Want to know how exactly wireless power works? Here’s how Fulton’s ecoupled system does it. The system uses inductive coupling. There are three ways to power things. You could place something like a lamp to provide power to it and no charging would take place. The other two ways are charging high energy or low energy devices.

The system also knows the difference between a high and low power device. If you place a device on top of the wrong coupling location, no power will be sent to the device.

A magnetic connection does not provide power, but it does help you place the device on the right spot. Communication is done via the magnet, so debris or even things like paper won’t stop communication if placed between a mat and a device. Testing took place to make sure the magnets would not interfere with any data on computers or other devices.

Fulton Innovation brought its ecoupled wireless charging system to CES. While a competitor showed marketable products, Fulton showed working models but no finished products with release dates.

The booth simulated a home with an office, a living room, and a kitchen so a consumer or manufacturer could see how the system could be used in everyday life. On display was a modded iPhone, a Nintendo Wii remote, a remote control, a blender, several other cell phones, a laptop charger, and a portable tool chest.