From medical devices to cell phones, we have become dependent on batteries and chargers to keep us functioning. Imagine the day, however, when there is no longer a need for transmission lines, charging cords and manually plugging electric vehicles into an outlet.

Step-by-step, FIU researchers at the College of Engineering and Computing are developing technology to help bring the world closer to operating on wireless power.

Shubhendu Bhardwaj, assistant professor in the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, has partnered with smart power company Wireless Electrical Grid LANDS (WiGL – pronounced “wiggle”) to further develop hassle-free electronics. More than $100,000 in grants from WiGL help fund FIU’s wireless electronics research.

“It’s really about making our lives more ergonomic,” Bhardwaj said. “Suppose that just walking into a building or sitting at your desk, your phone is charging without having to be plugged in. What if we could stop searching for charging stations in airports?”

Similar to the way we connect to WiFi networks today, we could eventually connect with wireless energy networks.The technology has extremely broad applications. Bhardwaj cited the healthcare industry as just one example where sensors and implantable medical devices that rely on batteries are widely used. In addition, wireless power would be a significant solution to the difficulties faced today of providing energy to remote communities or locations.

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