Background & Vision
Background
In the 21st century, soldiers remain indispensable in military conflicts despite the disruptive advancements in military technology. Sophisticated weaponry and unmanned systems have transformed traditional battlefield tactics. Recent conflicts have underscored that the human element is irreplaceable in the complexities of modern warfare, emphasizing that soldier forces will continue to play a pivotal role in ground operations. Presently, their significance extends beyond conventional combat roles, encompassing peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance, and counterterrorism.
The impact of harsh military terrains on the physical and physiological performance of soldiers is profound, and inadequately protected individuals may face serious health hazards, leading to mission failure and avoidable loss of lives. Therefore, ensuring protection from elements and battle hazards is essential for military personnel operating in such environments for extended periods. To address the multifaceted demands of contemporary conflicts, soldier forces require cutting-edge power and energy technologies.
The evolution of warfare necessitates lighter-weight and longer-lasting technologies that enhance mobility, soldier lethality, and energy independence. Achieving these objectives involves SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power) optimization for soldier systems, ensuring minimal size and weight while maximizing power delivery. This optimization is critical as soldiers carry these systems, requiring efficiency without compromising effectiveness.
Concept
The human body is a constant generator of various forms of energy, such as kinetic, mechanical and friction. This energy is generated by body movements during activities such as walking, running, elbow and knee bending, and other physical exertions.
Solution
Harnessing this energy can be a game changer for the “Soldiers of the Future” to power electronic devices and systems in the battlefield and remote camping sites to assist in performing their mission. By tapping into the body's natural movements and energy production, these systems offer a sustainable and renewable energy solution.
MINEFIELD’s vision is to robustly empower the Energy-Autonomous Soldiers of the Future by proactively developing today, the technological building blocks for harvesting, managing, and storing energy from biomechanical movement.




