Wireless Energy Scavenging Systems in 2025: Unleashing Untapped Power for IoT and Beyond. Explore the Breakthroughs, Market Surge, and Strategic Opportunities Shaping the Next 5 Years.

• Executive Summary: Key Trends and Market Drivers in 2025
• Technology Overview: Principles and Types of Wireless Energy Scavenging
• Market Size and Forecast (2025–2030): Growth Exceeding 30% CAGR
• Key Applications: IoT, Wearables, Smart Infrastructure, and Industrial Automation
• Competitive Landscape: Leading Companies and Emerging Innovators
• Recent Breakthroughs: Materials, Miniaturization, and Efficiency Gains
• Regulatory and Standards Landscape: IEEE, IEC, and Industry Guidelines
• Challenges and Barriers: Technical, Economic, and Adoption Hurdles
• Strategic Partnerships and Ecosystem Development
• Future Outlook: Disruptive Potential and Long-Term Opportunities
• Sources & References

Executive Summary: Key Trends and Market Drivers in 2025

Wireless energy scavenging systems are poised for significant growth and technological advancement in 2025, driven by the proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, the need for sustainable power solutions, and ongoing innovation in energy harvesting materials and architectures. These systems, which capture ambient energy from sources such as radio frequency (RF), thermal gradients, vibration, and light, are increasingly critical for powering distributed sensor networks, wearables, and smart infrastructure where battery replacement is impractical or costly.

A key trend in 2025 is the integration of multi-source energy harvesting modules, enabling devices to draw power from a combination of RF, solar, and kinetic sources. Companies like Texas Instruments and STMicroelectronics are advancing ultra-low-power management ICs that efficiently convert and store harvested energy, supporting autonomous operation of wireless sensors and edge devices. These solutions are being adopted in smart buildings, industrial automation, and asset tracking, where maintenance-free operation is a priority.

The deployment of 5G and the expansion of wireless infrastructure are also catalyzing the adoption of RF energy harvesting. Powercast Corporation, a pioneer in RF-based wireless power, continues to expand its ecosystem of transmitters and receivers, enabling remote charging of IoT devices over several meters. In parallel, Energous Corporation is commercializing WattUp technology, which supports both contact and over-the-air wireless charging, targeting applications in retail, healthcare, and logistics.

Material science breakthroughs are further propelling the sector. The development of flexible piezoelectric and thermoelectric materials is enabling the creation of energy harvesters that can be integrated into wearables and smart textiles. Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. and TDK Corporation are notable for their work in miniaturized piezoelectric generators and advanced ceramic materials, supporting the miniaturization and ruggedization of energy scavenging modules.

Looking ahead, the market outlook for wireless energy scavenging systems is robust. The convergence of ultra-low-power electronics, ubiquitous wireless connectivity, and sustainability imperatives is expected to drive double-digit annual growth rates through the late 2020s. Industry alliances and standardization efforts, such as those led by the Bluetooth SIG and IEEE, are fostering interoperability and accelerating adoption across consumer, industrial, and smart city applications. As a result, wireless energy scavenging is set to become a foundational technology for the next generation of connected, self-powered devices.

Technology Overview: Principles and Types of Wireless Energy Scavenging

Wireless energy scavenging systems, also known as energy harvesting systems, are designed to capture and convert ambient energy from the environment into usable electrical power. As of 2025, these systems are increasingly critical for powering low-energy devices such as sensors, wearables, and IoT nodes, especially in locations where battery replacement is impractical. The core principle involves capturing energy from sources such as radio frequency (RF) waves, light (solar/photovoltaic), thermal gradients, and mechanical vibrations, and converting it into electricity through specialized transducers.

