Tech Desk 
Jan 27, 2025
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University's School of Computer Science (SCS) on January 22, developed a groundbreaking research method in Power-Over-Skin, a method to transmit power through the human body, potentially reducing the need for batteries in wearable devices, such as health metrics monitors, pacemakers, continuous glucose monitors (CGM).
The advanced technology utilises 40Mhz radio frequency (RF) waves to transfer immense power through the body. A single battery-powered transmitter sends energy to receivers integrated into cutting-edge objects including earrings, high-end glasses, rings, and more.
In the experiment, researchers powered devices such as LED lights and Bluetooth joysticks, noting that power efficiency enhanced the closer the receiver was to the transmitter.
While explaining about the breakthrough, a development team member said: "We can expect all our electronics to keep improving, Power-Over-Skin opens the door to making these devices invisible, allowing them to do their jobs without you noticing, which is how health monitoring should work."
"Someone left the transmission machine programmed to square waves and — to my surprise — it worked better than other options when I sent power," Kong added.
Currently, the technology is in the rudimentary stages. Kong envisions integrating cutting-edge health-monitoring devices in products, such as earrings and more to diligently monitor, making them smaller and seamless. "When you can power an earbud with it, that could be the first real use case to show off applications besides powering devices like fitness trackers," Kong said.
This groundbreaking innovation could revolutionise wearable technology by offering battery-free and maintenance-free devices seamlessly incorporated into daily routines. Further advancements aim to improve power output, significantly contributing to broadening its applications.
