WPC introduces Ki for the cordless kitchen

At the consumer electronics show in Berlin, the consortium’s booth had demonstrations of prototype kitchen appliances powered wirelessly via Ki. The standard will wireless deliver up to 2.2kW to smart appliances without a cable in sight.

Ki works in a similar way to the existing Qi standard for mobile device charging. A Ki power transmitter will connect to a Ki-enabled smart appliance, such as a kettle or toaster before the appliance is switched on.

The WPC said that transmitters will be integrated into dual-function induction cooker tops or in the form of standalone transmitters initially before hidden transmitters mounted under kitchen worktops, islands or tables will be available. The hidden transmitters will work with any non-metallic surface.

To minimise the risk of kitchen hazards, a Ki transmitter will only send power to a Ki appliance. If anything else is placed on the transmitter, no power will be send.

One of the first companies to bring a Ki appliance to market is Midea, which demonstrated its Celestical Flex series of kitchen appliances at IFA. The series includes a Ki kettle, blender and steamer. Other appliance manufacturers which are WPC members include  Beko, Philips and Miele.