At the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center’s (ERDC) Information Technology Laboratory, researchers are shaping the factory of the future — where artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), high-performance computing and cybersecurity come together to transform mission-critical manufacturing and operations. From real-time, AI-powered monitoring of additive manufacturing processes to digital twin technology and closed-loop machine control, ERDC’s work is driving a new era of secure, on-demand production in support of national defense. Whether on an aircraft carrier or forward operating base, the ability to design and produce mission-essential components at the point of need is no longer a future vision — it’s becoming a reality. Learn how ERDC is engineering the future of manufacturing, one breakthrough at a time.

At the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center’s (ERDC) Information Technology Laboratory, researchers are shaping the factory of the future — where artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), high-performance computing and cybersecurity come together to transform mission-critical manufacturing and operations. From real-time, AI-powered monitoring of additive manufacturing processes to digital twin technology and closed-loop machine control, ERDC’s work is driving a new era of secure, on-demand production in support of national defense. Whether on an aircraft carrier or forward operating base, the ability to design and produce mission-essential components at the point of need is no longer a future vision — it’s becoming a reality. Learn how ERDC is engineering the future of manufacturing, one breakthrough at a time.

The U.S. Army is taking a significant step forward in cold-weather operations with the initial rollout and testing of a groundbreaking new capability designed to optimize routes for vehicles traveling in challenging winter terrain. Developed by ERDC’s Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL), the Winter Route Planning (WRP) algorithm promises to dramatically reduce the risk of vehicle immobilization and increase overall efficiency when routing soldiers to desired target locations. The WRP algorithm isn’t just about finding the shortest distance between two points. It intelligently analyzes a complex array of factors – including detailed terrain data, current snowpack conditions, and the specific characteristics of the vehicle being used – to generate the optimal route. This optimal route can be based on time to target, fuel efficiency, on-road, off-road, a combination of both on and off-road along with other parameters. This means a path designed to minimize the chance of getting stuck, bogged down, or otherwise delayed by winter’s challenges. Currently being tested and refined, the WRP algorithm is continuously being enhanced and integrated with the widely-used Tactical Assault Kit (TAK) software. Users input their desired start and destination points within TAK, and the WRP algorithm swiftly generates the best possible route. Crucially, the route is then displayed within the TAK interface, alongside a live view of the vehicle’s current position.

The logistical arm of the Department of Defense is vast, but one wouldn't expect that the military's mantra of 'bring your own equipment' would also relate to airfields! Expeditionary airfield matting has been in use since 1939 by the U.S. Army Air Corps, and a team from ERDC's Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory recently traveled to Nellis Air Force Base to field test new matting components that are lighter, easier to pack and may even last longer than current models.

ERDC’s Coastal and Hydraulics Lab recently hosted a team from Oregon State University to provide design guidance for engineers in the field who are creating composite beaches with dynamic revetments for coastal protection.

In dense urban environments and on the battlefield, our Warfighters must be prepared to face numerous threats, including toxic industrial chemicals, which can significantly hinder military operations. To help the Army bolster its force protection measures, computational chemistry experts from the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) are applying groundbreaking methods to help predict chemical threats before they impact mission success. Watch to learn more about how this team transforms physical principles into algorithmic models that can predict the behavior of chemicals and materials.

In dense urban environments and on the battlefield, our Warfighters must be prepared to face numerous threats, including toxic industrial chemicals, which can significantly hinder military operations. To help the Army bolster its force protection measures, computational chemistry experts from the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) are applying groundbreaking methods to help predict chemical threats before they impact mission success. Watch to learn more about how this team transforms physical principles into algorithmic models that can predict the behavior of chemicals and materials.

Dr. Garry Glaspell from the U.S. Army Engineer Research...

Water is a critical resource for every military operation, from forward operating bases in arid deserts, to unexpected deployments in remote locations. Ensuring clean, safe water can spell the difference between mission success and failure and comes with its own set of challenges for the Warfighter. Researchers at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center are stepping up to meet this moment with a game-changing solution, graphene. Watch to see how they are harnessing the power of this advanced material.

Water is a critical resource for every military operation, from forward operating bases in arid deserts, to unexpected deployments in remote locations. Ensuring clean, safe water can spell the difference between mission success and failure and comes with its own set of challenges for the Warfighter. Researchers at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center are stepping up to meet this moment with a game-changing solution, graphene. Watch to see how they are harnessing the power of this advanced material.

Members of CRREL’s mobility team and executive leadership recently spent the day at the Mount Washington Observatory on the mountain’s summit. While there, they learned about the observatory’s facilities and capabilities and explored opportunities for collaboration between their meteorological and operational staff and CRREL’s researchers and engineers. As part of the visit, CRREL’s research team also used the 4,618-foot climb in alpine elevation to test multiple vehicles in preparation for an upcoming technology testing exercise in the Arctic Circle.

The recently published groundbreaking National Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) Manual identifies Ordinary High Water Marks nationwide. This first-of-its-kind manual allows more timely, consistent, transparent, and predictable U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Regulatory decision-making as part of more than 70,000 permitting actions conducted yearly across the Corps.

Taylor Rycroft from the U.S. Army Engineer Research and...

Contaminated sediments in aquatic environments are a pressing concern, posing significant risks to ecosystems and public health. The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) is at the forefront of addressing this critical issue. In the ERDC Environmental Laboratory, engineers are developing innovative solutions to mitigate the impact of these contaminants, working to protect both the environment and communities that rely on clean water. In addition to contaminated sediments, the lab also addresses the management of dredged materials. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dredges millions of cubic yards of sediment annually to maintain navigable waters. Finding sustainable uses for this material is essential. Watch to learn more.