Founded by a group of physicists from MIT in 2007, the WiTricity corporation based in Watertown, MA aims to bring wireless power to the masses within the next two years.

Based on the principles of magnetic fields and the corresponding flow of electrons, the founders of WiTricity first developed the theoretical basis for this novel method for wireless electric power transfer in 2005, and then validated their theories experimentally in 2007 by powering a 60 watt light bulb from 2 meters away.

In Applying this technology to the commercial sector, the founders now working under the WiTricity umbrella have developed a prototype device for the average home user. The device consists of a square looking Power Source and corresponding capture device. These two devices work in unison to transmit and receive the electricity through the air. The initial device or power source is connected to a standard household AC line and positioned on the floor, where it converts the power into an oscillating magnetic field. This magnetic field is then picked up by the secondary capture device, and then converted back to alternating current, which in turn powers any connected device. In addition to powering a 60watt light bulb, the prototype device has been successfully tested in powering an LCD TV (see video below).

WiTricity hopes to expand this brilliant technology and build entire family of power components coming in all shapes and sizes, powering all sorts of devices from cell phones to laptops, to mobile robots and electric vehicles.

The notion that electronic devices can now be recharged safely and efficiently without ever having to be plugged in, over distances from ranging from centimeters’ to meters is a mind boggling concept. The potential life altering implications of this technology are tremendous, and we look forward to reporting on WiTricity's progress over the course of the next few months.