From ensuring the resilience of America’s critical infrastructure to giving Warfighters a decisive edge on the battlefield, the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center is pioneering the use of artificial intelligence across the full spectrum of its civil and military missions.
Leveraging AI is not about replacing engineers but empowering them, turning complex data into actionable intelligence and a force multiplier for the nation’s Armed Forces.
On a recent episode of the "Power of ERDC" podcast, Dr. Robert Moser, director of ERDC’s Information Technology Laboratory, said this technological revolution is a direct response to an ever-expanding mission.
"I really believe ... that the employment of these kinds of tools in the way that we do business is going to be a force multiplier," Moser said. "It's going to amplify our ability to do our work."
On the modern battlefield, this amplification translates into decision superiority. ERDC is developing systems that act as an "AI wingman," capable of processing vast streams of intelligence and sensor data in real time.
In a conflict against an adversary where speed is paramount, AI provides commanders with optimized courses of action, allowing them to out-think and outpace threats.
"Humans are always going to be in the loop on decisions, but if we can provide them with the best courses of action as fast as possible, that's going to be a game changer for them across any spectrum," Moser said. "Today, you're increasingly seeing that the best software, the best AI, the best computing – that is the weapon system. It is the weapon system of electronic warfare and cyber and intelligence.”
This same principle is revolutionizing how the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers delivers its civil works mission to the nation.
A prime example is the Jobsite Assistant for Quality and Intelligence (JAQI), an AI tool developed by ERDC in close collaboration with the USACE Construction Management Innovation Office.
JAQI acts as a digital expert, trained on decades of authoritative engineering codes, regulations and construction specifications. Instead of an engineer manually sifting through thousands of documents, JAQI instantly cross-references project submittals against this vast library of knowledge to flag risks and ensure compliance.
"AI is helping us … take the burden off of the construction manager," Moser said, allowing them to "get their time back so they can focus on the things that really need their intellect rather than sifting through paperwork."
Whether providing a tactical edge in combat or accelerating the delivery of critical infrastructure, ERDC's work in AI empowers its teams to deliver better, faster and more effective outcomes for the nation.
Moser’s full interview offers more in-depth insights into the future of artificial intelligence across the U.S. Army’s full civil works and military portfolios.
To hear the complete conversation, listen to the latest episode of the "Power of ERDC" podcast, available for download and streaming at poweroferdcpodcast.org.