Yank Technologies Secures $2M U.S. Army Contract for Wireless Charging Technology Development
Key Insights
Yank Technologies (search) received an 18-month, $2 million U.S. Army Phase II SBIR contract to advance wireless charging systems for warfighter wearable batteries in military vehicles.
The company's wireless charging system addresses operational challenges by charging batteries while warfighters are in motion, regardless of their posture and positioning within vehicles.
The technology will advance from TRL-4 to TRL-6 and be integrated into military vehicle seats and tactical vests for future Department of War missions.
Yank Technologies (search), a Brooklyn-based wireless power innovator, has secured an 18-month, $2 million follow-on U.S. Army Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II contract to develop wireless charging systems for warfighter wearable batteries within Department of War military vehicles.
The contract addresses significant operational challenges with current wired charging systems used by the U.S. Army. Existing wired chargers suffer from reliability issues primarily due to wear and tear of connection terminals, while also requiring frequent swapping of Conformal Wearable Batteries (CWBs). This creates a cumbersome operational burden for warfighters and forces the Army to maintain excessive battery inventory.
Technology Advancement and Integration
Yank Technologies (search)' wireless charging system offers a solution by seamlessly charging batteries while warfighters remain within vehicles, regardless of their posture and positioning. Unlike conventional wireless chargers that require precise, fixed alignment and cannot power batteries during movement, this system maintains functionality even as users change positions in real-time.
The company successfully completed a wireless power system in 2025 that charges CWBs while being used and worn by warfighters. Army engineers reviewed the system, which demonstrated the ability to deliver power consistently despite changing user posture and positioning.
Under the new contract, Yank Technologies (search) will advance the system from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 to TRL-6, preparing it for integration into future U.S. Army programs and missions. The system will be integrated into military vehicle seats and warfighter tactical vests, with verification for military environmental standards.
Broader Technology Platform
The company is developing a universal wireless power and data platform adaptable across multiple applications and industries, including mobility, aerospace, defense, and consumer sectors. With over seventy patents and patents pending, Yank Technologies (search) focuses on eliminating bulky and unreliable cables and connections to increase durability, operational efficiency, and enable new product capabilities.
"This follow-on U.S. Army contract prepares and advances these wireless power systems to reliably and dynamically charge warfighter wearable batteries for future Department of War missions," said Josh Yank, CEO of Yank Technologies (search). "Wireless power will significantly enhance warfighter capabilities while reducing expenses for the U.S. Army."
The technology promises to increase battery reliability, minimize battery swapping requirements, expand future capabilities of warfighter electronics, and reduce excess battery inventory for the U.S. Army.