Bendable Batteries

Panasonic unveils a flexible lithium ion battery at Japanese technology fair Ceatec.

13:25 05 October 2016

Panasonic has unveiled a bendable battery that could be used in wearables such as watches, fitness bands and smart clothing. The flexible lithium ion battery was unveiled at Japanese technology fair Ceatec.

 

However, this is not the first time that a company has work on flexible technology.

 

Ben Wood, an analyst with research company CCS, said: "Other manufacturers such as LG and Samsung are also putting huge efforts into more flexible technology, be that in batteries, screens or more."

 

"I'd wager that Panasonic's new technology is just one piece of a more complex jigsaw, and it will be some time before we see truly disruptive devices emerging."

 

Panasonic’s flexible battery is 0.55mm thick and is designed for use in “card-type and wearable devices.” According to the company, it could “retain its characteristics” even after being repeatedly bent.

 

Mr Wood said that such batteries could “provide scope for disruptive new curve designs” that could help manufactures that "seek to deliver exciting new devices in the growing sea of sameness that characterises electronic products".

 

However, he admitted that the release of bendable batteries does not mean that there will be no more challenges ahead.

 

"Flexible batteries alone do not solve all the design challenges as the other materials and components also need to be flexible.”