Ambient Photonics and Universal Electronics Inc. Work Together to Bring Sustainable Power to Home Entertainment and Smart Home Devices

Rhea-AI Summary

Universal Electronics Inc. (NASDAQ: UEIC) and Ambient Photonics are collaborating to integrate groundbreaking low light energy harvesting technology into consumer devices, aiming to reduce battery costs and environmental impact by up to 90%. This partnership will enable self-powered devices, potentially revolutionizing the industry. By utilizing Ambient's high power density solar cells, UEI addresses battery-related challenges and enhances convenience for consumers. Further details will be revealed at CES 2022 in Las Vegas.

Positive

• Collaboration with Ambient Photonics to embed solar technology, potentially reducing battery replacement and labor costs.
• Reduction of carbon footprint from battery-powered devices by up to 90%.
• High power density solar cells generate three times more power than traditional amorphous silicon cells.

Negative

• None.

High power density solar cells eliminate device battery waste and operational replacement costs

MILL VALLEY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Ambient Photonics and Universal Electronics Inc. (UEI) (NASDAQ: UEIC), have entered into a working relationship to significantly reduce the economic and environmental impact of disposable batteries and improve convenience in consumer devices. Embedding Ambient’s first-of-its-kind low light energy harvesting photovoltaic (PV) technology into connected devices can eventually eliminate the replacement and labor costs required to replace batteries as well as reduce the carbon footprint of a battery-powered device by up to 90 percent, according to a 2020 literature review study commissioned by Ambient. The companies plan to reveal more details of their current work together at CES 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Ambient's high power density solar cells to significantly reduce the economic and environmental impact of disposable batteries and improve convenience in consumer devices. (Photo: Business Wire)

“We think about smarter living holistically, including everything from how to create frictionless and new consumer experiences to employing technology that’s better for the planet. Ambient’s revolutionary low light PV cells are smarter in every sense of the word, potentially enabling a new generation of hassle-free connected devices of uncompromising quality that are also sustainable,” said Arsham Hatambeiki, SVP Product & Technology for UEI.

Connected and smart electronics require continuous power, which has historically meant batteries must be periodically replaced or recharged. Often depleted batteries may cause gaps in device operation leading to consumer frustration. Safe disposal is a challenge while recycling can be difficult and expensive. Even in markets like California where batteries must be diverted from waste streams by law, less than 1 percent of batteries find their way into authorized recycling programs according to a report commissioned by the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery.

“As a first-mover and innovator, UEI has thoroughly benchmarked the performance and reliability of our novel solar cells to validate the enormous market potential for self-powered devices,” said Ambient CEO Bates Marshall. “UEI is proactively solving their customers’ battery-related pain points, like eliminating battery replacement. Our planned collaboration can serve to bring both cost savings and sustainability benefits to a market that has been constrained far too long by battery-based power systems.”

Ambient dye sensitized PV cells generate as much as three times more power than amorphous silicon cells, which have served as the most commonly used photovoltaic solution for indoor applications. This unique high power density under LED, fluorescent or diffuse sunlight coupled with a breakthrough industrial printing process enables made-to-order cells for high volume electronic device manufacturers.

To learn more about Ambient’s breakthrough technology and self-powered devices, visit: ambientphotonics.com.

About Universal Electronics Inc.

Founded in 1986, Universal Electronics Inc. (NASDAQ: UEIC) is the global leader in wireless universal control solutions for home entertainment and smart home devices. We design, develop, manufacture, ship and support control and sensor technology solutions and a broad line of universal control systems, audio video accessories, and intelligent wireless security and smart home products. Our products and solutions are used by the world's leading brands in the video services, consumer electronics, security, home automation, climate control and home appliance markets. For more information, visit www.uei.com.

About Ambient Photonics

Ambient Photonics was founded in 2019 in California to bring low light energy harvesting technology to mass scale. The company’s low light solar PV cells deliver ground-breaking power density from a broader spectrum of ambient light, inspiring a new era in connected device form and function. Ambient works with leading global smart home and IoT device manufacturers on embedded solar cells to deliver superior design possibilities, performance, sustainability and consumer convenience. Explore endless power at: ambientphotonics.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the Safe-Harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words and expressions reflecting something other than historical fact are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including the timely development, delivery and market acceptance of products and technologies identified in this release; the successful development and manufacturing of underlying technologies by Ambient, the ability of UEI to purchase the Ambient PV cell products identified in this release in the quantities anticipated by management; the continued penetration and growth of battery-less and self-powered technology and other products and technologies identified in this release; and other factors described in UEI’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The actual results that UEI achieves may differ materially from any forward-looking statement due to such risks and uncertainties. UEI undertakes no obligations to revise or update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this release.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211005005874/en/

Christine Bennett for Ambient Photonics

christine@cleantechcommunication.com | +1 925.330.4783

Shoshana Leon for Universal Electronics Inc.

sleon@uei.com | +1 480-521-3354

Source: Ambient Photonics

FAQ

What is the partnership between Universal Electronics Inc. (UEIC) and Ambient Photonics about?

The partnership focuses on integrating low light energy harvesting technology into consumer devices, which aims to reduce battery usage and environmental impact.

How much can the new solar technology reduce the carbon footprint of devices?

The technology can reduce the carbon footprint by up to 90%.

When will more details about the UEIC and Ambient partnership be revealed?

More details will be shared at CES 2022 in Las Vegas.

What advantages do Ambient's solar cells have over traditional photovoltaic solutions?

Ambient's solar cells generate three times more power than traditional amorphous silicon cells, making them more effective for indoor applications.

How does this partnership address battery-related consumer frustrations?

It aims to eliminate the need for battery replacements, addressing issues related to depleted batteries and waste disposal.