February 4, 2026

From Factory Sensors to Drones and EVs, A New Era of Wireless Energy Transfer

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Panasonic’s first commercial target is sensors attached to robotic arms in factories. Today, these sensors rely on wiring or batteries, both of which create operational challenges. Wiring is complex and limits flexibility, while batteries require frequent replacement and maintenance. Wireless power would allow sensors to be installed more easily and enable continuous monitoring of machine performance and work conditions.

Once the system is ready for commercial use, Panasonic plans to sell wireless power supply systems directly to manufacturing companies. Starting in March, the company and Keio University will begin a series of demonstration experiments, including tests with robotic-arm sensors.

However, regulatory barriers remain. Under current rules, simultaneous radio-wave transmission from multiple antennas is not permitted, preventing the technology from being used in its full form. Panasonic will continue to improve transmission efficiency while working with regulators to seek changes to these restrictions.

Competition in this field is intensifying. Toshiba has developed a system that periodically emits signals from the device being charged, allowing radio waves to be accurately directed toward it. Kyocera has introduced technology that continuously analyzes the surrounding environment to control the spread of radio waves, enabling stable power delivery to a moving miniature vehicle.

For now, radio wave power transfer is expected to remain limited to low-power devices such as sensors and small electronics. Supplying energy to high-capacity batteries used in drones and electric vehicles will require major improvements in transmission efficiency. Even so, Panasonic’s work points toward a future in which power can be delivered seamlessly to devices wherever they move.