Wireless Sensors Without Batteries Open Up a World of New Applications

MENLO PARK, Calif. & BOSTON & MUNICH, Germany--Sept. 8, 2004--

3i-Backed EnOcean to Introduce Revolutionary Wireless and Battery-Free Sensors to American Product Designers

EnOcean GmbH, a German-based Siemens AG spinoff, today announced that it will introduce its wireless and battery-free sensors at the 2004 Wireless Sensing Solutions Conference, September 21-22 in Rosemont, Illinois. The company develops and commercializes a revolutionary technology that combines energy scavenging systems with ultra low power consumption radio technology.

"There is a quiet revolution going on. Imagine a world where doctors can implant sensors in their patients to constantly monitor chronic conditions. A world where tires are constantly monitored from the inside to make sure their pressure is always in a safe range for the load being carried. A world where office partition walls are moved around and the controls for lighting and air-conditioning are just stuck to the walls wherever it is convenient, without a second thought for how to wire them. These are just tiny samples of the kind of applications that become possible when you can create a wireless sensor that has no batteries," explained Markus Brehler, CEO of Munich-based EnOcean GmbH.

EnOcean's sensors are unique in combining two advanced technologies. First, they scavenge minute amounts of energy from the environment around them, perhaps from a small temperature change, or the vibration of a movement, or the pressure of someone turning a switch. Then, that energy is used to transmit very short duration, very low energy consumption radio signals containing data collected by the sensor. The result is sensors that do not need batteries and therefore do not need maintenance.

Removing the need for maintenance not only drastically reduces the life-cycle costs of a sensor, it also opens up the possibility of numerous new applications.

Achim Lederle, Investment Director at 3i, commented: "It was the technology's broad spectrum of application, first and foremost, that convinced 3i to participate in the funding. The far-reaching miniaturization of EnOcean's systems opens up a wealth of new and highly promising growth markets for battery-less radio technology."

The building automation industry has been the first to launch and install EnOcean products. Building systems technology manufacturers such as OSRAM, WAGO, Wieland and Beckhoff have all designed EnOcean technology into their portfolio and numerous buildings are being monitored and controlled by this technology today.

In addition, EnOcean launched joint developments with major automotive suppliers in 2003. Tire pressure monitors will be the first products to market in this industry, with other applications to follow. The market for tire pressure systems is expected to be approximately 20 million systems worldwide in 2006; the market for buildings is about 100 million switches and sensors.

Brehler commented: "Having had such a great success with this technology in Europe we are looking forward to using the Rosemont show as a platform to introduce the designers of America to the extraordinary possibilities it offers. We are currently the only company anywhere in the world to have made this breakthrough. Not only that, we have a proven track record in its use."

About EnOcean

Headquartered in Oberhaching, near Munich, EnOcean GmbH was founded in 2001 as a spin-off from Siemens AG. Financing is provided by venture capital firms Wellington Partners, 3i, enjoyventure Management, Siemens Venture Capital and Baytech Venture. Its groundbreaking "battery-free solution" forms the basis of the technology offerings from EnOcean GmbH. The products stemming from this technology, namely easily integrated maintenance-free radio modules, are marketed to system integrators worldwide. End products "enabled by EnOcean -- no batteries, no wires" are employed in a diverse range of market segments, e.g. building automation, industrial manufacturing and automotive technology. EnOcean GmbH currently employs 23 staff. The company was awarded the Bavarian Innovation Prize 2002 in June of that year for its globally unique technology. The first products featuring EnOcean technology were installation switches from "PEHA" which have been available from specialist electrical dealers since mid 2003.

About 3i

3i is a world leader in private equity and venture capital. We focus on buyouts, growth capital and venture capital and invest across Europe, in the United States and in Asia Pacific. Our competitive advantage comes from our international network and the strength and breadth of our relationships in business. These underpin the value that we deliver to our portfolio and to our shareholders.

In the year to 31 March 2004, 3i invested EUR 1,469 million, including co-investment funds. 3i's buyout business concentrates on the mid and smaller buyout markets in Europe and Asia Pacific and invested EUR 738 million in the year to 31 March 2004. Our growth capital business invested EUR 470 million in the year to 31 March 2004 in high growth companies expanding organically or through acquisition. 3i's venture capital business invested EUR 261 million in the year to 31 March 2004 in early stage technology companies.