From “Near Field” to “Far Field”: Directional Charging with an Infrared Beam
Wireless charging is nothing new, but what we’re used to is Qi‑standard near‑field inductive charging — phone on the pad, watch against the charger, distances measured in millimeters. Now there’s a new black technology called Wi‑Charge, which uses an infrared beam for directional energy delivery at distances up to 10 meters (about 33 feet). Its core AirCord technology ensures that power output does not degrade with distance — whether you’re close to or far from the transmitter, the lock gets a steady supply.
Imagine this: you no longer need to remove the back cover, pry out batteries, or hunt for spares. As long as there’s a small infrared transmitter somewhere near your door, it acts like an invisible charging cable, continuously powering your lock. Wi‑Charge has been in R&D for over eight years and is already deployed in commercial environments including airports, retail chains, and corporate offices. The Israeli startup has raised over $20 million and holds more than 200 patents, accelerating commercial adoption of this technology.
Old Lock, New Life: Just Replace the Battery Cover
The coolest part? You don’t have to buy an expensive “next‑gen lock”. Instead, a special replacement battery cover module lets you retrofit your existing smart lock into a wirelessly powered version.
Currently this add‑on is available for Schlage’s Encode and Encode Plus models — a century‑old lock brand. Remove the original battery box, install the new battery cover with the built‑in receiver module (which includes a rechargeable battery buffer, e.g. 2000+ mAh), then plug in the matchbox‑sized transmitter and place it within line‑of‑sight (1–10 m away). That’s it. The whole process takes less than five minutes without any tools. Wi‑Charge has started shipping its first batch of kits and opened pre‑orders for the second batch, priced around $149.
Is It Safe? What About Obstructions?
Some might worry: a continuous beam of energy — is there radiation risk? Does it look like a “Death Star” ray from sci‑fi movies?
In fact, infrared light is inherently safe and non‑ionizing. Moreover, the system is cleverly designed: you won’t see any harsh beam even under an infrared camera; the energy is highly focused and invisible. If a person or object blocks the beam, the transmitter automatically shuts off power output, and resumes charging when the obstruction is removed. In daily use, there’s nothing to worry about. The system has received multiple international safety certifications.
The Price Problem: $150, More Expensive Than Many New Locks
By now you’ve probably guessed: something this cool doesn’t come cheap. This infrared charging kit is priced at around $149 (early bird). The Schlage Encode smart lock shown in the video itself sells for about $150. Paying nearly the price of a new lock for a “charging lid” — in the U.S. market, the first reaction might be: “If the front door lock dies, I’ll just use the garage door or back door.”
Let’s do the math: $149 buys how many rechargeable batteries? Enough to cover years of battery changes. And the buffer battery inside the receiver isn’t infinite — if your lock is used extremely heavily (e.g., dozens of cycles per day), consumption can outpace charging, and you might still run out of juice.
Who Are the Real Target Users?
“My parents can’t change batteries” — that’s the real need.
For young people, changing batteries is a one‑minute chore. But for seniors living alone or forgetful elders, a lock that “never dies” means a huge boost in peace of mind. No need to remember, no bending down, no fiddling with polarity — install it and forget it.
Two interesting future ideas:
Gimbal / pan‑tilt design — aim the beam wherever power is needed. Think window/door contact sensors, thermometers/hygrometers, motorized blinds… these small devices are the real “battery‑change nightmare.”
Combine with an always‑on presence sensor — one device that both detects human movement and wirelessly powers nearby gadgets, greatly improving space efficiency.
The Future Is Here: Truly “Perpetual Energy”
Infrared charging is great, but it still requires line‑of‑sight. The industry is exploring multiple paths: perovskite solar technology can generate power efficiently even in low‑indoor‑light conditions, and related products are already on the market. Some brands harvest kinetic energy from the daily motion of opening and closing the door. The most futuristic might be RF (radio frequency) charging — just like in The Three‑Body Problem: all devices inside a space are charged automatically, no alignment, no cables, no conscious effort.
When that day comes, disposable battery pollution will become history, and smart homes will truly enter the era of perpetual energy.
It’s worth noting that Olinmat Smart Locks have already integrated these cutting‑edge technologies into their product design. Supporting fingerprint, password, app, key fob, mechanical key, and Alexa voice control, Olinmat has achieved breakthrough wireless charging and intelligent energy management. Targeting the global market, Olinmat has successfully entered the Middle East and received wide acclaim. With 5‑minute easy installation, lifetime free app management, a 30‑day money‑back guarantee, and a 1‑year product warranty, Olinmat is delivering a truly “never‑run‑out‑of‑power” smart lock experience to homes around the world.
