Revolutionary Ultrasonic Technology Enables Wireless Charging Through Water and Human Tissue

A groundbreaking advancement in wireless power transmission has emerged from South Korean researchers, who have successfully developed an ultrasonic receiver capable of charging electronic devices through water and biological tissue. This innovative technology addresses critical challenges in powering underwater electronics and implantable medical devices, marking a significant leap forward in wireless energy transfer capabilities.

The research team, led by Dr. Sunghoon Hur from the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) and Professor Hyun-Cheol Song from Korea University, has created a flexible and biocompatible ultrasonic receiver that maintains optimal performance even when submerged underwater or implanted within the human body. The team has developed a biocompatible ultrasonic receiver that maintains its performance even when bent, representing a crucial breakthrough for applications requiring flexible power solutions.

The device utilizes high-efficiency piezoelectric materials arranged in a stretchable structure that conforms naturally to the human body's contours. This design innovation allows the receiver to deliver substantial power levels while maintaining flexibility and biocompatibility. During rigorous testing phases, the technology demonstrated impressive performance metrics, delivering 20 milliwatts of power at a 3-centimeter distance underwater and 7 milliwatts through 3 centimeters of biological tissue. These power levels prove sufficient to continuously operate low-power wearable devices and critical medical implants including pacemakers and neurostimulators.

Traditional wireless charging methods have proven inadequate for underwater and implantable applications due to their limited range and susceptibility to electromagnetic interference. With the increasing demand for underwater and implantable medical electronics, a stable and continuous power supply is essential. The new ultrasonic approach addresses these limitations by utilizing sound waves that are significantly less absorbed by water and biological tissues compared to electromagnetic fields.

The technology's superiority lies in its ability to function effectively in challenging environments where conventional wireless charging fails. Ultrasonic waves demonstrate remarkable propagation characteristics through both aquatic environments and biological tissues, making them ideally suited for applications previously considered impossible. This breakthrough opens new possibilities for long-term medical implant functionality without the need for surgical battery replacements or external charging ports.

Beyond medical applications, the ultrasonic charging system shows tremendous potential for marine and underwater operations. The receiver's robust underwater performance could revolutionize the deployment of marine sensors and autonomous underwater vehicles, where battery replacement and wired charging present significant logistical challenges. Long-term underwater missions could benefit enormously from this continuous power solution, eliminating the need for frequent equipment retrieval and maintenance.

Dr. Sunghoon Hur emphasized the practical implications of their research breakthrough, stating that the team has demonstrated the practical applicability of ultrasound-based wireless power transmission technology. The research group plans to pursue further development focused on miniaturization and commercialization strategies to accelerate the technology's practical implementation across various industries.

The research findings, supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT under the KIST Institutional Program and the Nano-Material Technology Development Project of the National Research Foundation of Korea, have been published in the prestigious journal Advanced Materials. This publication underscores the scientific rigor and significance of the breakthrough, providing detailed technical specifications and performance data for the global research community.

According to multiple industry sources including Electronic Specifier and Interesting Engineering, this development represents a paradigm shift in wireless power transmission capabilities. A research team from the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) and Korea University has developed a flexible and biocompatible ultrasonic receiver that enables wireless charging, even underwater or beneath human skin. The technology's versatility extends beyond current applications, potentially enabling new categories of electronic devices previously limited by power constraints.

The implications for healthcare technology are particularly profound, as the ability to wirelessly charge implanted medical devices could significantly improve patient outcomes and quality of life. Patients with pacemakers, insulin pumps, and other implantable devices could benefit from extended device lifespans without requiring invasive surgical procedures for battery replacement. This advancement aligns with the growing trend toward minimally invasive medical technologies and patient-centered care approaches.

Future development efforts will focus on optimizing the technology for commercial viability, including size reduction, cost optimization, and regulatory compliance for medical applications. The research team's commitment to practical implementation suggests that this technology could transition from laboratory demonstration to real-world application within the coming years, potentially transforming multiple industries dependent on reliable wireless power solutions.