This episode of IoT Unplugged explores the concept of ambient IoT, a technology designed to power and connect networks of battery-free sensors using energy harvested from the environment.
We find out how ambient IoT works, why it matters, and where it is already being applied, particularly in retail, logistics, manufacturing, and other asset-intensive industries.
The guest is Giampaolo Marino, Chief Strategy and Growth Officer at US-based wireless power specialist Energous, who brings over 25 years of experience in semiconductors, systems, and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) applications.
Marino explains that Energous has spent more than a decade developing RF-based wireless power networks capable of transmitting energy over the air. This energy is harvested by highly efficient sensors, allowing them to operate without batteries.
By removing batteries, ambient IoT enables continuous, autonomous monitoring with no maintenance, unlocking new levels of automation and scalability. The core idea of ambient IoT is to digitise physical assets using sensors that draw power from ambient RF sources, such as dedicated transmitters, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth signals already present in the environment.
The episode addresses the apparent contradiction with basic physics by highlighting advances in ultra-low-power electronics. Modern sensors can operate using microwatts of power, making it feasible to transmit RF energy over distances of 25 to 35 feet and still deliver enough energy to power thousands of sensors simultaneously. Each sensor uses a small antenna and receiving circuit to harvest and rectify RF energy, which then powers sensing functions and Bluetooth Low Energy communication. A single transmitter can support many sensors at once, making the system suitable for large, complex environments such as warehouses and distribution centres.
Marino explains that in practical terms, ambient IoT sensors act as digital twins for physical assets. Once a sensor is associated with an item or pallet, that asset can be tracked automatically throughout its lifecycle, from distribution centres to transport vehicles and into stores. Data is collected continuously and transmitted to the Cloud without the need for manual scanning or human intervention. Use cases include cold chain monitoring, high-value asset tracking, loss prevention, logistics optimisation, pharmaceutical compliance, and manufacturing visibility.
Marino notes that costs for ambient IoT tags have fallen into double-digit cents, narrowing the gap with the cost of RFID and improving return on investment. He says that even small gains in efficiency can translate into savings of millions for large retailers. Adoption has so far followed a typical technology curve, with early adopters proving the value.
Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, Marino identifies artificial intelligence as a major driver, as ambient IoT provides the high-quality, continuous data AI systems require. Future improvements are expected in sensor efficiency and range, further accelerating adoption across industries.
To hear more about what they had to say, listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and at the link below.
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