Energy Harvesting Surge: 1.1 Billion Ambient IoT Devices Expected by 2030

The Surge of Ambient IoT and Energy Harvesting

The concept of 'Ambient IoT' has recently gained traction as a powerful new class of connected devices capable of harnessing energy from various available sources in their surroundings. This innovative approach not only supports the ongoing growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) but also introduces a sustainable alternative for powering devices. Recent data from ABI Research reveals that shipments of Ambient IoT devices are expected to soar to an impressive 1.1 billion units by 2030.

The driving force behind this remarkable development can be attributed to advances in energy-harvesting technologies. Designers of power generators have concentrated their efforts on optimizing techniques to convert ambient energy into usable power. Additionally, the engineers who develop Power Management Integrated Circuits (PMICs) are creating chips that efficiently store harvested energy within devices. According to Jonathan Budd, an industry analyst at ABI Research, this evolution in technology presents unique opportunities for various industries.

A specialized ecosystem has emerged, featuring components such as solar cells, piezoelectric harvesters, and thermoelectric generators (TEGs) alongside Radio Frequency (RF) harvesters. These technologies facilitate energy conversion from low-light sources and low-temperature gradients, enabling power to be drawn even from far distances, through radio signals.

Prominent companies in this field, including Wiliot, Exeger, Energous, and Powercast, are making significant strides in redesigning power generators that are tailored to the needs of Ambient IoT applications. Their efforts are being complemented by PMIC designers like e-peas and Nexperia, who are crafting solutions that unlock new applications for battery-free systems, as well as hybrid models that pair battery power with energy harvesting.

As the market evolves, ABI Research anticipates that photovoltaic (PV) harvesting will dominate the Ambient IoT device landscape by 2030, accounting for a staggering 57% of device shipments. Following closely will be RF harvesting, projected to contribute 36% of shipments, while piezoelectric and thermoelectric harvesting are expected to power 4% and 3% respectively.

Since 2014, the emerging ecosystem has given rise to several niche startups focused specifically on fostering energy harvesting technologies for Ambient IoT. These innovators are paving the way toward 'energy-agnostic' power management, allowing PMICs to handle energy from various sources, such as PV, RF, piezoelectric, or thermoelectric, offering Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) greater flexibility based on their proximity to energy sources.

For businesses managing extensive networks of battery-powered IoT devices — which necessitate frequent battery replacements — the appeal of achieving long-term autonomy is substantial. It's crucial now for the suppliers of energy generators and PMICs, as well as the new Ambient IoT Alliance, to highlight potential savings in total costs of ownership (TCO) that come from investing in harvesting technologies.

In conclusion, the future of IoT appears to be not only smart but also energy-efficient. The rise of Ambient IoT promises to reshape entirely how we consider energy consumption and device operation in an increasingly connected world, especially as we edge closer to 2030.

These insights stem from ABI Research's report titled 'Energy Harvesting for the IoT Vendor Landscape and Technology Development.' Their findings reinforce the critical role of evolving technologies in shaping a sustainable digital landscape.