SBIR Phase I: Intelligent Wireless Charging and Device Management System for High-Volume Environments

The broader/commercial impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project lies in transforming how large fleets of electronic devices are powered and managed in critical industries such as logistics, manufacturing, and device refurbishment. The innovation introduces a new approach to wireless power delivery that eliminates the need for physical charging ports and cables, directly addressing the persistent challenges of device downtime, inefficient charging processes, and workplace hazards caused by cables. Commercially, the proposed technology addresses a growing market opportunity in enterprise device management, starting with high-density warehouse operations. The business model combines equipment sales with device management analytics services, providing an efficient path for commercial engagement. The value proposition centers on reducing operational downtime and optimizing space utilization. Furthermore, the system's ability to support varied device types and automate charging processes provides a clear advantage over existing wired or single-device wireless solutions. Beyond economic benefits, the project enhances technological understanding of large-scale electromagnetic power distribution. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the physical limitations of two-dimensional wireless power transfer systems, which prevent scaling to the dense three-dimensional configurations required in many industrial workflows. The objective of this project is to develop and validate a volumetric charging architecture capable of simultaneous power delivery throughout a multi-shelf rack system. Research activities will focus on dynamically shaping electromagnetic fields to deliver targeted power to devices at any position within a three-dimensional volume while suppressing electromagnetic interference between adjacent shelves. The project also develops miniaturized resonant receiver tags for device-agnostic charging, retrofitting hardware with standardized energy-harvesting components so devices capture power without manufacturer redesigns. The methodology includes computational modeling and fabrication of a multi-shelf prototype to validate power transfer efficiency and field uniformity, alongside experimental testing of interference mitigation strategies and intelligent control algorithms to ensure stable, efficient energy routing across the architecture. Our intended targets include achieving greater than 75 percent power transfer efficiency with strong isolation between adjacent shelves. This technology will validate the technical feasibility of volumetric wireless power and advance design principles for adaptive near-field electromagnetics and hierarchical power distribution, establishing a foundation for scalable wireless power networks in complex industrial settings. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.