Phil Biggs covers the automotive industry for NewsTalk 1340 WJRW
February 24, 2012 9:30 A.M. ET
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. Down the road in what is already becoming a very fast-paced decade, Fulton Innovation looks to play a major role in the development and deployment of a critical technology: wireless power. Wireless power is an example of technology rapidly transitioning into its own industry, now reaching a tipping point as $2.3 trillion of products are estimated to be linked to wireless power applications over the next several years.
The exponential growth in wireless data applications coupled with the rapid adoption of portable electronic devices has dramatically increased the market potential of wireless energy-transfer technologies. To add further fuel to this trend, the 2011 World Economic Forum ranked wireless power as one of the top 10 technologies that will profoundly impact the world.
Linking technology and new markets is daunting but rewarding. Fulton Innovation has developed advanced wireless power solutions that can be built into almost any surface, including packaging and publications, and of course the center console of the vehicle. Fulton’s wireless charging technology is supported by over 700 notable patents. As more devices and applications penetrate regional global markets, and as more industries themselves become infrastructure partners, we will see wireless power proliferate rapidly. For example, the automotive OEMs are planning and implementing strategies that will insert wireless charging and lighting applications into the interior of vehicles beginning this year. And, in a few short years, you will see wireless charging of the vehicle itself.
Also, hotel and hospitality companies are now beginning to equip guest rooms, suites and condominiums with “hot spots” that enable wireless charging of products from blenders to Smartphone devices on room surfaces. Office furniture manufacturers are evaluating their role as a wireless power infrastructure partner as traditional workplaces and office buildings give way to the push for personal mobility and connectivity as work itself transforms this decade.
Diversity in technology rules. Consumer products ranging from cereal boxes to magazines are now being equipped with lighted packaging and printing powered by new wireless technologies. And, don’t be surprised to see wireless power applications breaking into diverse market segments ranging from aerospace to commercial construction to the U.S. military.
We see infrastructure being put in place, products adopting new wireless “skins and guts” and a transformation to “no more cords.” The most significant factor affecting speed to market is financial. Decisions are being made to bring together willing alliance partners and those who are prepared to make the required investments. Sorting out the financial participants will help to spur growth and nurture fast-paced adoption trends.
Building coalitions worldwide. The other significant consideration is the diligence needed to determine performance and standard-setting requirements to insure consumer satisfaction and safety. Fulton is a founding member of the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) who, along with over 100 members, is developing global inter-operability and safety standards for low-medium and, eventually, high-powered devices.
Fulton is currently working with global OEMs and suppliers to create the Qi (pronounced “chee”) standard that, through its implementation, is helping to meet the aspirational needs of consumers worldwide. Americans are gluttons for breakthrough technologies, and they will continue to be served up to us in heaping portions. And, as product development timelines shrink in some cases from a two year cycle to now as little as a six-month go-to-market interval, the dramatic pace of accelerating technology has little chance of letting up anytime soon.
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Hear Phil Discuss Autos and the Michigan Primary with Josh Leng on The Buzz, on Monday, 2/27
