Japanese 5G base stations will be able to charge mobile devices remotely

The Nikkei web edition reportedthat Japanese telecommunications company SoftBank has begun testing a new technology that will enable the use of 5G base stations for wireless charging of electronic wearable devices. The technological solution is being developed jointly with experts from Kyoto University, Kanazawa Institute of Technology and National Institute of Information and Communication Technology of Japan.

Special wireless transmitters will be used, which will work in conjunction with the base stations of the 5G standard. SoftBank has already begun upgrading more than 200,000 4G base stations that will also provide support for 5G mobile networks. It is these stations that will be able to remotely charge mobile devices of passing users from the beginning of next year.

The signal power is limited to 1 milliwatt in order to prevent the negative impact of this energy on the human body. Currently, charging can be done at a distance of 10 meters, but in the near future it is planned to increase this distance to 100 meters. This method will allow charging the batteries of smart watches, fitness bracelets, headphones and the like. In addition, the technology can be used to work with implants and various electronic tags.

At the moment, the use of such technology is prohibited in Japan to avoid possible interference with the signals of various government agencies. SoftBank has stated that the new solution will enter the mass market in 2025.

Source: nikkei