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Iris Technology and Ultralife Team Up for Tactical Edge

In a groundbreaking development, Iris Technology has announced the collaboration with Ultralife to launch the Power HIVE mission power node, specially designed to meet the pressing energy demands of dismounted and expeditionary military teams. The modern battlefield requires more energy than ever, with devices such as radios, UAV controllers, sensors, and networking gear requiring efficient power management from a limited battery supply.

Addressing Energy Demands

As the military landscape evolves, the challenge of battery capacity has shifted from merely having enough stored energy to how effectively this energy can be managed and utilized in the field. The demands placed on tactical teams necessitate a solution that simplifies power management while ensuring operational effectiveness. This is where the Power HIVE comes into play.

Iris Technology's Power HIVE, or Hub for Integrated Versatile Energy, provides a sophisticated answer to the complexities of managing energy needs at the tactical edge. By leveraging Ultralife’s high-capacity UBI-2590 UBBL13-01 battery, the Power HIVE aims to improve how military units utilize their available energy resources.

Features and Innovations

The UBI-2590 battery is integral to the Power HIVE's functionality. With a remarkable capacity of 288Wh, it supports flexible operation at both 15V and 30V. Moreover, its military-grade construction ensures robustness in challenging environments, while the integrated state-of-charge visibility aids users in monitoring battery performance.

Power HIVE brings together multiple BB-2590 class batteries to create a regulated mission power node that not only supports simultaneous load and charging but also allows for hot-swap capability. Real-time telemetry across the battery stack is another feature, providing operational insights crucial for tactical operations.

As Mike Stein, Vice President of Tactical at Iris Technology, explains, "Power HIVE is built around a simple idea: the BB-2590 should become more than just a battery carried in a box. By optimizing Power HIVE with Ultralife’s high-capacity UBI-2590, we can give military users a smarter, regulated mission power node they are already familiar with.”

Partnership Insights

Mike Manna, President and CEO of Ultralife Corporation, emphasizes the importance of their collaboration: “Ultralife's UBI-2590 battery was designed for rugged military applications where energy density, voltage adaptability, and reliable communication are vital. Power HIVE shows how high-capacity BB-2590 batteries can support a broader tactical power architecture effectively.”

Development Status and Future Prospects

The team is currently focused on demonstrating Power HIVE’s capabilities to potential clients and gathering feedback for enhancements. Early prototypes are undergoing testing, and plans for additional configurations are being developed as part of Iris Technology's extended power management strategy.

The Power HIVE will be featured prominently at the upcoming SOF Week 2026 event, highlighting its potential impact on tactical power solutions. Visitors can see it in action at Booth 755 in Tampa, Florida.

About Iris Technology

With a history spanning over 40 years, Iris Technology specializes in precision engineering tailored for mission-critical power, data, and control systems for the U.S. military and other defense contractors. Their commitment to innovation is underscored by their CMMC Level 2 certification and AS9100D registration, ensuring high standards in the delivery of tactical power architectures essential for military operations.

In a world where every second and every bit of energy counts, the Power HIVE represents a significant step forward in optimizing operational efficiency for the troops on the ground. As technological demands continue to rise, solutions like Power HIVE could redefine how military teams approach energy management in the field.