Science is cool

And there are lots of really smart scientists working at Intel.

SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) - Intel on Thursday showed off a wireless electric power system that analysts say could revolutionize modern life by freeing devices from transformers and wall outlets.

Intel chief technology officer Justin Rattner demonstrated a Wireless Energy Resonant Link as he spoke at the California firm's annual developers forum in San Francisco.

Electricity was sent wirelessly to a lamp on stage, lighting a 60 watt bulb that uses more power than a typical laptop computer.

Most importantly, the electricity was transmitted without zapping anything or anyone that got between the sending and receiving units.

"The trick with wireless power is not can you do it; it's can you do it safely and efficiently," Intel researcher Josh Smith said in an online video explaining the breakthrough.

This is one of those Jetson-like inventions that can fundamentally alter modern life. Without getting too pie in the sky, imagine if cities could laid green-powered transmitters into the road bed, essentially giving electric vehicles infinite range within the city center, with the added benefit that commuters could drive in from the ‘burbs and get a recharge once they are close to work. Then you have the city electronically toll drivers that use the system to pay for the system. Something like that would lower pollution, carbon emissions, dependence on oil, etc.