[pilleya]

Brushless motors

Having a few small, low power brushless motors and a certain brushless motor controller being legal could allow students to learn about different types of motors. They are also more efficient and have greater power to weight ratios over even the most advanced brushed motors.
Inexpensive Chinese Brushless Motors ( ICBM’s) are also widely available.

Battery technology

In the past decade(s) there have been significant advances in Lithium-Polymer battery technology. Some small battery packs now have 65C ratings. Lithium Ion batteries such as 18650 cells are used in a vast array of devices ( laptops, cordless tools, Tesla vehicles etc.)

Although there have been these advances in battery technology I firmly believe that at the moment those technologies are far too dangerous to be used for a replacement for the SLA robot battery currently in use. Even a small error, especially in a large battery pack( such as would be used in FRC) can be extremely dangerous and can lead to large fires and explosions. The SLA robot battery certainly has enough stored energy while remaining quite safe, and is something that does not need replacing.