EnOcean, a Siemens spin-off, is developing a fully wireless light (or any other device) switch, no batteries required. Using a piezoelectric generator, the act of pushing the switch generates just enough electricity to transmit its unique switch code. Claimed range of the switch comes in at around 300 meters, which should give end-users plenty of flexibility. Other devices coming from EnOcean include a wireless magnetic contact module (to check the open/closed status of a door or window) and repeater modules to extend the range of their devices. Very cool stuff integrating low-power electronics, incredibly small generators and intelligent RF design.
Corporate Site [EnOcean via ElectronicsWeekly]
Scott Clevenger writes: There is a kiosk in our mall here in Norfolk, Va. hawking these Lightning Switches. From what I can tell they work pretty darn good and have a good range. So if you must have one now, pay a visit to their kiosk in McArthur Center Mall in Norfolk (http://www.shopmacarthur.com/) or get one off the interweb.
