
WAWT™ would first like to especially thank Gary Shapiro (President, CTA, and CEO, CES) and his team for all the efforts, with splendid commitment and successful delivery of a grand CES 2022 in current tough times and challenges. Keynote from Gary and CES EVP Karen Chupka was a great summation of the technology and a powerful start to the event.
Wired and Wireless Technology (WAWT)™ is a strategic technology analyst and consultancy firm focusing on wireless power technology and the power supplies industry.
- Wireless power market is
- The global wireless power receivers and transmitters (Rx+Tx) market registered an annual growth of around 15% in 2021 shipping 715 million units. This is considering all application/product segments across industry sectors, and wireless power technology types covered within the scope of this research.
- The total wireless power Rx+Tx market is projected to grow by 28% and cross 1 billion units (1.05) billion units in 2022.
- Smartphones, electric toothbrushes, and smartwatches continue to be the top three applications adopting wireless power, in terms of unit shipments.
- The total wireless power receiver and transmitter market is forecast to grow at a five-year CAGR of 29% to reach 2.9 billion units in 2026, and with a ten-year CAGR of 24.7%, it is projected to reach 7.51 billion receiver and transmitter units in 2031.
- While the total wireless power receiver market is forecast to grow from 602 million units in 2021 to 2.16 billion units in 2026, the total wireless power transmitter market is expected to grow from 222 million units in 2021 to 786 million units in 2026.
- The total addressable wireless power receiver and transmitter market (TAM) in the next five years, from 2022 to 2026 is expected to be more than 7.5 billion units. This includes nearly 6.35 billion receiver units and 1.15 billion transmitter units, considering all applications currently covered within WAWT’s research.
- Smartphone is expected to have the largest share.
1. Distance wireless charging technology takes the limelight
While various technology providers have being developing and promoting their respective distance wireless charging technologies for the last 8-10 years, as per WAWT’s projections, the year 2021 seemed to be a breakthrough year for ‘distance’ wireless charging technology, following some key announcements related to technology advancement, achievement of regulatory approvals across regions, with few products launches as well as entry of few more technology players in this segment. The momentum is expected to continue in 2022 triggered by some announcements and award-winning around CES 2022, some listed below.
- CES 2022 started with a bang for wireless power, with Samsung’s introduction of its eco-friendly and sustainable Eco Remote which innovatively took advantage of RF-based (2.4 GHz) energy harvesting technology. Unlike its solar energy-dependent predecessor, this new remote works by absorbing the radio waves moving around the house like from the Wi-Fi router, and converting them into power. The technology substitutes batteries with a supercapacitor that charges the device up to 80% in 10 minutes.
- The US Air Force Research Laboratory announced its form of solar energy as it migrates into a carbon-negative future with the use of solar energy for wireless transmission in battlefield deployment situations.
- Energous, Ossia, Powercast, Wi-Charge, and GuRu Wireless all showcased how their respective ‘distance’ wireless charging technology could keep consumer devices (including mobiles), security cameras, smart doorbells, wearables, hearing aids, personal products, industrial IoT devices (IIoT sensors), supermarket shelves (retail) and other products continuously charged without the use of cables, cords or charging pads.
- Energous displayed their ‘over the air’ WATTUP®-powered RF-based wireless charging solutions for IoT devices with partners including Williot, Juniper Networks, Syntiant, e-Peas, Atmosic, EarTechnic, and Gokhale Method.
- Energous and Syntiant announced their collaboration for wireless charging of Always-on Edge AI Processors.
- Energous received the ‘IoT Alliance of the Year’ award at the IoT Breakthrough Awards alongside e-peas.
- Atmosic Technologies announced a partnership with Primax Electronics to bring wireless, ultra-low power connectivity solutions to human interface devices.
- e-peas showed off an autonomous surveillance system powered by RF-based energy harvesting technology.
- e-peas also introduced the industry’s first RF-based energy harvesting optimized antenna to add to its dedicated power management ICs.
