Traveling is so much more complicated than it used to be. You might say, “yeah, the extra security lines and the size of airports are making it harder.” No, I am actually referring to the number of chargers that I need to bring … phones, watches, headphones and more are filling up my carry-on bag like never before. And, it may only get worse.
Enter in Matrix Industries, who is here to help.
Besides having a really cool name, they have some very interesting technology that harnesses thermoelectric energy to power items, including their own smartwatch. Sure, it doesn’t have the sexiest screen and it is a bit bulky, but the fact that it does not need charging is a very exciting step forward.
From an IoT standpoint, the company is moving towards another exciting venture … a sensor that does not need to be charged. In its earliest phase, the “PowerStation” uses nothing more than the ambient temperature to generate enough power to keep itself alive. For now, it is still in a prototype form, but I think it has the chance to change things in IoT forever.
Allows for use of sensors in hard to reach places
One of the issues now with devices is battery life. Although technologies like SigFox and CAT-M will offer extremely long battery life for remote devices, the idea of a truly set it and forget it device is even more appealing. This is especially true in locations where it may not be feasible to charge/replace a battery, such as in a military operation.
Makes for a better option than solar in many cases
For most applications, solar power can be a good option. However, it has its limitations, such as certain areas receiving a low level of light during different parts of the year or the device being in a place that it does not have direct access to sunlight (such as indoors or in a container). This would help to eliminate those issues.
Its use knows no boundaries
This technology could eventually be used for many consumer and business products, ranging from headphones to hearing aids. From an IoT standpoint, it could be used in many devices that were previously not tracked, ranging from fencing at construction sites to tracking medicines in third world countries.