Australian startup Aquila Space Technologies is developing technology that could transmit electrical energy over distance using lasers. The company is exploring ways to deliver power to remote devices without relying on conventional cables or electrical grids.
The basic idea is to convert electrical energy into a laser beam and direct it toward a receiver located at a distance. The receiver can then convert the laser energy back into electricity for use by a device.
One potential application is wireless charging for drones and robots. For example, drones could eventually receive power while remaining in the air, reducing the need to land frequently for recharging. Similar systems could potentially be used to power robots operating in remote or difficult-to-access locations.
The technology could also offer a new way to deliver energy to places where building traditional power infrastructure is difficult or expensive. Remote infrastructure, temporary facilities and emergency-response sites are some of the possible use cases where a wireless power system could provide an alternative to conventional connections.
Aquila Space Technologies is also exploring potential applications in space. In the longer term, laser-based power transmission could potentially be used to provide energy to spacecraft or other equipment located at a distance.
However, several challenges still need to be addressed before the technology can be widely deployed, including energy efficiency, transmission distance and safety. Laser-based power transmission remains an emerging technology, and its practical applications are still being developed.
