One category at CES that has always amazed me is smart locks. With products already offering voice, face, and palm recognition, along with solar-powered, battery-operated, and on-grid options, it’s easy to wonder what more can be added to this space. Lockin, a Chinese company, thinks there’s still room for innovation. Lockin is showing the V7 Max smart lock at CES 2026, which the company says never needs recharging or battery replacements. So how does it work?
According to The Verge, which was among the first to report on it, the lock is powered through wireless optical charging, with infrared light continuously beamed at the device to provide low-level power from afar. To put that into context, a small device plugged into a regular indoor outlet sends a beam toward the lock, which has a compact receiver panel that converts the light into power, much like a tiny solar panel absorbing sunlight.
Lockin says that the “technology is certified by two independent organizations and is safe for people,” implying it won’t harm eyes or the body if the beam is crossed. However, charging stops if the beam is interrupted. On the downside, the lock itself is a mortise-style lock, which means it’s not a simple swap for a regular deadbolt and will likely need professional installation.
In terms of features, the lock includes a built-in camera, speaker, touchscreen, AI-powered recognition, and vein recognition, making it far more advanced than a typical smart lock. One feature I particularly liked is screens on both sides, enabling two-way video communication.
From a compatibility standpoint, V7 Max connects using Matter, so it works with Google, Apple, Amazon, and Samsung smart home systems without needing an extra hub. However, for setup and advanced AI features, such as detecting package deliveries or playing pre-recorded messages for delivery drivers, users will need to use Lockin’s own app.
When it comes to design, the lock boasts a rectangular profile with a pocket-style handle and a big display on the inside. The outside panel has a touchscreen and two cameras, letting it work like a video doorbell. CNET, who has had a close look at the design of both lock and base station points, “base station itself isn’t particularly large, about the size of a small speaker, so you can set it on an entry table or mount it.”
As expected, this feature-packed lock likely won’t come cheap. While the company hasn’t revealed pricing yet, shipments are expected to begin in July or August this year. Lockin will also offer a more affordable version with the same wireless charging technology but without the video features. That model is priced at $350 and is set to launch in April.
