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The energy contained within lithium-ion batteries has the potential to reshape the technology of the future battlefield, creating a worldwide demand for key lithium-ion battery materials such as lithium, cobalt and nickel, posing a supply problem for future production.

The Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA), the research and development arm of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, announced a multi-year research effort called the Robust Energy Sources for Intelligence Logistics In Extreme, Novel and Challenging Environments (RESILIENCE) program. The goal of the RESILIENCE program is to assure maximum power source reliability in extreme conditions (often for years) where recharging is not possible.

In September, following months of rigorous preparation, the UMD Loop team traveled to Las Vegas to compete in the Not-A-Boring competition, organized by Elon Musk’s The Boring Company. Once there, they worked long days and late nights to get their TBM, comprising more than 4,000 parts and weighing several tons in total, into final shape before competition day.