The most prominent types of wireless energy scavenging technologies include:

• RF Energy Harvesting: This method captures electromagnetic energy from ambient RF sources such as Wi-Fi routers, cellular towers, and TV broadcasts. Companies like TX RX Systems and Powercast Corporation are notable for their development of RF energy harvesting modules and transmitters. These systems typically use rectifying antennas (rectennas) to convert RF signals into DC power, suitable for ultra-low-power electronics.
• Photovoltaic (Solar) Harvesting: Photovoltaic cells convert light energy, both indoor and outdoor, into electricity. Advances in flexible and miniaturized solar cells have enabled integration into wearables and IoT devices. Panasonic Corporation and Sharp Corporation are leading manufacturers of compact photovoltaic modules tailored for energy harvesting applications.
• Thermoelectric Energy Harvesting: This approach exploits temperature differences between surfaces to generate electricity using thermoelectric generators (TEGs). Ferrotec Corporation and Laird Thermal Systems are recognized for their thermoelectric modules, which are increasingly used in industrial monitoring and wearable health devices.
• Piezoelectric and Vibration Energy Harvesting: Mechanical vibrations or pressure changes are converted into electrical energy using piezoelectric materials. Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. and TDK Corporation are prominent in developing piezoelectric components for wireless sensor networks and structural health monitoring.

In 2025, the convergence of ultra-low-power electronics, improved energy conversion efficiencies, and miniaturization is accelerating the adoption of wireless energy scavenging systems. The outlook for the next few years includes further integration into smart infrastructure, medical implants, and asset tracking, with ongoing R&D focused on hybrid systems that combine multiple scavenging modalities for greater reliability and output. Industry leaders are also working on standardizing interfaces and improving power management circuits to maximize harvested energy and extend device lifespans.

Market Size and Forecast (2025–2030): Growth Exceeding 30% CAGR

The global market for wireless energy scavenging systems is poised for robust expansion between 2025 and 2030, with industry consensus pointing to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) exceeding 30%. This surge is driven by escalating demand for self-powered devices in sectors such as industrial automation, smart infrastructure, healthcare, and consumer electronics. Wireless energy scavenging—encompassing technologies like radio frequency (RF) harvesting, piezoelectric, thermoelectric, and electromagnetic energy capture—enables the deployment of maintenance-free sensors and devices, a critical enabler for the Internet of Things (IoT) and Industry 4.0 applications.

Key industry players are scaling up production and R&D to meet this demand. Texas Instruments and STMicroelectronics are notable for their integrated energy harvesting ICs, which support RF and ambient energy capture for ultra-low-power wireless devices. Analog Devices has also expanded its portfolio with energy harvesting solutions targeting industrial and medical IoT nodes. Meanwhile, EnOcean continues to lead in self-powered wireless switches and sensors, particularly for building automation, leveraging kinetic and solar energy harvesting.

Recent years have seen significant investments in R&D and manufacturing capacity. For example, TDK Corporation and Murata Manufacturing are advancing piezoelectric and thermoelectric materials, aiming to improve conversion efficiency and miniaturization. These innovations are expected to lower the cost per node and expand the addressable market, especially as smart city and industrial IoT deployments accelerate.

The outlook for 2025–2030 is further buoyed by regulatory and sustainability trends. The European Union’s push for energy-efficient buildings and the proliferation of smart metering mandates are catalyzing adoption of wireless, battery-free sensors. In parallel, North American and Asian markets are witnessing increased integration of energy scavenging in asset tracking, logistics, and medical monitoring devices.

By 2030, the market is expected to be characterized by widespread adoption of multi-source energy harvesting modules, enabling devices to operate autonomously for years without battery replacement. The convergence of wireless energy scavenging with ultra-low-power wireless communication protocols (such as Bluetooth Low Energy and LoRaWAN) is anticipated to unlock new applications and drive further market penetration. As a result, the sector is on track to surpass the 30% CAGR mark, with leading manufacturers and technology providers playing a pivotal role in shaping the competitive landscape.

Key Applications: IoT, Wearables, Smart Infrastructure, and Industrial Automation

Wireless energy scavenging systems are rapidly gaining traction as a foundational technology for powering next-generation devices across the Internet of Things (IoT), wearables, smart infrastructure, and industrial automation. As of 2025, the convergence of ultra-low-power electronics, advanced materials, and innovative energy harvesting techniques is enabling a new class of self-sustaining devices that minimize or eliminate the need for battery replacement.

