WiBotic unveils its autonomous wireless charging pad for UAS

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WiBotic has unveiled its “completely integrated wireless charging pad” for UAS, WiBotic PowerPad, which is designed for UAS operators who don’t want to develop their own wireless charging pad.

In one ready-to-go unit, the wireless charging pad includes the WiBotic transmitter circuit, transmitter antenna and power supply. The current version of the charging pad, which is three feet by three feet, can support a wide variety of today’s UAS, from smaller commercial and enterprise UAS, to large industrial UAS.

WiBotic PowerPad can be easily mounted on a variety of things, including rooftops and inside warehouses and factories. Those that use UAS for security, oil and gas, and in warehouses, could find WiBotic PowerPad extremely beneficial.

“WiBotic works with drone operators and service providers in many industries, and almost all of them have experienced the time and financial burdens of manually recharging batteries,” says Ben Waters, CEO of WiBotic.

“WiBotic PowerPad is an easy solution for autonomous charging and enables them to quickly experience the maintenance reductions and cost benefits of wireless power.”

WiBotic PowerPad, which has a powder coated aluminum body, as well as a plastic lid for durability and corrosion resistance, works in coordination with the separate WiBotic onboard charger, which is a “small circuit board and antenna” that easily mounts on the UAS itself.

WiBotic software can be used to “configure and optimize the charge rate” for any battery onboard the UAS, and once configured, all the UAS has to do is land on the wireless charging pad, where it charges without any human involvement necessary.

Wireless charging is convenient for a number of reasons, especially for companies and enterprises that utilize UAS. For one, they don’t have to worry about physical charging connections wearing out. They also don’t have to worry about “exposed live electrical contacts or environmental conditions that can impact contact-based chargers.” All of these concerns are alleviated being that the charging pad is completely integrated into a closed unit.

WiBotic PowerPad is also weather resistant. For companies that want fully weatherproof options, this requirement can be custom-manufactured. Based on specific customer needs, custom-sized versions of the charging pad can also be designed.

Multiple UAS can be supported using one WiBotic PowerPad. It is also possible that one UAS can extend its flight range by landing on multiple pads.

Ultimately, UAS can work completely autonomously, potentially for the lifespan of their batteries, using the wireless charging pad and related components.

​A video of WiBotic PowerPad in action can be seen below.

 

WiBotic PowerPad for Drones from WiBotic Inc. on Vimeo.