Battery-Free Wireless Light Switch Cuts Costs by 50%

A University of Alberta engineering researcher has developed a battery-free wireless light switch that could potentially cut house wiring costs by up to 50%. Unlike traditional wireless switches that rely on batteries, this system harvests energy from ambient sources, such as radio frequency signals. The switches can be powered by one or two radio frequency transmitters per floor. The researcher, Kambiz Moez, has created a prototype switch for less than a dollar that can be easily installed on any wall.

The innovation is scalable, customizable, and could contribute to reducing construction costs amid Canada’s housing crisis. The system can also incorporate sensors for temperature, humidity, and occupancy to optimize energy consumption. Moez aims to set up a spinoff company or collaborate with an established firm for mass production. Incubation funding has been received, and further success in the CMHC Housing Supply Challenge could provide up to $3 million for scaling the solution.