In the IoT sector, wireless energy scavenging is being integrated into sensor nodes and edge devices to support large-scale, maintenance-free deployments. Companies such as STMicroelectronics and Texas Instruments are offering energy harvesting ICs that capture ambient energy from sources like radio frequency (RF), thermal gradients, and vibrations. These solutions are being adopted in smart agriculture, environmental monitoring, and asset tracking, where battery replacement is logistically challenging or cost-prohibitive.

Wearable technology is another key beneficiary. Leading manufacturers, including Sony Group Corporation and Samsung Electronics, are exploring wireless energy scavenging to extend the operational life of fitness trackers, medical wearables, and smartwatches. For example, energy harvesting from body heat and motion is being used to supplement or even replace traditional charging methods, enhancing user convenience and device sustainability.

Smart infrastructure—encompassing smart cities, intelligent buildings, and connected transportation—relies on distributed sensor networks for real-time data collection and automation. Wireless energy scavenging is enabling the deployment of maintenance-free sensors for applications such as structural health monitoring, smart lighting, and occupancy detection. Companies like EnOcean GmbH specialize in self-powered wireless switches and sensors that harvest energy from motion, light, or temperature differentials, supporting large-scale, batteryless infrastructure solutions.

In industrial automation, wireless energy scavenging is being leveraged to power condition monitoring sensors, asset trackers, and safety devices in harsh or remote environments. Siemens AG and Schneider Electric are integrating energy harvesting modules into their industrial IoT portfolios, enabling predictive maintenance and real-time analytics without the need for frequent battery changes. This is particularly valuable in sectors such as oil & gas, manufacturing, and logistics, where downtime and maintenance costs are significant concerns.

Looking ahead, the next few years are expected to see further advancements in wireless energy scavenging efficiency, miniaturization, and integration. As standards evolve and ecosystem partnerships deepen, the technology is poised to become a cornerstone of sustainable, autonomous electronic systems across diverse industries.

Competitive Landscape: Leading Companies and Emerging Innovators

The competitive landscape for wireless energy scavenging systems in 2025 is characterized by a dynamic mix of established technology leaders, specialized component manufacturers, and a growing cohort of innovative startups. These players are driving advancements in harvesting ambient energy from sources such as radio frequency (RF), thermal gradients, vibration, and light, with applications spanning IoT, industrial automation, smart infrastructure, and medical devices.

Among the global leaders, Texas Instruments continues to play a pivotal role, offering a broad portfolio of energy harvesting ICs and power management solutions. Their products are widely integrated into wireless sensor nodes and low-power IoT devices, enabling battery-free or extended-lifetime operation. Similarly, STMicroelectronics has expanded its range of energy harvesting and wireless power transfer solutions, focusing on ultra-low-power microcontrollers and power management ICs tailored for industrial and consumer applications.

In the RF energy harvesting segment, Powercast Corporation remains a prominent innovator, with its RF-to-DC converters and transmitters deployed in retail, logistics, and building automation. The company’s technology enables wireless charging and power-over-distance for sensors and low-power electronics, and in 2024-2025, it has announced new partnerships to scale deployments in smart retail and asset tracking.

Emerging players are also making significant strides. Enerbee, a French startup, is commercializing motion-based energy harvesters for industrial IoT and smart building applications, leveraging proprietary micro-generator technology. Meanwhile, Enhancion is developing advanced piezoelectric and thermoelectric energy harvesting modules, targeting wireless sensor networks in harsh environments.

Japanese conglomerate Murata Manufacturing is investing heavily in miniaturized energy harvesting components, including ceramic capacitors and wireless power modules, to support the proliferation of compact, maintenance-free IoT devices. Their collaborations with global electronics manufacturers are expected to accelerate the adoption of energy scavenging in consumer and industrial markets.

Looking ahead, the competitive landscape is likely to see further consolidation as larger semiconductor and electronics firms acquire or partner with niche innovators to expand their wireless energy harvesting portfolios. The focus will remain on improving conversion efficiency, reducing form factors, and integrating energy harvesting with wireless communication protocols. As regulatory and industry standards evolve, interoperability and safety will become key differentiators among leading suppliers.

