Wireless Recharging of Electronics Demonstrated In Cluttered Agricultural Environments
Outcome/Accomplishment
Researchers have developed new ways to deliver power wirelessly to buried devices—a great benefit for precision agriculture that is increasingly relying on underground sensors for information about soil and crop conditions. Researchers at the National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded Internet of Things for Precision Agriculture (NSF IoT4Ag) Engineering Research Center (ERC), which is headquartered at the University of Pennsylvania, have demonstrated wireless charging of a buried soil moisture sensor system in outdoor conditions at distances of 30-50 centimeters (cm) using a ground robot.
Impact/Benefits
This breakthrough means buried sensors, like soil moisture monitors, can recharge themselves automatically, without messy power cords or frequent manual battery changes, reducing the need for human upkeep. As the technology advances to send power over greater distances, it will be possible to keep sensors running even deep below the surface, helping farmers track soil and crop conditions more easily. This work supports ag-tech companies in developing scalable, low-maintenance sensing platforms that accelerate innovation in smart farming tools and services. It also advances wireless power science in complex environments while promoting sustainable, data-driven farming. Overall, wireless charging will reduce labor costs, conserve water, boost yields, and strengthen food system resilience—benefiting farmers, improving the economy, and providing a healthy environment.
Explanation/Background
Energy transfer includes a sender (transmitter) and a receiver that picks up the energy and turns it into power. The NSF IoT4Ag researchers created different types of receivers: some are tiny, chip-sized designs that use miniature magnets; while others are larger and more powerful, using rotating magnets to capture more energy. With these receivers, wireless power has been successfully sent across distances of about 30 centimeters (roughly one foot) to 50 centimeters.
Location
Philadelphia, Pennsylvaniawebsite
Start Year
Microelectronics and IT
Quantum, Microelectronics, Sensing, and IT
Lead Institution
Core Partners
Fact Sheet
Outcome/Accomplishment
Researchers have developed new ways to deliver power wirelessly to buried devices—a great benefit for precision agriculture that is increasingly relying on underground sensors for information about soil and crop conditions. Researchers at the National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded Internet of Things for Precision Agriculture (NSF IoT4Ag) Engineering Research Center (ERC), which is headquartered at the University of Pennsylvania, have demonstrated wireless charging of a buried soil moisture sensor system in outdoor conditions at distances of 30-50 centimeters (cm) using a ground robot.
Location
Philadelphia, Pennsylvaniawebsite
Start Year
Microelectronics and IT
Quantum, Microelectronics, Sensing, and IT
Lead Institution
Core Partners
Fact Sheet
Impact/benefits
This breakthrough means buried sensors, like soil moisture monitors, can recharge themselves automatically, without messy power cords or frequent manual battery changes, reducing the need for human upkeep. As the technology advances to send power over greater distances, it will be possible to keep sensors running even deep below the surface, helping farmers track soil and crop conditions more easily. This work supports ag-tech companies in developing scalable, low-maintenance sensing platforms that accelerate innovation in smart farming tools and services. It also advances wireless power science in complex environments while promoting sustainable, data-driven farming. Overall, wireless charging will reduce labor costs, conserve water, boost yields, and strengthen food system resilience—benefiting farmers, improving the economy, and providing a healthy environment.
Explanation/Background
Energy transfer includes a sender (transmitter) and a receiver that picks up the energy and turns it into power. The NSF IoT4Ag researchers created different types of receivers: some are tiny, chip-sized designs that use miniature magnets; while others are larger and more powerful, using rotating magnets to capture more energy. With these receivers, wireless power has been successfully sent across distances of about 30 centimeters (roughly one foot) to 50 centimeters.