Swedish furniture titan IKEA is known for its whimsical store layout. Its labyrinth of fully decorated and sleekly furnished display rooms are effective at representing items for everyday use, allowing customers to mix, match and imagine. With its announcement of plans to incorporate Qi technology into its furniture, IKEA will add a touch of tech-sorcery to its whimsy. Everything from night stands to desks, to desk lamps will have surfaces that can wirelessly charge your mobile devices.
The technology that makes this possible, Qi, pronounced “Chee,” was developed by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC). Power transmission pads make it possible to transfer energy to distances of a little less than two inches (four cm) with compatible devices. Today, this includes approximately 81 smartphones, and a plethora of other mobile accessories.
The idea of turning basic furniture surfaces into charging stations has already been adopted by some cafes, restaurants, hotels and airports. But bringing this technology to the house is a game-changer for IKEA—already an internationally leading furniture retailer—and its brick-and-mortar and online competitors.
Even more intriguing is the fact that IKEA’s leg-up on the competition extends beyond its industry reach. Companies that already design and manufacture transmission panels with Qi technology such as Power Matters Alliance and Rezence now have to compete with IKEA. By selling furniture with Qi technology already built-in, the furniture gurus have effectively consolidated two market niches into a single product. Current projections suggest an average of $22 more than the regular item, which is not substantial for larger pieces of furniture.
Not to mention, IKEA plans to add wireless charging kits designed to interlock with existing furniture to their repertoire of nifty products. Customers who aren’t enchanted enough by the idea of redecorating with innovative new nightstands and tables still have the option to enhance their perfectly normal and still-functioning furniture for approximately $34.
Years ago, if someone proposed that a furniture company would be competing with innovative tech companies, we might have said, “sure, that will be the day.” Well, today is that day. Or technically, that day is still yet to come. But when it does, which should be soon now, IKEA might just begin paving the way for a thriving new market niche: furniture-infused technology. Or is it technology-infused furniture?
Dominick Sorrentino is an editor for TMC and its technology and communications properties.
Edited by
Maurice Nagle
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