As the demand for underwater electronic devices or implantable medical electronic devices increases, wireless power transmission technology using ultrasound is gaining attention. Domestic researchers have developed a biocompatible ultrasound receiver that overcomes the limitations of existing wireless power transmission methods.
On the 20th, Heo Seong-hun, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Electronic Convergence Material Research Center, and Professor Song Hyun-cheol of Korea University announced that they have developed an ultrasound receiver that maintains performance even when bent. The research results were published in the March issue of the international academic journal 'Advanced Materials' and were selected for the cover.
Wireless charging methods used in smartphones and wireless earphones include electromagnetic induction, which delivers power through magnetic fields, and radio frequency-based charging. However, there were issues such as short transmission distances or low energy transfer efficiency within biological tissues, as well as electromagnetic interference. In contrast, methods utilizing ultrasound are biocompatible and allow for more stable energy transmission in implantable or skin-adhered devices, as ultrasound absorption by tissues is minimal.
The research team independently designed an ultrasound receiver that has flexibility and biocompatibility while also being able to stably convert power. The developed receiver was able to transmit 20 mW (milliwatts) of power at a distance of 3 cm underwater and approximately 7 mW of power at a depth of 3 cm from the skin. This is sufficient power to continuously operate low-power wearable devices or implantable medical devices.
Senior researcher Heo Seong-hun noted, 'This research proves that wireless power transmission technology using ultrasound can be practically applied,' and added, 'We plan to conduct further research for miniaturization and commercialization to expedite the practical application of the technology.'
References
Advanced Materials (2025), DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202419264