ERDC Featured Technologies: See What Patents are Hot

Thank you for your interest in the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC)’s featured technologies for licensing. ERDC’s innovations are designed to solve military and civil challenges. Note that this site does not include the entire ERDC IP portfolio (entire list found here). This site is to promote those technologies with high potential for industry partnering opportunities.

Carbon Nanotubes Engineered for Stability and Scalability

• Uses DNA-wrapped carbon nanotubes and an enzyme-mediated process to link individual nanotubes into visible macroscopic structures without damage
• Solves manipulation challenge through controlled biological process, preserving nanotubes' superior strength, electrical conductivity, and thermal properties for practical use
• Enables high-performance structural materials for aerospace/automotive, advanced electronics requiring superior conductivity, and applications needing exceptional strength-to-weight ratios and thermal properties

Autonomous UV and Brush Apparatus for Well Fouling Prevention (Wellbot)

• Cleans faster and better without hazardous chemicals or heavy machinery
• Delivers cost-efficient, multi-year performance with remote control connectivity for optimal functionality
• Reduces personnel needs through rapid, non-technical deployment, easy mobilization, and minimal power demands

Hydrogel-Enzyme Systems and Methods

• Enable enzyme activity in extreme conditions with a protective hydrogel that resists heat, pH, and chemicals
• Reduce risk and delays by allowing earlier, safer deployment in hazardous environments
• Support diverse applications from industrial clean-up to manufacturing and chemical spill response

Universal Ruggedized Computer Enclosure

• Accommodates future upgrades with support for evolving tech needs
• Adapts to varied environments using an adjustable suspension for shock and payload flexibility
• Reduces footprint with a compact, customizable design and integrated cooling

Measuring Deflection to Determine a Characteristic of a Cantilever

• Eliminates errors introduced by contact during material characteristic measurements by using collimated light
• Can be extended with additional environmental sensors, such as a clock, thermometer, hygrometer, or environmental control systems
• Measurements can be taken from the top or bottom of the strip and the material is not limited to two layers.

Acoustic Camera Systems and Methods

• Captures 2D velocity maps across large areas
• Uses compact, simpler equipment for easy field use
• Supports comprehensive flow analysis in rivers, coastal areas, and industrial water systems

Predictive Environmental Modeling System (PEMS)

• Provides simple tools for conducting cost-effective computational testing of a range of chemicals and materials, avoiding unnecessary lab-based testing
• Normalizes emission concentration values, enabling appropriate comparisons
• Includes a cumulative repository of scientific data, making automatic real-time adjustments to impact models as the database is updated

Submersible Matting System (SUBMAT)

• Ensures access across lighter convey waves, bridging systems, and austere sites
• Achieves full-scale trafficability testing, rapid prototyping, and performance objectives
• Provides an affordable option for rapid deployment of a trafficable roadway by a small crew in austere coastal environments

Sand Boil Filter

• Is inserted into a sand boil to relieve underground hydrostatic pressure and inhibit subterranean erosion that can cause levee failure
• Can be installed by one worker in 15 minutes, making it 47% faster than installing sandbags, significantly cheaper, and less labor-intensive
• Reduces the time workers and people downstream are exposed to a potential levee failure as well as speed up the pressure reduction in the levee

Modular Bathymetry

• Distinct CNC programming digitally creates expanded polystyrene foam (EPS) blocks that can be easily employed to create more detailed and accurate bathymetric models than traditional concrete
• EPS foam blocks can be easily and rapidly placed and removed in situ, allowing prototype refinement, use in limited space areas, and storage
• Using EPS reduces construction costs by 30-60% and allows up to 60% faster construction time compared with concrete modeling

Self-Regenerating Biofilter

• External maintenance via human intervention not required
• Shorter downtime leads to an estimated 10x decrease in operational costs
• Offers scalability via a compact footprint for continuous water treatment and higher daily flow-through volumes

Real-Time Digital Buoy Tracking and Mapping System

• Low-cost, low-power, and low-maintenance
• Bypasses need for expensive infrastructure and offers extended range between nodes
• Supports emergency navigations