- Converts outdoor and indoor light into clean, continuous
energy
- Potential to eliminate the need for millions of single-use
batteries every year
- Allows for hands-free operation and seamless communication with
co-workers on the jobsite
ST. PAUL, Minn., Jan. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- At CES 2024,
3M will debut the world's first
self-charging protective communications headset that converts
outdoor and indoor light into clean electrical energy. The headset
uses a patented solar cell technology called Powerfoyle™ that
recharges a built-in lithium-ion battery and eliminates the need
for single-use batteries. So, whether you are working outdoors in
the sun or inside with artificial light, your headset will
continuously charge.
"This technology is a real game-changer," said Peter Berghamn,
business director of 3M PELTOR.
"3M is relentlessly focused on
inventing for tomorrow and the advanced engineering and materials
science woven into these headsets has created a perfect blend of
performance, design, protection, and sustainability. With more than
70 years of experience in communications equipment, our 3M™ PELTOR™
brand has pushed to offer an ever-evolving range of product
solutions to meet customers' needs."
3M partnered closely with Swedish
tech company Exeger to optimize the Powerfoyle solar cells by
using 3M's film technology. Exeger's manufacturing of Powerfoyle
runs on 100% clean energy at its two Stockholm locations.
"I am extremely proud to see this world's first brought to
market by 3M," said Giovanni Fili, CEO and founder of Exeger. "The
environmental benefits of replacing single-use batteries alone will
have a significant positive impact for the industry and help set a
new standard in convenience and sustainability. 3M is one of the most influential brands in the
world and has been an incredible partner for us in this
journey."
In addition to light-harvesting capabilities, the 3M™ PELTOR™
WS™ ALERT™ XPV Headset includes many advanced features that allows
workers to stay safe, connected and productive.
The headset can connect with Bluetooth technology enabled
devices and offers a noise-cancelling microphone to enable easier
and clearer conversations, even in noisy work environments.
The PTL (Push-to-Listen) feature allows you to hear your
surroundings without removing your headset by pausing Bluetooth
streaming and activating the ambient/environment microphones to
listen to nearby colleagues and sounds.
Users can quickly adjust the settings using the headset's
glove-friendly push buttons and receive voice confirmation of the
changes without ever having to remove the hearing protection.
The headset comes with the 3M™ Connected Equipment app that
allows you to adjust settings and monitor solar cell energy levels,
as well as statistics from energy used. It is also partly produced
with recycled plastics and electronics and supports Over-the-Air
(OTA) firmware updates to help prolong the product lifetime.
Headsets are expected to be available for purchase in
March 2024.
About 3M
3M (NYSE: MMM) believes science
helps create a brighter world for everyone. By unlocking the power
of people, ideas and science to reimagine what's possible, our
global team uniquely addresses the opportunities and challenges of
our customers, communities and planet. Learn how we're working to
improve lives and make what's next at 3M.com/news.
About Exeger
Exeger is a Swedish company with a unique solar cell technology
that converts all forms of light into electrical energy. This
material, Powerfoyle, is the world's only fully customizable solar
cell. With its superior design properties, it can be integrated
seamlessly into any electronic device.
Powerfoyle enhances every product it is integrated into with
extended or even unlimited battery life, putting the power of
cutting-edge solar cell technology directly in the hands of people.
Exeger is leading the way to energy independence through more
sustainable and user-friendly products – with the vision to touch
the lives of a billion people by 2030.
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SOURCE 3M Company