US Army Funds Development of Wireless Charging System for Wearable Batteries

The US Army has awarded Yank Technologies a $2-million contract to further develop wireless charging systems for wearable batteries used by soldiers inside military vehicles.

Currently, army personnel rely on wired charging solutions for Conformal Wearable Batteries (CWBs) and other portable electronics. 

These systems can be vulnerable to connection failures caused by terminal wear and tear and often require frequent battery swapping. 

The limitations increase logistical demands and add to the operational burden for soldiers in the field. Existing wireless charging technologies typically require fixed alignment and cannot reliably deliver power while users shift positions or move.

Advancing Wireless Power

Under the award, Yank Technologies will continue developing a wireless charging system designed to power CWBs while soldiers remain inside vehicles, regardless of posture or movement. 

The system is expected to be integrated into a military vehicle seat and a warfighter tactical vest for testing and validation against military environmental standards.

The contract aims to advance the technology from readiness level 4 to 6, a stage that typically involves prototype demonstration in a relevant operational environment.

The company previously demonstrated a prototype capable of charging wearable batteries dynamically while being worn and used. The system was reviewed by army engineers in 2025.

Wireless power technologies are being explored as militaries seek to reduce dependence on wired connections, improve equipment reliability, and streamline power management for increasingly networked soldier systems.

If adopted, such systems could also reduce the number of spare batteries required in army inventories.

Josh Yank, CEO of Yank Technologies, said the follow-on contract is intended to prepare the system for potential integration into future army programs.