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WiTricity and Alps Electric Join Forces to Develop Wireless Charging for Mobile Devices
8 January 2013, 11:00 am
LAS VEGAS, NV--(Marketwire - Jan 8, 2013) - WiTricity, the industry leaders in highly resonant wireless power transfer -- wireless electricity delivered safely over distance -- and Alps Electric, a leading global electronics manufacturer, announced today at CES2013 a strategic collaboration to create wireless charging modules and systems for powering a broad range of mobile devices.
The relationship targets the development of wireless charging modules and systems that Alps Electric will sell to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), original design manufacturers (ODMs) and contract manufacturers around the world. It represents another milestone in the growth of highly resonant wireless power transfer as the preferred technology for wireless charging in consumer electronics and other industries.
In contrast to traditional magnetic induction which is currently used in first generation wireless charging pads, highly resonant power transfer enables wireless charging to work over distance, without precise positioning, through tabletops, automotive consoles, and device sleeves and cases, greatly enhancing the consumer appeal and flexibility of wireless charging.
"We've proven that wireless charging over distance works, and now it's time to get it into the hands of consumers," states WiTricity CEO Eric Giler. "By leveraging WiTricity's patented technology Alps will be able to deliver high performance modules that will be the basis of wireless power source devices and wireless power capture devices that can be embedded into OEM products. Our partnership will help bring in-demand devices with wireless charging capabilities to store shelves and into homes around the world."
For example, Alps modules enabled with WiTricity technology could let consumers:
Charge a phone, tablet and Bluetooth headset using a single wireless power source
Juice up a device by simply placing it near a power source in a countertop, car, cabinet or other area -- without needing to position it carefully in a precise location
Turn almost any surface, space or stationary product into a source of wireless power for mobile devices
"Our mission is to make sophisticated technology modules easy for OEMs to integrate into their products," notes Alps Electric E-Project Manager Mikio Kanda. "Wireless charging will become a critical function in consumer electronics, automotive, and medical devices, and Alps Electric looks forward to providing the best available wireless charging solutions with WiTricity technology."
About WiTricity
WiTricity is the industry leader in wireless electricity delivered over distance. The company was founded in 2007 to commercialize an exciting new technology for wireless electricity invented by world renowned physicists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). With a growing list of global clients in industries including consumer electronics, automotive, medical devices and defense, WiTricity has emerged as the leader for IP and expertise in highly resonant wireless power transfer. For more information, visit www.witricity.com. Follow WiTricity on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.
About Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
Alps Electric (Tokyo:6770) is a leading global manufacturer of high-quality electronic components for mobile devices, home electronics, vehicles and industrial equipment. With the philosophy of "Perfecting the Art of Electronics," Alps Electric supplies over 40,000 different components to about 2,000 companies all over the world. For more information, visit http://www.Alps.com.