AM: Ultrasonic wireless charging technology for underwater devices developed

Amid increasing demand for underwater electronics and medical implants requiring stable and safe power sources, researchers from the Korea Institute of Science and Technology and Korea University have proposed an alternative to conventional wireless charging methods. They created a flexible, biodegradable ultrasound-powered receiver capable of delivering continuous energy even through biological tissues. The study was published in the journal *Advanced Materials*.

Unlike electromagnetic induction and radiofrequency charging, which suffer from low efficiency in biological tissues and create electromagnetic interference, ultrasound is safe for humans and minimally absorbed by the body. This makes it particularly promising for powering implantable devices and wearable electronics.

Led by Dr. Sunghun Huh and Professor Hyuncheol Son, the team developed a receiver using high-efficiency piezoelectric materials with a unique structure that maintains performance even when bent. The new receiver can transfer 20 mW of power across a 3 cm distance underwater and 7 mW through 3 cm of skin—enough to run pacemakers, neurostimulators, biosensors, and other low-power devices.

The breakthrough paves the way for widespread adoption of ultrasonic charging in medicine, as well as in marine drones and sensors requiring reliable long-term energy without frequent battery replacements.

“Our research confirms that ultrasonic energy transmission is a viable solution,” stated Dr. Huh. The team is now focusing on miniaturizing the technology for commercial deployment.

Previously, scientists accelerated quantum computing by coupling light and matter.