For years, scientists have been looking for new ways to free our electrical appliances from unsightly cables, batteries and chargers and introduce a new wireless form of power supply. But what would happen if this wireless power supply broke out of everyday electrical equipment and made its way into the retail arena? Could we see the beginnings of a new shopping revolution? Or would the technologies introduction prove too costly for the average retailer?

Within the past decade, the introduction of wifi technology has revolutionised how and where we can access the internet and how we socially interact with those around us. It is this same technology that is in the forefront of a new revolution, the wireless power supply.

Following similar principals to wifi technology, WiTricity as it is being dubbed, is slowly making a break through that could change our home and business lives forever. In time, this type of technology will lead to electrical equipment such as mobile phones and laptops being able to recharge without the use of a cable.

Accompanied by quick setup times and less of a need for further electricity points around the store, there could be a dramatic impact upon on our shopping centres and parades, creating greater opportunities for sellers.

The reliance on cables gaining easy access to the power supply in store has restricted retailers to the types and number of display equipment they can use to promote their products. With the introduction of a wireless power supply, you could easily set up and create entertaining retail environments that have no reliance on access to a plug socket.

Depending on the size of the shop, any number of electricity dependent shop fittings could be used in store at the same time.

The WiTricity breakthrough could also help stimulate the development of new retail solutions, from retailers who are able to place lighting anywhere in the store, to LCD shelf barkers that engage with the customer and update prices at a stroke.

Introducing wireless power to retail can also have a positive economic impact on a business, as power hungry devices can be activated and deactivated through motion sensor technology. The likes of the LCD screens that are used to entertain and send advertising messages to customers will only work when being interacted with.

This type of energy saving is not only great in terms of the electricity bill, but is also a greener and more environmentally friendly solution compared to standard mains powered units.

Even if you take WiTricity out of the shop front and look towards the warehouses and manufacturers, there are benefits to be found. Reducing the amount of cable clutter around busy working environments could not only improve the standards of health and safety, but also help to reduce the large number of work based injuries that are recorded every year.

With the likes of LCD TV screens getting thinner and more energy efficient technology being introduced into household goods demanding less power, it is ever more likely that WiTricity will be able to power all of our everyday electrical equipment someday in the future.

With the speed of other technological advancements, you would have thought that WiTricity is in its infancy. But in fact it's been around for over 100 years with various scientists trying their hand at making it a reality. However, it seems the pace is quickening and more applications are expected to make it into the public domain.

But until that day arrives, and early adopters pick up the research and development tab, it's probably safe to say that we can look to the simple plug to keep on being our provider of power for the foreseeable future.



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