The critical tech staying safe by going underground

The story of EarthGrid's TBR machine dramatically illustrates the advantages of going underground for infrastructure safety. Founded by Troy Helming, EarthGrid created a tunnel-boring machine equipped with plasma torches that melt through granite, creating a tornado effect that sweeps away debris. This technology, while demanding and initially requiring adjustments, could reduce costs and improve safety by burying critical infrastructure like cables and data centers.

The rise in undergrounding is partly due to geopolitical tensions, as seen in countries bordering Russia that seek to safeguard against drone attacks. Despite challenges like gas release and flooding, advancements in tunneling technologies have made undergrounding more efficient and viable. Industries ranging from telecoms to aviation are increasingly recognizing the benefits of underground infrastructure, particularly in protecting against physical and cyber threats.