What are ZEDs (Zero Energy Devices)?
Zero-energy devices (ZEDs) are devices that don't need batteries or manual charging because they generate power from their surroundings. ZEDs can be used in a variety of ways, such as sensors, trackers, and actuators. They can be very small, sometimes as small as a grain of rice, and can be used in a variety of applications, including:
Forest fire monitoring: Photovoltaic energy from solar cells can be used to power sensors that monitor forest fires.
Automated warehouses: ZEDs can be used in automated warehouses.
Medical instrument inventory management: ZEDs can be used to manage medical instrument inventory.
Automobile manufacturing logistics: ZEDs can be used in automobile manufacturing logistics.
ZEDs harvest energy from a variety of sources, including:
Vibration: Energy from vibrations such as those caused by traffic, washing machines, or earthquakes
Thermal: Energy from thermal sources such as radiators, coffee mugs, or body warmth
Photovoltaic: Energy from solar cells that capture sunlight
Radio frequency: Energy from radio frequency waves transmitted by mobile phones, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, satellite communications, and radio broadcasts.
ZEDs are expected to play a key role in the development of 6G wireless networks. They are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and can support battery-free devices
Imagine a future where batteries never have to be recharged or replaced. Sound too good to be true? Perhaps not. Ericsson and MIT have teamed up to find out how zero-energy devices could harness energy from their surroundings – and transform industries in the process.
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