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Tech Inspired By Nikola Tesla Charges Drones In Mid-Air

• popsci.com By Kelsey D. Atherton

Everything that flies must eventually land. Unless, say, it's an all-electric drone that can recharge while in flight. Researchers at Imperial College London have demonstrated a way to transfer electricity wireless to a flying drone. Even better: they did so building on a concept pioneered by Nikola Tesla.

From Imperial College London:

The technology uses inductive coupling, a concept initially demonstrated by inventor Nikola Tesla over 100 years ago. Two copper coils are tuned into one another, using electronics, which enables the wireless exchange of power at a certain frequency. Scientists have been experimenting with this technology for decades, but have not been able to wirelessly power flying technology.

Removing the battery from an off-the-shelf drone, the researchers attached a copper ring to the drone's electronics.