Battery-free technology is based on innovative energy harvesting mechanisms, such as those used in Iloq’s digital key and smartphone-based smart access solutions. These state-of-the-art systems eliminate the need for batteries or external power sources and offer a secure, sustainable, maintenance-free and cost-effective alternative to conventional mechanical or battery-powered electronic locks.

In Iloq’s digital key-based smart lock solution, the energy required to recognise access rights and open the locks is generated from the kinetic energy created when the key is inserted into the lock. It’s that simple. No batteries, cables, WiFi or internet connection are required. Iloq cylinders can be installed in new buildings or retrofitted in existing buildings in seconds using a standard screwdriver. No drilling or modifications to doors or existing infrastructure are required.

Sustainability and security

In addition to the cost savings resulting from the elimination of battery purchases and regular maintenance, there is the added convenience of being able to program all access rights required for movement within a building onto a single digital key. You no longer need to carry heavy bunches of keys with you and you don’t have to worry if you lose your key or it is stolen, as it is simply locked and therefore unusable if someone finds it. Access rights can be quickly and easily programmed onto a new key. This makes the system ideal for residential, commercial and institutional properties where sustainability and security go hand in hand.

One of the main advantages of this solution is that using a digital key feels exactly like using a traditional mechanical key – there is nothing new to learn. This makes the system suitable for a wide range of people, including younger users, older people and those who are less familiar with technology.

Smart locks with smartphone technology

One of the most groundbreaking developments in the smart lock industry is the use of passive NFC-based smart locks (Near Field Communication). Iloq is a pioneer in this field and developed and launched the world’s first and most advanced battery-free and keyless smart lock system back in 2016.

Iloq’s keyless, smartphone-based smart locks draw the energy needed to recognise access rights and open the locks directly from the NFC induction of the smartphone when it is held up to the lock – no batteries, no wiring and no physical keys. This adds to the list of advantages of Iloq’s solutions, which are already known for their reliability, ease of maintenance and cost efficiency. And as mentioned above, the cylinders can be installed or retrofitted in seconds without special tools.

Until now, smartphone-based smart locks have been preferred mainly by customers in critical infrastructure sectors. However, they are now also becoming increasingly popular in apartment buildings, student residences, commercial and municipal buildings.

Developing a battery-free smart lock requires more than just doing away with the power source. The following components are necessary:

• Energy-efficient electronics that consume minimal power.
• Secure digital key management to ensure that access rights are always up to date.
• Robust mechanical construction that can withstand harsh environmental conditions.
• Cloud-based or mobile access management platforms for real-time updates and monitoring.

Additional benefits of battery-free smart locks

Switching to a battery-free smart lock system offers numerous benefits:

• No battery waste – since no batteries are required, there is no environmental impact from disposal or replacement – an environmentally friendly choice for green buildings and sustainability-oriented companies.
• Minimal maintenance – with no batteries to replace, maintenance costs and on-site visits are drastically reduced, saving time and money over the lifetime of the lock.
• Enhanced security – access rights can be updated remotely and instantly, and lost keys can be disabled immediately – no need to replace locks.
• Seamless user experience – users can unlock all their doors with just one digital key or their smartphone, making access quick, intuitive and secure.
• Scalable and versatile – from student residences to utility cabinets, Iloq’s battery-free solutions can be adapted to a wide range of applications and environments.