The desk will also function as a battery charger

In the futuristic office, the desk will also add battery charging functionality. Users simply put their cell phones, BlackBerrys or iPods on the table as the device will be charged.

Mark Schurman, spokesman for Herman Miller, said that his company has recently been licensed by Fulton Innovation to use eCoupled - a common charging system for any device that eliminates the need for a separate charger. each device.

Jim Lynch, president of the Association of Professional Office Managers, says an integrated eCoupled workbench will help businesses reduce the cost of purchasing a charger for individual devices.

Fulton Innovation's David Hazlett says the eCoupled system loads energy for devices through electromagnetic fields. Just place the device in the electronic field of eCoupled, the system will identify and start charging the device.

(Photo: Reuters) Fulton Innovation's eCoupled technology can charge various devices from mobile phones to mixing machine or table lamp. Herman Miller is currently integrating eCoupled into the office desk and is considering implementing the system in other areas, says Hazlett.

Some vendors such as Visteon auto parts makers and Motorola cellphone makers are also in talks with Fulton Innovation to buy eCoupled licenses.

Visteon spokeswoman Melissa Andrade said her company plans to launch a charger that could be integrated into the car's lighters this summer.

However, there is not yet a mobile device that integrates eCoupled systems so Visteon customers want to use this technology and they need to purchase a Mobility Electronics porting device. It will also be available this summer and will be compatible with Motorola phones, iPods and other devices.

Hazlett said cellphone manufacturers will soon integrate eCoupled.

Hoang Dung