A prototype TV remote control created by SMK Corp is turning out to be quite a showpony at the ongoing TEXPO 2008 being held in Shinagawa, Tokyo. And the reason for the popularity of the water-gun like remote is its ability to function without batteries. That’s right folks, this remote control “gun” which changes channels and adjusts volume via a “trigger” runs without batteries. Instead, the gizmo uses a retro-futuristic electromagnetic induction coil, high speed rotation gears, a power circuit and an infrared light emitting unit to power the functions of the remote.
When you pull the trigger, the coil rotates at a high speed via built-in gears and generates an electric current of approximately 20-30mA momentarily which can transmit signals between several meters via infrared and make the remote work. Dubbed the “No Battery Remote Control, the gizmo is just a prototype for the time being, but given the hype generated by advocates of greener technologies, we won’t be entirely surprised if the thing was being manufactured by major electronics houses in the next decade.
Source: Tech On