Recent Breakthroughs: Materials, Miniaturization, and Efficiency Gains

Wireless energy scavenging systems have experienced significant advancements in recent years, driven by the demand for self-powered IoT devices, wearables, and sensor networks. As of 2025, three key areas—materials innovation, miniaturization, and efficiency improvements—are shaping the sector’s trajectory.

In materials science, the development of advanced piezoelectric, thermoelectric, and RF-harvesting materials has been pivotal. Notably, the integration of flexible and stretchable substrates has enabled energy harvesters to be embedded in textiles and conformal surfaces. Companies such as TDK Corporation and Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. have introduced new classes of multilayer ceramic capacitors and piezoelectric films, which offer higher energy densities and improved mechanical durability. These materials are now being used in next-generation wearables and medical sensors, where form factor and reliability are critical.

Miniaturization has also accelerated, with leading manufacturers leveraging microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology to shrink energy scavenging modules. STMicroelectronics has commercialized MEMS-based vibration energy harvesters that can be integrated into industrial sensor nodes, reducing the need for battery replacements in hard-to-reach locations. Similarly, ams OSRAM has developed compact energy harvesting ICs that combine power management and wireless energy capture in a single chip, supporting ultra-low-power wireless sensor applications.

Efficiency gains have been realized through both material improvements and circuit design. The latest RF energy harvesting modules from Seeed Technology Co., Ltd. and Texas Instruments now achieve conversion efficiencies exceeding 60% under typical ambient conditions, a substantial leap from previous generations. These modules are being deployed in smart building systems and asset tracking, where ambient RF signals from Wi-Fi and cellular networks are abundant.

Looking ahead, the convergence of advanced materials, miniaturized form factors, and high-efficiency power management is expected to enable fully autonomous wireless sensor networks by 2027. Industry leaders are investing in hybrid energy scavenging systems that combine multiple modalities—such as solar, thermal, and RF—to maximize uptime and reliability. As standardization efforts progress, interoperability and integration with mainstream IoT platforms are anticipated to further accelerate adoption, positioning wireless energy scavenging as a foundational technology for the next wave of connected devices.

Regulatory and Standards Landscape: IEEE, IEC, and Industry Guidelines

The regulatory and standards landscape for wireless energy scavenging systems is rapidly evolving as the technology matures and deployment scales up across sectors such as IoT, smart infrastructure, and industrial automation. In 2025, the focus is on harmonizing safety, interoperability, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements, with key roles played by international standards bodies and industry consortia.

The IEEE remains central to the development of technical standards for wireless power transfer (WPT) and energy harvesting. The IEEE 1906.1 standard, which addresses nanoscale and molecular communication frameworks, is being referenced for ultra-low-power energy scavenging applications. Meanwhile, the IEEE 802.15.4 standard, widely adopted for low-rate wireless personal area networks (LR-WPANs), is being extended to support energy harvesting nodes, ensuring interoperability and low-power operation in dense IoT environments. The IEEE Wireless Power Transfer Working Group continues to update the IEEE 802.11bb standard, which formalizes light-based wireless power delivery, a promising avenue for energy scavenging in smart buildings and industrial settings.

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is also active, particularly through its Technical Committee 100 and Subcommittee 77, which address EMC and safety for electronic equipment. The IEC 62311 standard, which covers the assessment of electronic and electrical equipment related to human exposure to electromagnetic fields, is being revised to account for new wireless energy transfer modalities. Additionally, the IEC 62827 series, focused on wireless power transfer for audio, video, and similar equipment, is being expanded to include guidelines for energy harvesting devices, with a strong emphasis on user safety and device compatibility.

Industry consortia such as the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) and the AirFuel Alliance are driving the adoption of interoperable standards for both near-field (inductive and resonant) and far-field (RF and microwave) energy transfer. The WPC’s Qi standard, already dominant in consumer electronics, is being adapted for ultra-low-power IoT devices, while the AirFuel Alliance is advancing standards for RF-based energy harvesting, targeting smart sensors and asset tracking.

