Sony have taken their wireless communication technology to the next level in the latest innovation involving the FeliCa NFC chip and home consumer appliances. The company announced yesterday that they have developed a system capable of enabling authentication and communication between a device and the plug socket power supply, meaning personalized electricity usage control for home owners and can act as a theft deterrent.
The new system uses Sony’s FeliCa IC chip technology, embedding the chips into home appliances such as televisions and computers. Reader writers are then installed into the plug sockets which communicate with the devices wirelessly using radio frequency when the appliance gets plugged in. After the reader authenticates the device and owner it can then allow power to flow to the appliance and data such as exactly how much power is being drawn and duration of usage can then be recorded.
The system has a number of different potential uses including as an anti theft device where appliances won’t work with any other plug socket other than the one it is prescribed to communicate with. The video also suggests a future where users will be able to switch between energy sources and could also usher in the possibility of mobile phone like electricity plans where users can choose flat rates or pay-per-use. Sony also comment that it would help in the ability to conserve power to certain appliances by being able to monitor and prescribe how much electricity flows to what device to be used in smart homes and HEMS systems.
There is also the potential to install the system in public spaces for pay-per-charge style stations where electricity can be measured and controlled, or discourage those who nurse a single small cup of coffee for hours on end whilst sucking on the electricity taking up the space and working away in a busy coffee shop. On the back of electricity concerns in Japan last summer as a result of the Fukushima disaster, we have seen a growing amount of innovation in the energy sector appealing to a much more energy conscious consumer.
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Darrell is a native of the U.K. and has been in Japan since 2002. He consults on innovation and strategy at the 
Wow; I like how more and more sleek the Sony products are becoming. However, I can’t help but feel that this item is really… A bit unnecessary, though I suppose it depends on the person and their needs. Interesting, though. Can’t wait to see what Sony comes up with next!
Well-observed post. I cited it here:
http://vertatique.com/ict-energy-and-japan-earthquake-tsunami