- Ossia and French manufacturer, ARCHOS partnered to bring wirelessly powered IoT products to the consumer market (camera, watch, tracker, monitor), using Ossia’s ‘Cota®’, an RF-based distance charging technology, which also won an innovation award at CES 2022.
- Powercast announced a series of new, battery-less products powered using the company’s signature RF-based long-range ‘over-the-air’ wireless power technology.
- Wi-Charge received the CES 2022 Innovation award for the world’s first wireless-powered electric toothbrush charger supported by wireless power technology. Wi-Charge presented its latest revolution Wi-Spot, the first completely wireless digital shelf talker which enjoys the function of both wireless power and wireless connectivity.
- Wi-Charge demonstrated wirelessly powering smart door locks in partnership with Alfred International.
- Nimbus Wireless, another new technology player in this space showcased its unique industry-scale ‘powering with light’ distance wireless charging solution which uses a Lightning port @ CES 2022
- UltraPower., another new player, who couldn’t attend the show, was promoting its Ultrasound PowerTMDelivery (UPD) based revolutionary technique which uses acoustic energy to safely power, charge, or transfer data, including through electrically conductive or noisy mediums, all remotely in real-time.
2. NFC Wireless Charging technology geared up to move mainstream.
Emerging NFC ‘wireless’ charging technology, governed by the NFC Forum, is rapidly gaining ground across existing and emerging ‘small battery-powered’ devices. While NuCurrent, Panthronics and Lapis (owned by ROHM) have been early entrants, WAWT expects this technology segment to see growth in adoption across a wide range of applications, as well as entry of many new players in the coming quarters.
- Murata was another player to introduce and develop wireless power transfer technology for use with NFC reader terminals and fingerprint authentication cards.
- WAWT expects NFC wireless charging technology to be one of the fastest growing wireless power technologies gaining adoption across wide range of wearables and small battery-powered devices, with more players entering this segment.
- NuCurrent continues to display boundless capability as it showcased 12 SKUs in mass production across 5 product categories using Qi, Proprietary Low-Frequency and NFC Charging technology.
- At its booth, NuCurrent demonstrated 2W of wireless power using NFC charging with data rates up to 848K.
- Panthronics won the CES 2022 innovation award for its NFC charging solution in the ‘embedded technologies’ category.
- Panthronics announced that its PTX100W enables reliable NFC charging of a new and smaller version of Prevent Biometrics’ impact-sensing mouthguard.
3. Existing and new wireless power technologies continue to advance further
- Expanding on its accomplishments NuCurrent demonstrated industry-leading charging volume for the Qi EPP transmitter with MP-A17 design, commercialized in PopPower Home Charger and RV/Marine modules manufactured in partnership with ATCalong with the recently approved and lower-cost MP-A24 design.
- NuCurrent demonstrated patented high-frequency 6.78 MHz transmitter with modular surface extensions.
- Etherdyne Technologies Inc., a developer of WireFree Power Zones™ that enables devices to be wire-free and battery-free, had been promoting its ‘Loop Technology’ which uses one Tx and supply watt level power to multiple devices, simultaneously. Its first licensed product has been fully certified by FCC to demonstrate its safety, already gaining adoption across some niche applications.
- Powermat Technologies announced a significant investment as part of a $25 million by Foxconn Interconnect Technology (FIT), forming a strategic partnership to scale up wireless charging technology for use with robotic systems. Powermat also highlighted wireless charging for IoMT (medical IoT) devices to revolutionarise user experience and patience care using its MCU-Less solution.
- Xiaomi Bud 3 and Xiaomi Watch S1 were launched with wireless charging.
- Xiaomi also unveiled Snapdragon 8 Gen1- powered flagships with Xiaomi 12 offering 67W of wired and 50W fast wireless charging capabilities.
- The inexpensive Linux friendly smartphone PinePhone introduced wireless charging, fingerprint technology and LoRa cases.
- Spark Connected was elected to Chair the Light Electric Vehicles (LEV) Group at Wireless Power Consortium.
