© Unsplash/De an Sun
Its name probably doesn't mean anything to you, but Betavolt Technology, a Chinese startup, announces an impressive innovation in the field of batteries. To put it simply, it promises that these productions based on the ” miniaturization of atomic energy batteries “ could allow them to last until at 50 years for certain devices, particularly smartphones. As for drones, they could fly continuously without requiring recharging.
How it works ?
Concretely, the company has placed 63 nuclear isotopes in a module even smaller than a room of currency. And the Beijing-based company clarified:
Betavolt atomic energy batteries can meet long-lasting power supply needs in multiple scenarios, such as aerospace, AI equipment, medical equipment, microprocessors, advanced sensors, small drones and micro-robots.
Confident, she adds: « This energy innovation will help China get a head start in the new round of AI technological revolution. »
As for how exactly this technology works: it is the energy released by the disintegration of isotopes which is subsequently converted into electricity. Enough to provide constant power for a very long time.
It is not new, and it was already used on Soviet and American nuclear submarines in the last century. But what has changed is miniaturization which today allows new applications that until now seemed impossible.
A problematic innovation ?
Although potentially spectacular, this creation nonetheless remains worrying for ordinary mortals . But the startup wants to be reassuring: “The atomic energy battery developed is safe, produces no external radiation and is suitable for use in medical devices such as pacemakers , artificial hearts and cochleae in the human body».
We will of course have to wait for real marketing to verify the company's promises. We will also see if the authorities validate this process and deem it sufficiently safe. In the meantime, our colleagues from Futurismrightly urge caution. They recall that a startup called NBD had raised $1.2 million for a similar battery, supposed to last thousands of years. However, the latter never saw the light of day.
For your part, what do you think of this idea of such a durable battery ? Is this a major or worrying step forward ? Or both at the same time ? Don't hesitate to share your feelings in the comments.
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