The Front Door Takes Center Stage: Smart Lock Innovations from CES 2026
CES 2026 marks an important turning point for the smart lock market, with numerous innovations emerging in biometrics, power technology and protocol standardization.
1. Revolution in Power Technology: Ending Battery Anxiety
Battery dependency has long been the Achilles' heel of smart locks, and we are seeing breakthroughs across multiple directions in 2026:
Kinetic Energy Harvesting
WePower Technologies (now renamed Gemns) and Southco have demonstrated kinetic energy harvesting technology, which generates electricity from the mechanical motion of opening and closing doors to power electronic lock components, potentially enabling lifetime battery-free operation.
Infrared Wireless Charging
Lockin introduced “AuraCharge”, a device based on infrared beams that can remotely charge the internal battery of the lock over short distances. It has an effective range of 4 meters (line of sight), with completely invisible infrared beams that are safe for household members.
Perovskite Solar Power
DESLOC unveiled the V150 Plus, said to be the first consumer-grade smart lock integrated with perovskite solar cells. This new photovoltaic technology offers higher power generation efficiency than traditional silicon-based panels under low-light conditions.
2. Expansion and Integration of Biometrics
Palm Vein Recognition
The ULTRALOQ Bolt Sense by Xthings (launched in Q2 2026) combines 3D facial recognition with palm vein authentication for touch-free entry.
DESLOC’s K140 Plus also features contactless palm vein recognition and radar-activated gesture unlocking.
New Z-Wave Standard
The Z-Wave Alliance introduced the new User Credential Command Class, standardizing how smart locks and security systems manage different user access methods (fingerprint, PIN, passcode), enabling a single fingerprint to unlock the door and disarm the security alarm simultaneously.
3. Innovative Integration of Product Forms
3-in-1 Integrated Solution
Chamberlain Group (known for garage door openers) entered the smart lock market with the myQ Secure View 3-in-1 device, integrating a smart lock, video doorbell, and indoor intercom in one unit, supporting facial recognition, fingerprint scanning, and app-based access.
DIY Smart Lock
Kwikset launched the Aura Reach, a DIY smart lock supporting Matter and Bluetooth, with hands-free auto-unlock, proximity-wake keypad, and other features.
4. Multi-Dwelling & Property Management Market
Lockly introduced TapCom, a wireless video intercom solution that allows guests to check in, unlock doors, and video-call hosts via NFC devices or QR codes.
Alfred launched the DB1 Pro smart lock, supporting Z-Wave Long Range, ideal for large-scale deployment in property management.