- WiTricity joined the Wireless Power Consortium to support the ongoing innovation across devices. In the year 2021, WiTricity also joined MPEG LA’s Qi wireless power patent pool for standard essential patents.
- Wireless workplaces: Lenovo announced the launch of its Mat Gen 2 and the ThinkBook 13Xi integrating with the ‘Power By Contact’ wireless charging kit developed in partnership with EnergySquare. Lenovo also showcased avenues for businesses to introduce fully wireless workstations using dual screen laptops with option wireless charging mats made from recyclable materials.
- Dell showed its prototype around ‘seamless work experiences’ in which Dell Webcam Pari (wireless webcam) which sticks to the monitor, and Stanza companion devices are wirelessly charged.
4. The automotive industry gears up with wireless power technology
Based on WAWT’s latest research, automotive ‘in-cabin’ wireless charging market is expected to show robust growth in next 2-3 years, following the recent launch of Wireless Power Consortium’s Qi 1.3v specification of its much popular and widely adopted ‘low-frequency based induction wireless power’ industry standard.
This automotive ‘in-cabin’ market is not only expected to see many new players introducing their differentiated and innovative solutions using Qi-based solutions, but also introduction of new and ‘also hybrid – multi-mode/multi-frequency-based’ technology solutions in coming years. Integration of wireless power with other technologies within the automotive would be the key to success.
- Yank Technologies showcased their developments incorporating their long-range, high-power wireless charging technology into the next generation of automotive interiors at CES 2022. Their wireless charging solution integrated in the middle console area charges ‘multiple’ devices regardless of their position/s, thereby enhancing convenience for all vehicle owners.
- Aira Inc. unveiled its innovative FreePower ‘free-positioning, multi-device’ wireless charging solution for automotive applications. This second-generation technology which has won CES 2022 innovation award in the Vehicle Intelligence and Transportation category allows for wireless charging solution for all automakers and OEMs to build into vehicles of all shape and sizes. The ‘free positioning’, multi-device transmitter technology can wirelessly charge up to 15W on 15W enabled Samsung devices through Samsung Fast Charge and Qi Extended Power Profile (EPP). Unfortunately for iPhone 12 and 13 users, enabled with Apple’s proprietary MagSafe technology, this wireless charging solution is limited to just 7.5W.
Further triggered by the growth in adoption of electric vehicles, the Wireless Electric Vehicle Charging (WEVC) market is set to see growth in adoption.
- Momentum Dynamics seems to be picking up steam with its innovative inductive ‘wireless’ charging solution for electric vehicles.
- Wireless charging is also taking the Kansas City Airport by a storm with Momentum Dynamics installing for buses within the new terminal opening in early 2023.
- gy conducts public trial of its innovative Wireless EV Charging (WEVC) technology solution.
- Holcim and MAGMENT have partnered to introduce the inductive wireless charging technology for electric vehicles which minimizes the need for charging stations and saving time. It is currently being tested at Purdue University in Indiana. Other applications would possibly include charging of AGVs and AMRs in warehouses and factories.
- WAVE, the developer of high power wireless inductive charging solutions for medium and heavy-duty type electric vehicles announced its extended partnership with Sourcewell to further reduce cost from manufacturing and engineering investments.
5. Trends across key application markets impacting the wireless power market
- Lenovo launches inspirational portfolio of new ThinkBook laptops, desktop, and computing accessories for the next generation of small and medium business (SMBs).
- Bosch launches a smart food processor ‘Cookit’ which helps save time and effort.
- Samsung flashes out its cool tri-fold display concept devices.
- Asus unveiled the world’s first foldable laptop, Zenbook 17-Fold OLED.
- Ameca puts hyper realistic humanoid robots on full display with the ability to gesture and communicate using cutting-edge AI.
- Eargo introduced smart hearing-aids which automatically optimize settings to maximize hearing within any environment.
- Samsung’s range of mobile phones to enter the mainstream markets in 2022.
- Razer and Fossil set to introduce the Razer x Fossil Gen 6 Smartwatch for gamers.
