Sometimes the jumble of wires that snake between outlets, surge protectors, computers, cell phone chargers, printers, iPods and all the associated electronic equipment in our 24/7 21st-century life can be somewhat maddening.

Wouldn't it be great if we could just place a cell phone or laptop or printer on top of a counter, shelf or table and it would receive electricity from the surface, like magic?

Look Ma, No Wires! The PowerMat transmits electrical power to electronic devices placed randomly on the mat.

Yes! This technology is here and it's called Powermat. Powermat transforms surfaces including walls, tables, floors, and desktops into conductors of electricity and is designed to eliminate the need to access multiple electrical sockets.

Like building-integrated photovoltaics, where whole sides and roofs of buildings can become generators of electricity, Powermat technology can be integrated into building construction and design. It can also be integrated into furniture design so that every object in the house can power and charge devices. 

In Japan, Powermat recently began construction of the House Without Wires which will offer a socketless and wireless environment where electrical power is seamlessly integrated into the living environment. Powermat calls this an "extraordinary house of tomorrow" which will be entirely Powermat-enabled, with every surface capable of transmitting energy to power electronic devices, appliances, and household gadgets.

Powermat-enabled surfaces will be so fine-tuned that they deliver only the specific level of power needed for each object placed on it. Energy transfer is minimized or completely eliminated when a device is idle or off.