New system could eventually eliminate batteries

February 23, 2012

Researchers at the University of Bedfordshire have developed a technique for powering electronic devices using only radio waves, which they claim could eventually eliminate the need for conventional batteries.

Developed by Prof Ben Allen at the Centre for Wireless Research, the system - believed to be a world first - uses radio waves as power.

The new technique developed as part of the university’s research into 'power harvesting' uses the 'waste' energy of radio waves.

Prof Allen said that as radio waves have energy - like light waves, sound waves or wind waves - these waves could be used to create power.