Oppo recently showcased their Zero-Power Tag prototype at MWC 2023. This device operates without a battery. This is made possible using advanced technology from a white paper released last year. Working without a battery, makes this a gamechanger especially when compared to Apple’s AirTag.
How Oppo Zero-Power Tag Works
The Oppo Zero-Power Tag uses RF signal harvesting, backscattering, and low-power computing technologies. With these, energy is extracted from the surrounding environment. It can then communicate wirelessly without needing a battery. This makes it ideal for various IoT applications in the 6G era.
Using Radio Signals
The device collects energy from ambient radio signals. Including FM radio towers, TV towers, cellular base stations, and WiFi access points. It uses this energy to modifies nearby radio signals. Then, it transmits information through backscattering communication.
Potential Uses
The Zero-Power Tag could revolutionize the IoT industry. How? Well, by reducing the need for batteries! It can be used for item tracking. As well as monitoring the migratory habits of endangered birds, among other things. This device could help decrease small battery waste.
Future of Zero-Power Devices
In the future, IoT devices may rely on ambient energy. Which comes from Bluetooth, WiFi, and cellular signals. This will result in smaller, more durable, and cost-effective devices. The Zero-Power Tag prototype is currently a plastic rectangle with an embedded chip. In future, it can take form of a sticker in the future.
Sustainable Solution
By using Oppo’s Zero-Power Tag, millions of batteries can be saved. Batteries will not rot in landfills, which is a big plus for environment. This makes the device a sustainable solution to the problem of battery waste in IoT devices.
That said, it will be interesting to see this device in the market and competing against the AirTag. With low pricing strategy, Oppo can make this gadget quite successful.
