As technology evolves, the demand for seamless connectivity and convenience has become a priority for businesses across various sectors. Wireless power technology could potentially revolutionise the consumer perception of hospitality and public venues such as hotels, restaurants, airports, stadiums, and bars. But how so?

First of all, what is wireless power?

Wireless power technology allows devices to charge without the need for physical connections. Wireless power could entail a wide array of technologies, including utilizing inductive charging methods such as WPC’s Qi/Qi2 or Apple’s MagSafe technology. They can simply place their compatible devices on designated wireless charging pads to initiate charging. This innovation not only enhances user convenience but also aligns with modern design aesthetics by reducing clutter from cables.

Adoption of Wireless Power in Different Venues

1. Hotels

In the hospitality sector, hotels are increasingly integrating wireless charging solutions to enhance guest experiences. Major hotel chains like Marriott and Hilton have adopted wireless charging stations in lobbies, bars, and guest rooms. As a matter of fact, major branches of Marriot have had Qi Chargers for a decade now.

• Guest Convenience: Wireless charging eliminates the hassle of carrying multiple chargers or searching for outlets. Guests can charge their devices while enjoying amenities such as dining or lounging, even on bedside tables (booking rooms).
• Revenue Generation (Monetization): Hotels can increase dwell time by strategically placing charging stations in high-traffic areas. For instance, a study showed that a hotel bar experienced a 64% revenue increase in footfalls as well as revenues per table when wireless charging was implemented, with average charging sessions lasting around 50 minutes.

2. Restaurants

Restaurants are leveraging wireless power to create a more enjoyable dining experience. In early 2023, McDonald’s began rolling out wireless charging stations in select locations as part of its “Experience of the Future” initiative. Even Starbucks embraced wireless power technology, installing Qi-enabled charging pads at many of its locations throughout 2023. 

• Enhanced Dining Experience: Patrons can charge their devices while enjoying meals without worrying about battery life. This convenience encourages longer visits and potentially higher spending.
• Marketing Opportunities: Restaurants can use data collected from charging sessions to tailor promotions and loyalty programs based on customer behaviour. For example, offering discounts on meals when customers use the charging stations can drive traffic and engagement. Also, with an integrated wireless charger, one gets to even tap their phone to view the menu, make payments through NFC technology, and avail other benefits with access to the wireless charger.

3. Airports

Airports are adopting wireless power solutions to cater to travellers’ needs for connectivity during layovers and delays. For example, major airports across the U.S., including those managed by Verizon have installed numerous Qi-enabled wireless charging stations.

• Traveller Convenience: With long wait times common at airports, having accessible wireless charging points allows travellers to stay connected without the stress of finding an outlet. With wireless charging, one is sure of getting their device charged, than face issues related to wear and tear of wired cable or plug point at the public places, which at times are non-operational. Wireless chargers are extremely maintenance free.
• Brand Loyalty: Airports can partner with brands to sponsor charging stations, enhancing their visibility while providing a valuable service to travelers. While they are currently very popular in private airline first-class and business class lounges, the installation of wireless chargers is expanding to wider areas around airports and lounges due to several benefits it provide.

4. Stadiums

Stadiums are increasingly recognizing the importance of keeping fans connected during events. By incorporating wireless power solutions throughout seating areas and concourses, live-boxes, VIP areas, and stadiums, you can enhance the overall experience.

• Fan Engagement: Wireless charging stations can be integrated into seating areas or concession stands, allowing fans to charge devices while enjoying games or events. This not only keeps fans engaged but also encourages them to spend more time at the venue.
• Sponsorship Opportunities: Stadiums can collaborate with tech companies or brands to sponsor charging stations, creating additional revenue streams while enhancing the fan experience.

5. Bars

Bars are adopting wireless power technology as part of their ‘monetization’ strategy to attract customers seeking a modern experience. By offering wireless charging at tables or counters, bars create a unique selling point.

• Increased Dwell Time: With patrons able to charge their devices while socializing, bars can see an increase in customer dwell time and spending per visit. This increases footfalls as well as revenue per table/cover.
• Enhanced Atmosphere: The integration of sleek wireless chargers contributes positively to the bar’s ambience by eliminating unsightly cables and clutter, as well as facilitating other integrated solutions such as access to online/digital menu with QR code on the wireless chargers, NFC payment facility while dining at the table, calling the waiter, etc.

Benefits for Businesses

The adoption of wireless power technology offers several advantages for businesses across these sectors:

• Improved Customer Satisfaction: Providing convenient access to charging options enhances overall customer satisfaction. In an era where smartphones are essential for communication and navigation, ensuring guests remain charged is crucial for positive experiences.
• Competitive Advantage: Businesses that incorporate wireless power solutions differentiate themselves from competitors. Offering modern amenities signals a commitment to innovation and customer care.
• Data Insights: Wireless charging solutions often come with analytics capabilities that allow businesses to gather data on usage patterns. This information can inform marketing strategies and operational improvements.
• Cost Efficiency: Although initial investment costs may be high, the long-term benefits – such as increased revenue from longer customer stays – can outweigh these expenses. ONe can also create advertising avenues through the use of wireless power, as seen in many cases.

Benefits for Customers

Customers also stand to gain significantly from the implementation of wireless power technology.

• Convenience: The ability to charge devices without cables simplifies the user experience. Customers appreciate not having to carry chargers or search for outlets.
• Enhanced Connectivity: With more accessible charging options available in public spaces, customers can stay connected longer without worrying about battery life – ideal for travellers or busy professionals.
• Improved Experiences: Whether dining at a restaurant or attending an event at a stadium, customers enjoy peace of mind knowing they can recharge their devices effortlessly while engaging in other activities.

Summary

The adoption of wireless power technology in hotels, restaurants, airports, stadiums, and bars is reshaping how businesses interact with their customers. By providing convenient access to charging solutions, these venues enhance guest satisfaction while creating new revenue opportunities. As consumer expectations continue to evolve alongside technological advancements, integrating wireless power will likely become essential for businesses aiming to stay competitive in today’s fast-paced environment.

Investing in this innovative technology not only meets immediate customer needs but also positions businesses as forward-thinking leaders in their respective industries—ready to embrace the future of connectivity and convenience.

Similar scenarios, experiences and opportunities occur when one integrates wireless charging across transportation sectors, i.e., embedded inside flights (currently on business and first-class seats), trains, buses, ferries, and cruises. Such application sectors and others are driving adoption of wireless power more rapidly.

About Wired and Wireless Technologies (WAWT)

Wired and Wireless Technologies (WAWT), a strategic technology analyst and consulting firm, through its comprehensive research provides data and insights and market intelligence on the wireless power market through its service titled ‘Wireless Power Intelligence Service’.

This intelligence service monitors and estimates adoption of various types of wireless power technology solutions using different frequency levels – be it inductive, resonance, NFC, RF, or infrared-based. WAWT monitors the adoption of such wireless power solutions across 30+ different types of application markets across automotive, consumer, computing, wearables, hearables, medical/healthcare, smart home, industrial, robotics, retail, infrastructure, and other sectors. WAWT has a dedicated report on the adoption of wireless power across the infrastructure sector. 

Do reach out to our subject matter experts (SMEs) by emailing analyst@wawt.tech and following our LinkedIn page (WAWT) and other social platforms for the latest market estimates and forecasts, trends, insights, and updates on wireless power/charging and allied technologies.