Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) technology has seen remarkable progress in recent years, with rapid advances in research and development driven by its expanding range of applications. This open research meeting provided a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in WPT, addressing topics from industry-academia collaboration and educational initiatives to real-world implementation. Through a series of presentations and discussions, participants explored the future of WPT technology from multiple perspectives, grounded in concrete examples of technical development and field demonstrations.

Prof. Naoki Sakai (Kanazawa Institute of Technology) introduced rectenna research and development toward the social implementation of microwave power transmission systems. To improve rectennas' efficiency, he presented two techniques for high-power operation and two for low-power operation: (1) a novel rectenna structure in which linear circuit functions for the rectifier are implemented by the antenna itself, and (2) a gated anode diode (GAD) that enables high-power rectification. (3) a high-impedance antenna utilizing the parallel resonant circuit between the loop antenna and the diodes' capacitance, and (4) GaAs GAD with low-threshold voltage. Moreover, he explained a wire-loop antenna structure to apply these techniques for quasi-millimeter-wave rectennas.

Prof. Tamami Maruyama (Hiroshima Institute of Technology) presented research conducted with students from the National Institute of Technology, Hakodate College, during her tenure there. Her presentation covered intriguing phenomena observed during experiments on simultaneous bidirectional power transfer via magnetic coupling, as well as the successful demonstration of simultaneous powering of multiple LEDs inspired by the Yagi-Uda antenna design. Furthermore, Prof. Maruyama introduced unique research themes rooted in the local context of Hokkaido, such as wireless power transfer utilizing abandoned railway tracks and microwave-based snow melting. The presentation also provided insights into the challenges encountered during the research and the efforts made to secure funding.

Dr. Naoto Egashira (Mobile Techno Corp.) introduced the objectives and activities of the WPT Contest Committee, a subcommittee of the IEICE Technical Committee on WPT. First, the committee's establishment purpose and roles were presented. Second, the effects and impact of WPT contests was described, drawing upon the presenter's experiences. Finally, details of previous contests were shared, along with key considerations for steering of a contest.

Dr. Shinji Abe (Power Wave Co., Ltd.) introduced the development of a novel capacitive wireless power transfer technology and its potential to transform mobility infrastructure. Originating from fundamental university research, the speaker highlighted how the subsequent launch of a start-up has accelerated the transition from laboratory to real-world deployment. Specific focus was placed on applications to automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and other logistics robots, alongside field validation results from a national demonstration project sponsored by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT). Key technical advantages?such as high tolerance to misalignment, high transmission efficiency, and ease of installation via a thin, flexible electrode structure?were discussed in detail. The talk concluded by framing this capacitive WPT technology as a foundational enabler for sustainable, automated mobility systems and outlining remaining challenges toward broader societal integration.

Each of these presentations addressed technologies that are essential for the practical deployment and widespread adoption of WPT. The meeting provided a valuable opportunity for participants to share insights into the latest trends, research directions, and challenges in wireless power transfer technology. It is our hope that the knowledge and perspectives gained through this event will contribute to the further advancement of WPT research and its real-world applications.