Here at SnapMunk, we’ve covered innovative charging technologies quite a bit. Although useful, the primary limitation of current wireless (inductive) chargers is that they need to be in very close proximity to the charging hub to be effective. Not sure what we’re talking about? Think about those plastic rings at Starbucks people leave on the tables. That’s inductive charging in action.
The team at Yank Technologies, a startup headquartered in Columbia University’s startup lab is looking to shake up the electronics space a bit with a device known as MotherBox.
Unlike traditional inductive chargers which require contact between the receiver and power source, MotherBox is designed to wirelessly send power up to 20 inches away from the device. To use MotherBox, users only have to download a companion Android/iOS mobile app and place a thin receiver on their electronics. MotherBox supports charging three to four devices at a time while MotherBox Mini supports charging one to two devices at a time. The former has a range of 20 inches while the latter has a range of 10 inches.
The device works by using a pattern of antennas known as three-dimensional phase coil arrays. These antennas evenly distribute power across a 3-D circular area which makes it possible for the device to beam electricity when a device is in the field’s radius.
For those wondering where the name MotherBox came from, it’s inspired by a device in DC Comics (Superman, Batman, etc.) which is a sentient computer capable of transporting beings and energy from one point in space to another.
MotherBox has a weight of three to four pounds while MotherBox mini is estimated to weigh two to three pounds. The MotherBox measures at approximately 6″ x 6″ x 6″ and has a charging distance of approximately 20 inches. For portable charging, The MotherBox Mini measures at approximately 3.5″ x 3.5″ x 3.5″ with a charging distance of approximately 10 inches.
It’s worth noting that MotherBox does not have a built-in rechargeable battery and must be connected to an outlet. The MotherBox Mini, on the other hand, will have at least a 7,000 mAH battery. Both devices are not waterproof or water resistant.
For those concerned about safety, MotherBox technology is based on the same principles as many charging pads – through magnetic resonance. In terms of radiation levels, MotherBox has a Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) of 0.01 W/kg while the iPhone 7 is at 1.1 W/kg. The official FCC limits on radiation are 1.6 W/kg.
So far the company has raised over $30,000, and there’s an estimated shipping date of September 2017. Early bird pricing for MotherBox starts at $79 while early bird pricing for the MotherBox Mini is $89.
