Beyond Batteries: The Future of Forever Devices

As Faber later had to clarify, the concept of a “forever mouse” wasn’t an actual product but merely an idea. Her comment garnered so much attention that she had to confirm it wasn’t about any specific device. 

But, when seen in the right context, Faber’s words weren’t really about a mouse at all—they were about something much bigger. The widespread reaction missed the larger point she was making.

Faber wasn’t simply hyping up her company with a hypothetical product. She was highlighting a paradigm-shifting movement in the tech industry—a rethinking of how we approach innovation, design, and, ultimately, technology itself.

There is simply no running away from the fact that the tech industry has developed some pretty unsustainable habits over the past few decades - habits like planned obsolescence, short upgrade cycles, proprietary repair mechanisms and deliberately sub-par build qualities have contributed massively to our massive e-waste problem.

The sheer ridiculousness of this constant upgrade culture we see around us is all too tired a trope - it’s common knowledge at this point that we’ve allowed tech companies to bamboozle us with their scarcity-driven marketing. 

While the smartphone unequivocally represented a huge breakthrough in communication and information technology, it has now become emblematic of this economic sleight of hand that’s being perpetrated by tech giants - a carousel of perpetual consumption, where smartphones are released year after year accompanied by meticulously crafted marketing narratives designed to cloak their predecessors in a veil of inadequacy. 

These practices deplete rare earth minerals, place enormous amounts of strain on water reserves and contribute to the generation of millions of tonnes of electronic waste. 

It is estimated by the WHO that over 62 million tonnes of e-waste was produced in the year 2022! Of this, only a paltry 22.3% was formally recorded to have been recycled. These are truly terrifying numbers! We are fast approaching a point where we will be compelled to change course dramatically or face some seriously dire consequences. 

We’ve created a system (yes we’re all responsible for this!) that has normalised wastefulness and apathy towards precious natural resources. Faber’s forever mouse is emblematic of a new paradigm emerging among tech leaders who understand the precarity of this situation we find ourselves in - a paradigm that prioritises durability, repairability and sustainability over relentlessly churning out low-quality products and in turn, neglecting long-term welfare for short term gains. 

The Battery Problem

15 billion batteries are produced every year! That’s a crazy number! Here’s another crazy number –  62 million tonnes of e-waste is generated every year, making its way into landfills and our oceans. 

This is a grave threat to all life on our planet. 

Batteries were once seen as a lifeline that would take us to a greener and more sustainable future. But today, the stark reality of batteries is there for everyone to see. Modern Li-ion batteries use rare minerals that are concentrated in specific parts of the world - Lithium and Cobalt for the most part. 

Lithium mining ravages water tables and wreaks havoc on local ecosystems. Cobalt is largely found in one country - the Democratic Republic of Congo - and is mined by child miners who get paid a pittance and end up developing chronic illnesses that severely impact their futures.

The basic point we’re trying to get at is this - our massive global appetite for batteries is a huge red flag in terms of sustainability. For a number of years now, there has been a growing realization that we need a viable alternative power solution. Batteries are not the green power solution that they’re made out to be. 

The Rise of Energy Harvesting

This is where energy harvesting technology enters the picture. What if our everyday devices could power themselves using ambient energy from their environment? It's not science fiction—it's happening right now.

Energy harvesting technology allows devices to capture and utilize energy from various sources:

• Movement and vibration (kinetic energy)
• Light (solar energy)
• Temperature differences (thermal energy)
• Radio frequency signals (RF energy)

This technology is particularly suited for low-power devices like computer peripherals, which is why Faber's "forever mouse" concept isn't as far-fetched as it might seem. Modern ultra-low-power microcontrollers can operate on incredibly small amounts of energy—we're talking microwatts here. By harvesting energy from the environment, these devices can operate indefinitely without ever needing a battery change.

Beyond the Mouse: A New Paradigm

The implications of this technology extend far beyond just computer mice. Imagine a world where all your peripherals—keyboards, headsets, remote controls, game controllers—never need battery replacement. But it's more than just convenience; it's about fundamentally changing our relationship with technology.

This new paradigm is built on several key principles:

1. Durability by Design

Durability is one the defining principles behind this new wave of forever devices. Products that are designed to last for decades and not just 3-4 years. High-quality materials and builds that stand the test of time and don’t ask for incessant upgrades. 

Moreover, modularity is a major part of this as well - modular designs that allow for repairs and upgrades. 

2. Software-First Innovation

This is all about enabling continuous improvement through updates and rolling out new features without necessitating hardware replacements. 

Which means that devices get to have extended lifespans simply as a result of optimisation and sound design. 

3. Sustainable Materials

This one’s pretty much a no-brainer. Recycled and recyclable components form the crux of sustainable design which is built around responsible sourcing and minimal environmental impact.

The Economic Shift

Critics might argue that such durable devices would hurt companies' bottom lines. However, this view is increasingly outdated. Companies like Logitech are recognizing that sustainability isn't just good for the planet—it's good for business:

Customers are willing to pay premium prices for lasting quality. Over the course of their ownership, this would imply lower warranty and support costs - not to mention the brand loyalty that companies stand to build through commitment to ethical practices. Moreover, this also opens the doors to new revenue streams from software and services,. 

Technical Innovation Meets Environmental Responsibility

The technology enabling this revolution is already here. Ultra-low-power microcontrollers, like ONiO.zero, can operate on minimal energy while providing robust processing capabilities. These cutting-edge chips represent a quantum leap in energy efficiency, starting up from less than 1μW of power and seamlessly operating on various energy harvesting sources. They maintain reliable wireless connectivity while processing complex inputs, all with minimal power consumption, making them ideal for the next generation of sustainable devices.

The Path Forward

The shift to batteryless peripherals won't happen overnight, but the momentum is building. Industry leaders are recognizing that the future of consumer electronics lies not in planned obsolescence, but in creating lasting value through sustainable innovation. This monumental transition demands comprehensive industry collaboration on standards alongside sustained investment in energy harvesting research. Success will also depend on effective consumer education about sustainable technology and supportive policy frameworks for sustainable manufacturing practices.

A New Chapter in Tech Evolution

Faber's "forever mouse" concept represents more than just a product idea—it's a symbol of where technology needs to go. As we face increasing environmental challenges, the tech industry must evolve from being part of the problem to becoming part of the solution.

The future of consumer electronics isn't about churning out endless new models or forcing unnecessary upgrades. It's about creating devices that last, that improve over time, and that respect both user needs and environmental constraints.

Conclusion

The transition to batteryless, sustainable peripherals represents a crucial step toward a more sustainable tech industry. It challenges us to rethink not just how we power our devices, but how we approach technology consumption as a whole.

As we move forward, the success of this transition will depend on continued innovation in energy harvesting technology, commitment from industry leaders, and support from consumers who understand that the best technology is that which serves both human needs and environmental sustainability.

The "forever mouse" might have been just a concept, but the future it represents is very real—and it's closer than we think. We're entering an era where technology can truly last forever, powered by the world around us, designed for durability, and built with the planet in mind.