ZF showcases battery-free energy harvesting at Light+Building 2026

At Light+Building 2026, ZF Friedrichshafen AG will present its latest energy harvesting solutions for intelligent buildings and smart spaces. From March 8–13, visitors can experience ZF’s technology in Hall 12.1, Stand A11, with a focus on sustainable, battery-free wireless controls.

At the center of the exhibit is ZF’s energy harvesting generator, a compact, highly efficient solution that converts kinetic energy into usable electrical power. Using an inductive principle, the generator produces the energy required for wireless radio transmission directly from the mechanical actuation of a switch or control element—eliminating the need for batteries or external power supplies.

This approach allows switches and sensors to be installed anywhere without cabling. Because there are no batteries to replace, the systems operate maintenance-free throughout their entire lifecycle, significantly reducing operating and service costs while improving sustainability.

The generator is available in monostable and bistable variants, with or without integrated radio electronics. ZF supports multiple communication standards, including EnOcean, KNX, Bluetooth, as well as custom protocols, ensuring seamless integration into existing building automation systems.

ZF’s energy harvesting technology is suitable for a wide range of applications, from building and industrial automation to mobility and medical technology. At Light+Building, the company will demonstrate real-world smart building use cases, including wireless light switch modules with EnOcean or KNX, intelligent window handles and locks, and battery-free door locking solutions.

By combining compact design, high efficiency, and wireless flexibility, ZF’s energy harvesting solutions support the development of smarter, more energy-efficient, and sustainable buildings—without the maintenance burden of conventional powered systems.

www.zf.com