The MacArthur Foundation awarded the Genius Grant to WiTricity (wireless electricity), a new technology that has the ability to charge batteries in laptops, mobile phones, MP3s, etc. – remotely! Initially, research scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) looked at radio waves. This approach was dropped because the radio waves dispersed in all directions, losing their power. Lasers did not produce good results either: the beam was focused to the point of being dangerous and perfect alignment was required. Casting about for new concepts, MIT came up with a system of electromagnetic resonators to transfer energy wirelessly. How does it work? A copper coil transmitter creates a uniform magnetic field of a few MHz in an average-sized room (about 100 square feet). The transmitter resonates with a receiver located approximately two meters away, creating a strong connection, strong enough to transfer energy with very little impact on the environment. The source can identify and select the frequency of the target that needs to be charged, regardless of its position in space or obstacles that might be in the way. The system made its debut in January 2009 at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.