SonicEnergy™

High-Level Overview

SonicEnergy™ (formerly uBeam) was a technology company developing wireless charging via ultrasound, aiming to transmit power over distances using safe ultrasonic array technology.[1][2][3][4] It targeted consumers and devices needing "Always-On Wireless Energy™," solving the problem of cable clutter by beaming power through the air at frequencies of 45-75 kHz and intensities of 145-155 dB SPL via phased array techniques.[1] Despite early hype and prototypes, the company showed no commercial product launch and ceased operations in February 2024, marking stalled growth momentum after multiple CEO changes and restructurings.[1]

Origin Story

Founded in 2011 (or 2012 per some records) in New York by Meredith Perry, a University of Pennsylvania student, SonicEnergy originated from Perry's win in the PennVention invention competition.[1] The idea emerged from her prototype demo at The Wall Street Journal's D9 conference in May 2011, gaining media buzz including USA Today coverage.[1] Perry stepped down as CEO in September 2018, replaced by Jacqueline McCauley (acting), then Simon McElrea (who rebranded to SonicEnergy in 2018), Will Kain (acting from 2019-2021), reflecting turbulent leadership amid development struggles, culminating in shutdown in February 2024.[1]

Core Differentiators

• Ultrasonic Power Transmission: Claimed unique "power-at-a-distance" using ultrasound beams from polarized beam polymer speakers, enabling wireless energy without line-of-sight inductors, unlike RF or magnetic alternatives.[1][2][3]
• Safety and Reliability Focus: Marketed as "ultrasafe" with specific frequencies (45-75 kHz) and phased array directionality for targeted, always-on delivery to devices.[1][3][4]
• Over-the-Air Convenience: Aimed for ease-of-use in consumer settings, solving tethered charging by beaming power through air, though prototypes remained non-commercial.[1]

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

SonicEnergy rode the wireless power trend in the 2010s, amid rising demand for cable-free charging in IoT, mobiles, and EVs, fueled by market forces like consumer frustration with ports and advances in beamforming.[1][2] Timing aligned with early wireless standards (Qi), but physics skepticism—ultrasound inefficiency over distance and safety concerns at high dB levels—hindered viability, influencing ecosystem caution toward unproven acoustic power claims.[1] It highlighted hype risks in cleantech startups, contributing to investor wariness in speculative energy transmission without scalable demos.

Quick Take & Future Outlook

With operations ending in February 2024, SonicEnergy has no active future; its IP may resurface via acquisition, but core tech faced insurmountable efficiency hurdles.[1] Trends like gallium nitride chargers and far-field RF (e.g., from Energous) have eclipsed ultrasound approaches, evolving influence toward cautionary tales on overpromising physics-defying demos. This ties back to its bold origin: innovative ambition met real-world limits, underscoring validation needs in wireless energy pursuits.