MILL VALLEY, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Ambient Photonics and Universal Electronics Inc. (UEI) (NASDAQ: UEIC), have entered into a working relationship to significantly reduce the economic and environmental impact of disposable batteries and improve convenience in consumer devices. Embedding Ambient’s first-of-its-kind low light energy harvesting photovoltaic (PV) technology into connected devices can eventually eliminate the replacement and labor costs required to replace batteries as well as reduce the carbon footprint of a battery-powered device by up to 90 percent, according to a 2020 literature review study commissioned by Ambient. The companies plan to reveal more details of their current work together at CES 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“We think about smarter living holistically, including everything from how to create frictionless and new consumer experiences to employing technology that’s better for the planet. Ambient’s revolutionary low light PV cells are smarter in every sense of the word, potentially enabling a new generation of hassle-free connected devices of uncompromising quality that are also sustainable,” said Arsham Hatambeiki, SVP Product & Technology for UEI.

Connected and smart electronics require continuous power, which has historically meant batteries must be periodically replaced or recharged. Often depleted batteries may cause gaps in device operation leading to consumer frustration. Safe disposal is a challenge while recycling can be difficult and expensive. Even in markets like California where batteries must be diverted from waste streams by law, less than 1 percent of batteries find their way into authorized recycling programs according to a report commissioned by the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery.

“As a first-mover and innovator, UEI has thoroughly benchmarked the performance and reliability of our novel solar cells to validate the enormous market potential for self-powered devices,” said Ambient CEO Bates Marshall. “UEI is proactively solving their customers’ battery-related pain points, like eliminating battery replacement. Our planned collaboration can serve to bring both cost savings and sustainability benefits to a market that has been constrained far too long by battery-based power systems.”

Ambient dye sensitized PV cells generate as much as three times more power than amorphous silicon cells, which have served as the most commonly used photovoltaic solution for indoor applications. This unique high power density under LED, fluorescent or diffuse sunlight coupled with a breakthrough industrial printing process enables made-to-order cells for high volume electronic device manufacturers.

To learn more about Ambient’s breakthrough technology and self-powered devices, visit: ambientphotonics.com.

About Universal Electronics Inc.

Founded in 1986, Universal Electronics Inc. (NASDAQ: UEIC) is the global leader in wireless universal control solutions for home entertainment and smart home devices. We design, develop, manufacture, ship and support control and sensor technology solutions and a broad line of universal control systems, audio video accessories, and intelligent wireless security and smart home products. Our products and solutions are used by the world’s leading brands in the video services, consumer electronics, security, home automation, climate control and home appliance markets. For more information, visit www.uei.com.

About Ambient Photonics

Ambient Photonics was founded in 2019 in California to bring low light energy harvesting technology to mass scale. The company’s low light solar PV cells deliver ground-breaking power density from a broader spectrum of ambient light, inspiring a new era in connected device form and function. Ambient works with leading global smart home and IoT device manufacturers on embedded solar cells to deliver superior design possibilities, performance, sustainability and consumer convenience. Explore endless power at: ambientphotonics.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the Safe-Harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words and expressions reflecting something other than historical fact are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including the timely development, delivery and market acceptance of products and technologies identified in this release; the successful development and manufacturing of underlying technologies by Ambient, the ability of UEI to purchase the Ambient PV cell products identified in this release in the quantities anticipated by management; the continued penetration and growth of battery-less and self-powered technology and other products and technologies identified in this release; and other factors described in UEI’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The actual results that UEI achieves may differ materially from any forward-looking statement due to such risks and uncertainties. UEI undertakes no obligations to revise or update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this release.