Annual CES Unveiled event showcases technology of the future that is here right now

New technology on show at the annual CES Unveiled event is almost beyond belief.

Benjilock founder Robbie Cabral shows off his joint venture with Hampton for key and fingerprint recognition locks at the CES Unveiled media preview event 2020, in Las Vegas. Picture: AP

The ability to transmit electric power through the air without cables is now reality and it will soon be coming to market.

At the world’s premium global technology event, start-up Wi-Charge discussed its system which transmits two watts of power to devices up to 30 feet (9.1 metres) away.

The system was among new technology on show at the annual CES Unveiled event that takes place at the start of the show.

Wi-Charge power is transmitted through the air using infra-red. The signal is received by a small device embedded in receiving gadgets the size of a USB stick.

While two watts is small, the company said it was enough real-time power for a laptop’s wireless keyboard and mouse. There is no need for cables or to physically recharge a battery.

Spokesman Yuval Boger told The Australian the system suited charging smartwatches, phones, cameras and home alarms remotely. They don’t need to be on a charging mat.

The Wi-Charge system also can trickle charge devices that need more power but only require it periodically, so that their battery is always at full capacity. Smart curtains that open and close once or twice daily are examples. Boger said that over time he expected the power rating to increase.

The Wi-Charge makes cable clutter on desks a thing of the past, with no manual charging needed.

CES Unveiled featured mainly start-ups and cutting edge technology being brought to market. Some larger firms take part, too.

CES Moen tap.

CES Numi toilet.

Moen showcased a new kitchen tap system that lets you switch the tap on and off using your voice. That’s not all: you can also ask Google or Amazon Alexa to deliver, say, 200ml water at 70 degrees Celsius, eliminating the need to measure water and temperature when cooking.

It also means hands-free operation when your hands are covered in flour.

Using your voice to turn on a bathroom tap and shower will inevitably follow, as will using voice commands to operate a toilet.

Kohler’s Numi toilet, on show at the event, lets you use gestures to operate it.

French firm ST37 Sport et Technologie demonstrated its new artificial intelligence-capable robotic sports umpire that can be taught to adjudicate different sports. The company said it had already been primed for umpiring tennis, fencing, slalom kayaking, and horse riding, but not yet sports such as cricket.

A spokeswoman said about 80 per cent of the coding was used across sports and about 20 per cent was sport specific. But it’s expensive at this time. One umpire costs about €6500 ($10,450) and for a tennis match you need five of them.

Smart Mimic showed off a portable home-style security system you can take travelling. You can arm your BnB or hotel room with the device and be informed of any movement or tampering with it while you are out sightseeing. The company also displayed a special security device for bicycles.

Adok showcased a small, smart projector that projects a computer desktop onto an ordinary table. You can operate the computer by pressing icons, scrolling and doodling with your fingers on the table as you would on a regular laptop.

Wello displayed an extension of an electric bike with two front bicycle wheels and one at the back. It can be used like a motor scooter but is bicycle technology.

For those into inline skating, Czech Republic firm Stopskate revealed a speed and braking control system operated by a small handheld remote control.

CES Stopskate.

Wayzn showed off an installable controller for sliding doors that allows for remote control and for pet access. You can program the Wayzn Slide to be motion controlled, mobile controlled, or to open when it senses your dog’s collar. It integrates with third party smart cameras and smart sensors.

Smart motorcycle helmets, cuddly social robots, and smart letter boxes that email details about a delivery were among other devices on show.

CES Benjilock.

Benjilock displayed a new door lock that can be opened in four ways: by your fingerprint, a code, a key and via a smartphone app.

Juno unveiled an electric cooler that chills a can of soft drink in one to two minutes, and a larger bottle in four minutes. It uses thermoelectric technology and the company said it was energy efficient.

Smardii displayed s smart nappy designed for the elderly that offers urine and stool detection, real time urinalysis, body positioning information, fall detection, wander prevention and temperate readings. The company claims the smart nappies will be only marginally more expensive than standard disposable nappies.

The Unveiled event is the first of three big gadget night events being held during the conference.

Chris Griffith is attending CES in Las Vegas courtesy of Hisense.