Dezeen Magazine

Lilin Jiao models Nect wireless charger on "parasitic relationships"

Lilin Jiao models Nect wireless charger on "parasitic relationships"

OPPO x RCA Humanising Technology: Nect is an "air-charging" technology for mobile phones that Lilin Jiao has modelled on the behaviour of parasites.

Intended for use in a person's home, Nect harvests heat and kinetic energy from nearby household products to ensure that the occupant's mobile phone does not run out of power.

The concept takes its cues from "the parasitic relationships in the natural world" and imagines mobile phone devices that power themselves – negating the need for wired-chargers.

Nect was developed by Jiao while enrolled on the Royal College of Art's MA Design Products programme, during which she answered a brief set by OPPO London Design Centre – the design hub of global technology company OPPO.

"The project envisions how products can harvest energy," explained OPPO London Design Centre. "Different energy stations positioned around the home can transfer harvested energy to the mobile phone whenever needed."


Global technology company OPPO is presenting seven people-centric projects by five Royal College of Art students that were developed in collaboration with its design hub, OPPO London Design Centre.

The five featured students were among eight of those mentored by the global technology company while studying the MA Design Products programme, during which they answered a brief entitled Humanising Technology.

See OPPO's selection of projects from the OPPO x RCA Humanising Technology collaboration here.