- Razer Zephyris a transparent mask with fans and two-way air filters that is also equipped with customizable party-ready lighting, whereas, Zephyr Pro version is a ‘a new voice amplifying’ mask.
- ThirdEye to break into the consumer market with the Razor MR Glasses offering hands-free features, a wide field of vision and 100+ compatible applications
- Wide range of e-bikes, e-scooters and e-motorcycles were showcased by over a dozen companies at CES 2022, including Bosch, Giant, Panasonic, and Serial 1.
- Panasonic Automotive powers the first UL-certified e-bike with Totem USA.
- Lime launched new upgraded e-bike featuring interchangeable ‘swappable’ batteries.
- Nokia is posed to gain the largest US expansion and growth on record with its H1 2022 line-up which are all under $250.
- Bosch smart connected e-biking systems was named the CES 2022 Innovation Awards honoree in the “Vehicle Intelligence & Transportation” category.
- Upcoming smartphone launches that could offers better specs and lower prices
- VR and AR to play a bigger role in 2022 via smart glasses and chip partnerships.
6. Trends across wider technology sectors
NFTs and the Metaverse are set to drive product development, innovations, and technology across sectors, and have an influence over how we live, work and play.
- World of automotive technology developments – At CES 2022 we witnessed several innovations within the automotive space including Intel’s foray into Level 4 autonomous driving with its first AV-on-Chip (AvoC) built for the same, a focus on digital chassis, the growth of the EV market and strategic partnerships.
- Sony unveiled plans to launch an EV company this year.
- BMW stole the show showcasing a new concept vehicle called the ‘iX Flow’ integrated with ‘E Ink’ technology which allows it to change colors. It also showed off a new in-car 31-inch “BMW Theatre Screen” with Amazon Fire TV that is expected to go into future production vehicles.
- The two complimenting industry standards, Matter and Thread are set to come together and transform the IoT into a scalable industry with interoperable, plug and play products from multiple suppliers.
- Bosch is focusing on connecting Internet of Things (IoT) with Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies and tying them together.
- Leading global home appliance companies have come together and formed the Home Connectivity Alliance (HCA) to facilitate interoperability across various brands of connected and smart home devices.
- The Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), Taiwan’s largest and one of the world’s leading high-tech applied research institutions, announced its introduction of innovations around AI, Robotics and ICT technologies.
- NXP advances IoT connectivity with the industry’s first secure Tri-Radio Device and ramps up the flagship 4D Imaging Radar Chip production to cater to the fast growing L2+ market.
- Schlage, a leading provider of home security and access solutions, expands its lock portfolio to offer Apple customers a home access solution that works with the newly released home keys feature.
- As Gallium Nitride (GaN) seems to be gaining ground across applications, few GaN industry experts at CES 2022 were re-confirming how GaN is superior over silicon, with an illustration from an data centers market showcasing how an expected explosion of servers with rapid 48-V adoption led to further adoption of GaN for DC-DC power solutions. EPC’s GaN Experts were also available online during CES 2022 to discuss the latest advances in GaN-based technology.
7. WAWT’s list of favorite concepts and products at CES 2022 (not in any order)
- Asus unveiled the world’s first foldable laptop, Zenbook 17 Fold OLED
- BMW iX Flow with ‘E-Ink’ changing colour
- Eco-friendly RainStick Shower, saving water and energy.
- Samsung Odyssey Ark monitor
8. Lastly, lets list some unconventional technologies spotted at CES 2022 (with no offence).
The above list is a representative ‘and not an exclusive and complete’ list of the recent trends and insights on related technology markets, and the item listing is not in any order. For more information around the latest in market trends please contact our subject matter expert, Dinesh Kithany, Founder and Chief Analyst of Wired and Wireless Technology (WAWT) at Dinesh.Kithany@wawt.tech or write to us at WAWT™.
Wired and Wireless Technology (WAWT)™ is the leading and most trustworthy strategic technology analyst and consulting firm focusing on the wireless power and power supply industry.