple WattUp PowerBridge transmitters can be meshed together to create a WattUp wireless power network for larger footprint deployments.

Tokyo-based LIXIL sells through a number of brands including INAX, GROHE, American Standard and TOSTEM.

“The smart home of tomorrow features a number of internet-connected devices that we can power wirelessly with our active harvesting technology,” said Cesar Johnston, CEO of Energous. “We are working with LIXIL on sensor solutions that harness wireless power over the air for true maintenance free smart applications.”

“LIXIL products solve everyday, real-life challenges to make better homes a reality for everyone, everywhere. As smart devices expand to every room, the question of how to seamlessly provide them with reliable power is increasingly challenging,” said LIXIL. “This collaboration with Energous will help address this growing challenge by combining Energous’ wireless power technology with our housing products, offering maintenance-free smart sensor applications that can be charged wirelessly from a distance.”