Panasonic’s new switch doesn’t need batteries or wires to turn your lights on

Panasonic has introduced a new wireless and battery-less switch at CEATEC2016.

The switch contains a power generator that translates motion, like sitting down on a couch or opening a door, into electricity. It then uses this power to wirelessly turn on (pre-) connected devices. 

In the demo video below, a Panasonic rep demonstrates that the act of simply sitting down on her desk chair is enough motion to provide the switch with the electricity necessary to signal everything on, including the desk lamp, computer, and fan.

A second button, located on the switch itself, allows the user to enjoy additional control options, such as dimming of the lights, prompting the computer to open a new program, etc.

The untethered nature of the Panasonic switch runs counter to other, similar switches on the market, as the latter often requires complex wiring for power and control. The relative simplicity with which the company’s battery-less and wireless switch can be set up could allow for faster integration of Panasonic smart home products.

Speaking of which, the company did not include any details in its announcement regarding what produces will integrate with the new switch; nor was price / release date information available. 

Via the Panasonic Newsroom