Battery-Free Technology Could Render Dangerous Toys a Thing of the Past--Why Laws Alone Aren't Keeping Kids Safe

The need for safer power solutions is clear. A Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) study reported over 54,000 emergency room visits and at least 25 child deaths linked to button battery exposure between 2011 and 2021. ⁽¹⁾ In response, Congress passed Reese's Law in 2022, requiring child-resistant compartments for consumer products using button batteries. ⁽²⁾ Yet risks remain.

How Powercast Makes Toys Safer and Smarter

Powercast's wireless power technologies can be integrated directly into toy designs, enabling either battery-free operation or sealed rechargeable systems. These solutions eliminate the need for exposed battery compartments and open up new possibilities for safe, creative play. For example, a toy storage bin could wirelessly recharge toys placed inside it, a game board could light up interactive pieces without cords, or a tabletop surface could charge any compatible toy set on it. Whether through continuous low-power charging or burst recharging, Powercast's technologies deliver flexible, scalable solutions for the next generation of toy innovation.

Key Benefits of Wireless Power in Toys:

• Enhanced Safety: Wireless power technology allows devices like toys, remotes, and small appliances to operate without batteries or exposed cords, eliminating risks such as swallowing small parts, toxic leaks, and charging hazards. Fully sealed designs make devices tamper-proof, water-resistant, and far safer for children and pets—dramatically reducing the chance of injury or malfunction.
• Continuous Play: Toys are always powered within the designated wireless power coverage area, eliminating interruptions due to dead batteries.
• Convenience: No need to purchase, replace, or charge batteries.
• Environmental Friendliness: Reduces the environmental impact of disposable batteries.
• Innovative Design Possibilities: Enables new interactive features and play patterns without the constraints of battery compartments, charging connectors, and wiring.

"Wireless power has come a long way, and we've been leading that evolution from the beginning," said Goetz. "For over 20 years, we've been developing and deploying this technology across various industries. Today, it's not just innovative—it's proven, practical, and delivering real-world safety benefits, like eliminating the need for dangerous button batteries in toys."

The Button Battery Crisis: Hidden Dangers That Persist

In December 2020, 18-month-old Reese Hamsmith died after swallowing a button battery from a remote control. In response, her mother, Trista Hamsmith, advocated for stronger safety regulations, leading to the passage of Reese's Law in 2022. This legislation requires consumer products containing button batteries—such as toys—to include child-resistant compartments, along with secure packing to make button batteries difficult for children to access.

Yet despite these regulations and some manufacturing updates—such as adding bitter coatings to batteries—the risks remain. A Consumer Reports investigation found that nearly one-third of 31 tested children's products still posed button battery hazards due to poor labeling or easy accessibility. ⁽³⁾ Medical experts, including the late Dr. Toby Litovitz, founder of the National Capital Poison Center, have long warned that this problem requires more than safeguards—it demands a complete shift away from button battery use. ⁽⁴⁾

Powercast's wireless power technology delivers exactly that. By enabling either battery-free power or sealed rechargeable energy systems, the company makes it possible to eliminate exposed batteries altogether. Toys can now be fully enclosed—reducing the risk of choking, chemical leaks, and tampering—while also eliminating the need for manual battery changes.

As toy safety regulations continue to tighten and consumer awareness grows, Powercast's wireless power technologies provide not only exceptional convenience but also valuable peace of mind for parents. The FCC-approved technologies harnesses RF, inductive, and magnetic resonance wireless power, much like the radio waves used by routers and mobile phones—proven, safe, and reliable.

"Despite years of legislation, button batteries still injure children," said Goetz. "Wireless power offers a safer alternative that also enhances user experience—it's a better solution for everyone."

About Powercast Corporation

Powercast Corporation, founded in 2003 and based in Pittsburgh, PA, is the go-to resource for wireless charging solutions, ranging from short to long distances and from microwatts to kilowatts, with the industry's broadest technology portfolio backed by over 300 patents worldwide. We design, develop, and manufacture semiconductor chips as well as complete wirelessly powered products, enabling various levels of customer integration.

Powercast's solutions include RF power-over-distance charging, high-performance inductive charging systems, and low-power sensors with up to 25-year battery life. With flexible magnetic resonance systems, Powercast positions itself as the industry's most comprehensive source for wireless power technology. For more information, visit https://www.powercastco.com.

Reference

1. "Button Cell and Coin Battery Business Guidance." U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, cpsc.gov/Business--Manufacturing/Business-Education/Business-Guidance/Button-Cell-and-Coin-Battery.
2. L., Kelly, Robin. "H.R.5313 - 117th Congress (2021-2022): Reese's Law." 16 Aug. 2022, congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/5313.
3. Kirchner, Laureen. "One-Third of Toys and Household Items With Button-Sized Batteries CR Tested Pose a Hazard to Children." CONSUMERREPORTS, 17 Dec, 2024, consumerreports.org/electronics-computers/batteries/button-batteries-in-toys-home-items-pose-hazard-to-children-a8831148288/.
4. Reyes, Emily Alpert. "Button batteries pose deadly risks to children. Doctors want them to be made safer." Los Angeles Times, 29 Nov. 2024, latimes.com/california/story/2024-11-29/button-batteries.

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SOURCE Powercast