Looking ahead, regulatory agencies in the US, EU, and Asia-Pacific are expected to introduce updated guidelines for spectrum allocation, EMC, and safety, reflecting the proliferation of wireless energy scavenging systems. The convergence of IEEE, IEC, and industry-driven standards is anticipated to accelerate global market adoption, reduce compliance complexity, and foster innovation in wireless energy harvesting technologies through 2025 and beyond.

Challenges and Barriers: Technical, Economic, and Adoption Hurdles

Wireless energy scavenging systems, which harvest ambient energy from sources such as radio frequency (RF), thermal, or vibrational energy, are gaining traction as enablers for self-powered IoT devices and sensor networks. However, as of 2025, several technical, economic, and adoption-related challenges continue to impede their widespread deployment.

Technical Challenges remain at the forefront. The efficiency of energy conversion and harvesting is a persistent limitation. Most commercially available RF energy harvesters, for example, operate with conversion efficiencies below 50% under real-world conditions, and the available ambient RF power density in urban environments typically ranges from 0.1 to 1 μW/cm²—insufficient for many higher-power applications. Companies such as TX RX Systems and Powercast Corporation are actively developing RF harvesting modules, but their products are generally suited for ultra-low-power devices, such as remote sensors or asset trackers. Furthermore, the unpredictable and intermittent nature of ambient energy sources (e.g., fluctuating RF signals or sporadic vibrations) complicates the design of reliable power management circuits and storage solutions.

Economic Barriers are also significant. The cost of integrating energy harvesting modules—especially those with advanced power management and storage—remains higher than traditional battery-powered solutions for many use cases. While companies like Enhanced RF Solutions and Energous Corporation are working to commercialize wireless power transfer and energy harvesting technologies, the economies of scale have not yet been fully realized. This is particularly true for custom or application-specific designs, where low production volumes keep unit costs elevated. Additionally, the return on investment for deploying wireless energy scavenging systems is often difficult to quantify, especially when compared to the well-understood costs and lifespans of conventional batteries.

Adoption Hurdles include both technical skepticism and regulatory uncertainty. Many potential adopters remain cautious due to concerns about the reliability and longevity of energy scavenging systems in diverse real-world environments. There are also regulatory considerations: for instance, the use of dedicated RF transmitters for power delivery must comply with spectrum allocation and emission limits set by bodies such as the Federal Communications Commission. Furthermore, interoperability standards for wireless energy harvesting are still evolving, which can deter large-scale investments by device manufacturers and infrastructure providers.

Looking ahead, overcoming these challenges will require continued advances in materials science, circuit design, and standardization efforts. Industry collaboration and pilot deployments in controlled environments are expected to accelerate, but mainstream adoption of wireless energy scavenging systems is likely to remain limited to niche applications through the next few years.

Strategic Partnerships and Ecosystem Development

Strategic partnerships and ecosystem development are rapidly shaping the wireless energy scavenging systems sector as the industry moves into 2025. The drive for ultra-low-power, maintenance-free devices—especially in the Internet of Things (IoT), smart infrastructure, and industrial automation—has catalyzed collaborations among semiconductor manufacturers, energy harvesting specialists, and end-user solution providers.

A notable trend is the formation of alliances between leading semiconductor companies and energy harvesting technology developers. For example, STMicroelectronics has been actively collaborating with energy harvesting module manufacturers to integrate their ultra-low-power microcontrollers with advanced energy scavenging solutions. These partnerships aim to deliver reference designs and development kits that accelerate the adoption of wireless energy scavenging in sensor nodes and edge devices.

Similarly, Texas Instruments has expanded its ecosystem by working with wireless power transfer and energy harvesting innovators to ensure compatibility between its power management ICs and a variety of ambient energy sources, such as RF, thermal, and vibration. This approach is fostering a more interoperable and scalable environment for device manufacturers seeking to deploy batteryless or self-powered systems.

