Power via light beam: Japanese system delivers a 16-foot range with infrared LEDs

Tokyo researchers developed a wireless power system using camera-guided infrared LED beams to charge small photovoltaic cells up to 16 feet away, even tracking moving targets in any lighting conditions. The technology aims to power IoT sensors without battery replacement, though current efficiency remains at 56.2%. Researchers expect to boost efficiency to 80% through LED optimization, potentially enabling practical applications in industrial sensor networks and smart devices.