New Mobile Power Charger Technology Could be Used in Unmanned Systems

By Caroline Rees / 04 Jan 2013

Smart Sourcing for Unmanned Systems

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Follow UST

Alta Devices' Mobile Charging Mat

Alta Devices has provided a glimpse of the future of mobile power with the announcement of reference designs for the world’s lightest, and highest energy density, flexible military charging mats. The smallest of these chargers, which convert light into electricity, weighs just 4 ounces, has dimensions that are slightly larger than a sheet of paper, and can provide significant power to a soldier in the field without the need for an alternative fuel source.

The technology that makes these military chargers possible will also be introduced in unmanned systems, consumer electronics, automobiles, and a variety of industrial, remote power applications. “We have come to rely on mobile machines and devices that always need a source of power whether it be the grid, batteries, or fuel,” said Chris Norris, president and CEO of Alta Devices. “But in the next decade, we will come to expect mobile power that is transparently available at all times.”

Alta’s new military charger designs give a picture of how that world may look: according to the Army Research Laboratory, a soldier’s load can weigh 100 pounds, over a third of which are batteries. Alta’s technology can reduce that battery weight by 70 percent, saving approximately 25 pounds of pack weight. This reduction allows troops to stay nimble and extend their mission without the need to be resupplied.

In addition to being adopted by the military to improve the effectiveness of soldiers, Alta’s mobile power technology is targeted at manufacturers of unmanned aerial vehicles to increase flight times, at industrial suppliers in the mining and exploration markets to provide remote power, at consumer electronics makers to minimize the need to recharge, and at the automotive industry to provide supplemental power or to increase range in vehicles of all types.

“There are nearly limitless opportunities for always-available mobile power,” said Norris. “We are initially targeting applications where the need is well understood and the opportunity is substantial. Over time, we see huge markets being enabled by this kind of mobile power.”

Posted by Caroline Rees Caroline co-founded Unmanned Systems Technology and has been at the forefront of the business ever since. With a Masters Degree in marketing Caroline has her finger on the pulse of all things unmanned and is committed to showcasing the very latest in unmanned technical innovation. Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

ARK FPV Flight Controller Now Supports Betaflight

The ARK FPV Flight Controller, a leading flight control solution for FPV drones, now officially supports Betaflight firmware

Feb 06, 2025
Aurora’s Energy Lab Pushing Limits of Battery & Fuel Cell Tech

Explore how Aurora Flight Science's advanced energy lab is enhancing battery efficiency, extending flight endurance, and revolutionizing fuel cell technology

Feb 06, 2025
Volatus Aerospace Partners to Introduce Heavy-Lift Hybrid-Electric Drone

Volatus Aerospace partners to introduce Dufour Aerospace's Aero2 heavy-lift, hybrid-electric VTOL drone, enhancing UAV capabilities for cargo transport, surveillance, and critical aerial operations in remote regions

Feb 06, 2025
New AI-Driven Counter-Drone Technology Enhances Threat Detection

Sentrycs’ introduces HORIZON, an advanced AI-powered solution for detecting DIY drones in real-time, offering impressive detection, tracking, and mitigation capabilities against emerging drone threats

Feb 06, 2025
The Importance of Hardware Redundancy in UAS Autopilots

Embention outlines how hardware redundancy in autopilot systems enhances the reliability and resilience of control systems in UAS, eliminating single points of failure and ensuring uninterrupted missions

Feb 06, 2025
New Indoor Inspection Drone Released for Cost-Effective Surveys

Terra Drone is introducing the Terra Xross 1, an indoor inspection drone featuring LiDAR, visual odometry, and a tiltable 4K camera for improved safety and efficiency

Feb 06, 2025

Featured Content

Compact Remote ID Receiver Released for Enhanced Drone Safety

Dronetag has introduced RIDER, a pocket-sized, drone-agnostic Remote ID receiver designed to improve airspace situational awareness and support commercial and public safety applications

Jan 30, 2025
New GCS Software Released for C100 Quadcopter

Performance Drone Works introduces PDW CORE, a comprehensive software bundle enhancing the C100 quadcopter's capabilities with a new UI, flight simulator, mission planner, ATAK integration, and fleet management tools

Jan 29, 2025
Advanced Signal Mapping Tool Released for Effective UAV Flight Planning

Elsight has launched HeatSight, a signal strength mapping tool that provides UAV operators with reliable cellular coverage data, improving flight planning efficiency and safety for BVLOS missions

Jan 28, 2025
Doodle Labs Unveils Mobile App for Managing Mesh Networks

Doodle Labs is introducing the Mesh Rider® Mobile App, providing intuitive tools for managing wireless mesh networks across devices such as ground control stations (GCS) and UAVs

Jan 23, 2025
Advanced FOG-Based Inertial Sensing Solutions for Drones & Robotics

Aegiverse's products feature a multi-layered architecture that combines multiple elements into a compact module, providing significant, size, weight and cost reductions

Jan 21, 2025
“Surveillance as a Service” UAV Solution Launched

Volatus Aerospace’s “Surveillance as a Service" solution will use drone technology to provide secure, multi-modal surveillance for faster response times and actionable intelligence

Jan 16, 2025