Wireless charging is no longer a futuristic fantasy – it’s rapidly becoming an everyday necessity and need of an hour. As our world grows increasingly connected, consumers and industries alike are shifting towards more efficient power delivery systems. Wireless charging technology is at the forefront of this transformation, enabling devices to seamlessly charge without cables or plugs.

This blog explores the evolving landscape of wireless charging, the market’s explosive growth, major trends, and emerging opportunities that are shaping the future of how we power/charge everything from smartphones, to wearables to drones, IoT sensors, medical implantable to electric vehicles (EVs).

Current Market Size and Growth of Wireless Charging Technology

The wireless charging market, which is gradually growing since last few years, is set to see some faster growth due to increase in adoption across wide range of application markets and sectors. The wireless power receiver and transmitter shipments, in terms of volume are expected grow around 16% in next five years. Cumulatively around 5 billion wireless power receivers and transmitters are expected to be shipped in the next five years.

Smartphones, electric toothbrushes, and smartwatches are currently the top three applications diving the market. However, WAWT expects other existing and emerging applications across wearables, home appliances, medical, industrial, retail and automotive sector markets to relatively faster adopt wireless power in next 2-3 years.

Key Drivers Behind This Growth:

• Widespread adoption of wireless-enabled smartphones, wearables/hearables (smartwatches, wireless earphones, smart glasses, smart rings), medical devices, and home appliances
• Increased interest and adoption across industrial robots (AGVs/AMRs) and IoT sensors, as well as growing curiosity for wireless EV charging (WEVC) technology
• Expansion of public wireless charging infrastructure – across hospitality and transportation sectors
• Technological advancements supporting longer-range and faster wireless charging which is set to drive adoption across industrial and retail applications
• Advancement of existing and emergence of new wireless charging technologies

Emerging Trends in Wireless Charging Technology

1. Multi-Device Charging

As people carry more connected devices, charging systems are evolving to handle multiple devices simultaneously – eliminating clutter and enhancing user convenience. Currently charging smartphones, wireless earphones and smartwatches, and soon wearables too.

2. Long-Distance Wireless Charging

One of the most transformative developments is the development of long-distance wireless charging technology. This innovation allows power transfer without physical contact, enabling devices to charge several feet/meters away from a wireless power transmitter. This would be more prevalent across industrial and retail sectors.

3. Energy Harvesting technologies

The concept of energy harvesting or RFID technologies using ambient light, sound, vibration is gaining traction, where devices draw energy simply by being in range of a power source environment – no specific pad or station needed.

4. Growth and advancement in the e-mobility market

The growth in the adoption of EVs, e-bikes, e-scooters, e-mobility vehicles is also expected to boost adoption of wireless power in this sector

5. Advancement of wireless power to cater to the needs of medical sector

With few success stories, the adoption of wireless power is expected to grow widely across different profile of applications across medical sector, be it clinical care or consumer medical devices, including medical implantables.

5. Increased interest and adoption of wireless power across industrial robotics market

Following initial hesitation and low level of awareness, the wireless power market is now set to see fast adoption across AGVs/AMRs, and other industrial robots. This is mainly driving by increase in focus towards factory automation as well as increasing productivity and minimizing factory ‘down-time’.

6. The kitchen is finally getting cordless

The wireless power technology has advanced to a stage where we can now have our small kitchen appliances totally cordless, as they can now be wirelessly charged in same way as our smartphones i.e. being rest on a wireless charging pads. There is lots of interest amongst appliance OEMs/ODMs as well as curiosity amongst consumers who are wanting to experience this as a reality.

Opportunities in the Wireless Charging Market

Challenges to Address

While the future is promising, several hurdles must be overcome for mass adoption:

1. Vast Standardization and Compatibility

Despite having standard bodies like Wireless Power Consortium (Qi/Qi2/Ki), AirFuel Alliance (Resonance and RF), NFC Forum (NFC Wireless Charging), SAE (for EVs), the wireless power market is still dominated by use of proprietary solutions.

2. Charging Speeds and Efficiency

Improving the efficiency and developing fast wireless charging solutions comparable to traditional wired solutions is a major area of R&D.

3. Safety and Regulations

Concerns over electromagnetic interference and health risks must be addressed with clear regulatory frameworks.

4. Cost and Consumer/Enterprise Awareness

Initial integration and infrastructure costs and the need to educate consumers/enterprises on benefits of wireless power, and safety could limit adoption in some regions.

Conclusion: The Wireless Power Revolution is Underway

The future of wireless charging technology is filled with remarkable potential. As technology progresses, we are moving toward a world where devices seamlessly charge automatically and wirelessly in the background of our daily lives – boosting efficiency, enhancing mobility, and supporting sustainability.

With continued investment in innovation, development of global standards, and commitment to user safety, the future of wireless charging is not just bright – it is inevitable.

About 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. No one covers these market segments as WAWT does, with our subject matter expert attending around 15 key industry events and trade shows across the year and across regions, to get hold of the latest trends, news and announcements to deliver market insights and intelligence to our esteemed customers and industry associates.

WAWT’s Wireless Power Intelligence Service, is the most comprehensive research on the wireless power market covering all type of wireless power technology solutions, and its adoption across more than 30 key application markets, irrespective of their power levels. This service offers critical market data, trends, insights and market intelligence. WAWT‘s report is an invaluable resource for businesses seeking to understand the wireless power technology market landscape, application markets, and help them in making informed decisions, and stay competitive in this dynamic industry.

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