Innovative Battery-Free Smart Lock Revolutionizes Access Control
WePower Technologies and Southco are excited to unveil their cutting-edge battery-free smart lock at CES 2026. This groundbreaking technology eliminates the need for batteries and wiring, paving the way for a new era in secure electronic access control. With the integration of Gemns energy harvesting technology, this smart lock demonstrates how future access solutions can be both reliable and sustainable.
Transforming Electronic Access Control
The smart lock concept showcased at CES is powered by WePower's Gemns™ G200 energy harvester. This innovative device utilizes kinetic energy harvesting to power not only the locking mechanism but also wireless communication features. As a result, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) can implement connected locks without the hassle of power wiring while eliminating battery maintenance routines.
Cost and Maintenance Reduction
This wireless smart lock has the potential to significantly reduce maintenance costs and simplify installations for facility operators. By removing the reliance on batteries and extensive wiring, server truck visits can be minimized and equipment downtime avoided. This creates a more efficient system for managing access points in locations like remote enclosures, industrial sites, and data centers.
Smart Functionality and User Control
In addition to its innovative design, the smart lock communicates wirelessly with a dedicated smartphone app, enabling users to control access securely from afar. This flexibility caters to a variety of applications, making it practical for different customer needs, whether they be industrial equipment, secure enclosures, or enterprise access points.
A Collaborative Vision for the Future
WePower Technologies and Southco's collaboration is a significant leap forward in access control technology. Steve Spatig, General Manager at Southco, expressed excitement about the opportunity this solution provides. He stated that their approach simplifies traditional systems into a user-friendly format: swapping existing locks for smart alternatives without complex setup processes. This seamless integration fosters excitement about the future of access control solutions.
Setting New Standards in Sustainability
According to Larry Richenstein, CEO and Founder of WePower Technologies, traditional barriers to electronic access systems, such as battery replacement and wiring, have hindered scalability. Their innovative approach with Southco aims to address these issues, offering maintenance-free, battery-free locks that can be deployed wherever needed. This shifts the entire paradigm, allowing industries to achieve sustainable solutions.
About WePower Technologies
Founded in 2019, WePower Technologies focuses on pioneering energy-harvesting solutions that sidestep the need for disposable batteries. Their patented Gemns™ Energy Harvesting Generator (EHG) technology effectively captures kinetic energy—for instance, from motion or button presses—and converts it into usable power. By maximizing energy output compared to previous models, WePower's devices support advanced wireless communications and sensor technologies.
About Southco
For over 75 years, Southco has been a leader in engineered access solutions. Its Connected Access offerings leverage IoT technology to enhance physical access control, delivering cutting-edge solutions with reduced complexity and cost. With advancements in low-power actuators, Southco is redefining access monitoring and control by integrating innovative energy harvesting technologies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Gemns energy harvesting technology?
The Gemns energy harvesting technology captures kinetic energy and converts it into usable power, eliminating the need for batteries.
How does the battery-free smart lock work?
This smart lock utilizes energy harvesting to power locking mechanisms and wireless communication, ensuring operation without batteries or wired power.
Why are battery replacements a challenge for access control?
Battery replacements can lead to increased maintenance costs and operational downtime, making it difficult to maintain scalable electronic access solutions.
Where can this smart lock be applied?
The lock can be used in various environments, including remote enclosures, data centers, and industrial equipment requiring secure access control.
What is WePower Technologies' mission?
WePower Technologies aims to eliminate disposable batteries in IoT devices, promoting sustainability and reducing electronic waste.
