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.

• The actuator operates on just 3 watts, similar to a cellphone signal.
• Maintains consistent performance with no loss after repeated activation cycles.
• Enables wireless motion for soft robotics, prosthetics, aerospace structures, and deployable defense and exploration systems.

Computer-Aided System for Airborne Contaminant

• Helps integrate airflow considerations into design process to meet codes and safety standards
• Provides airflow data in near real-time, allowing designers to quickly check impact of choices
• Saves design time and reduces building and maintenance costs

Light-Emitting Nanoparticle Sensor System

• Detects localized stress and pressure with greater sensitivity compared to conventional sensors
• Abundant silicon enables safe, scalable sensing deployment
• Luminescence provides instant readings without structural damage

Cold Mix Asphalt Binder System

• Ready for traffic in just 2-3 hours
• Can be mixed and applied on-site using basic tools
• Outperforms conventional CMA in strength and durability

Survivability and Assault Multi-Tool (SAM) System

• Combines four essential battlefield tools (ballistic shield, overhead cover, ladder, and footbridge) into a single modular system
• Reinforced ballistic panels provide immediate protection against small-arms fire and fragmentation
• Quick-locking pins and fold-out rungs allow soldiers to reconfigure the system in seconds
• Portable, compact, stackable design simplify transportation and storage

Blast, Ballistic, and Forced-Entry-Resistant Operable Window System with Glazing

• Readily installed in new or older buildings, including in walls of varying thicknesses with rough and non-plumb openings, without structural modifications or wall anchoring
• Designed to resist blasts, ballistic threats, and forced entry attempts when closed and locked
• Can be opened to provide ventilation, visibility, egress, and ability to return fire

UV-C Treatment for HAB Suppression (CyanoSTUN™)

• Contains UV-C within the reactor, preventing unintended impacts on the surrounding ecosystem
• Adjusts UV exposure dynamically based on water clarity and treatment goals
• Treats blooms without chemicals or permanent infrastructure

Automated Bead Width Control for 3D Concrete Construction

• Achieves ±¼ inch accuracy in bead width, enabling high-fidelity printing of complex geometries and structural features
• Dynamically adjusts gantry speed and pump settings to accommodate different material properties and design requirements
• Designed for expeditionary and remote use, ensures reliable performance in variable environments

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

• Achieves a 10-35% space reduction compared to standard rackmount chassis
• Internal lattice walls operate as heat exchangers, and a built-in control unit monitors and adjusts temperature, humidity, vibration, and more as needed
• Designed to enable high-performance, upgradeable COTS computing in harsh, vehicle, and field environments

Construction

Electronics & Sensors

Environment & Energy

Materials

Protective Structures & Systems

Software

Low-Power Robotic Actuation for Soft Systems