On the materials and device front, Kyocera Corporation is leveraging its expertise in ceramics and piezoelectric materials to partner with sensor and IoT device makers, aiming to co-develop modules that can efficiently convert mechanical vibrations into usable electrical energy. These collaborations are crucial for industrial and infrastructure monitoring applications, where reliability and longevity are paramount.

Industry consortia and standards bodies are also playing a pivotal role in ecosystem development. Organizations such as the Bluetooth SIG are working with technology providers to standardize wireless energy harvesting interfaces, ensuring seamless integration with existing wireless communication protocols. This is expected to accelerate the deployment of energy-autonomous devices in smart buildings and asset tracking.

Looking ahead, the next few years are likely to see deeper integration between energy scavenging hardware, wireless communication modules, and cloud-based analytics platforms. Strategic partnerships will increasingly focus on end-to-end solutions, from energy capture to data delivery and actionable insights. As more companies join forces to address interoperability, security, and scalability, the wireless energy scavenging ecosystem is poised for robust growth and broader commercial adoption by 2025 and beyond.

Future Outlook: Disruptive Potential and Long-Term Opportunities

Wireless energy scavenging systems—technologies that harvest ambient energy from sources such as radio frequency (RF), thermal gradients, vibrations, and light—are poised for significant disruption and long-term opportunity as the world moves deeper into the era of ubiquitous connectivity and the Internet of Things (IoT). As of 2025, the convergence of ultra-low-power electronics, advanced materials, and miniaturized energy harvesters is accelerating the deployment of self-powered sensors and devices across industrial, consumer, and infrastructure sectors.

Key players in the wireless energy scavenging ecosystem include semiconductor manufacturers, IoT solution providers, and specialized energy harvesting technology firms. STMicroelectronics and Texas Instruments are actively developing integrated circuits and power management solutions tailored for energy harvesting applications, enabling devices to operate on harvested energy alone or in hybrid configurations. Analog Devices is advancing ultra-low-power analog front ends and energy harvesting PMICs (power management ICs) that support a range of ambient energy sources, while ENECO and Enerbee are innovating in the field of microgenerators and motion-based harvesters.

Recent demonstrations and pilot deployments in 2024–2025 have shown that wireless energy scavenging can reliably power distributed sensor networks in smart buildings, logistics, and industrial automation. For example, batteryless asset trackers and environmental sensors are being rolled out in commercial facilities, leveraging RF and photovoltaic energy harvesting to eliminate the need for battery replacement and reduce maintenance costs. The adoption of energy harvesting in wireless sensor nodes is also being driven by the push for sustainability and regulatory pressure to minimize electronic waste.

Looking ahead, the disruptive potential of wireless energy scavenging systems lies in their ability to enable truly maintenance-free, autonomous devices. This is particularly relevant for massive-scale IoT deployments, where battery replacement is impractical or cost-prohibitive. The integration of energy harvesting with emerging wireless communication standards (such as Bluetooth Low Energy and ultra-wideband) is expected to further expand the range of applications, from smart agriculture to infrastructure health monitoring.

Long-term opportunities are likely to emerge as advances in nanomaterials and microfabrication techniques improve the efficiency and versatility of energy harvesters. Companies like STMicroelectronics and Texas Instruments are investing in research partnerships to develop next-generation materials and architectures. As the ecosystem matures, collaboration between device manufacturers, energy harvester suppliers, and end-users will be critical to standardize interfaces and accelerate adoption.

By 2030, wireless energy scavenging systems are expected to underpin a new class of intelligent, self-sustaining devices, transforming sectors ranging from smart cities to healthcare and environmental monitoring. The next few years will be pivotal in scaling up deployments, refining technology, and unlocking the full disruptive potential of this field.

Sources & References

• Texas Instruments
• STMicroelectronics
• Powercast Corporation
• Energous Corporation
• Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
• Bluetooth SIG
• IEEE
• Ferrotec Corporation
• Laird Thermal Systems
• Analog Devices
• EnOcean GmbH
• Siemens AG
• Enhancion
• ams OSRAM
• Seeed Technology Co., Ltd.
• Wireless Power Consortium
• AirFuel Alliance
• Kyocera Corporation
• ENECO
• Enerbee