Key Takeaways:
- The Science and Technology (S&T) Day Demonstration showcased the latest scientific and technological achievements from various Army agencies, including the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC).
- ERDC demonstrated several key technologies, including ENROUTE Mission Analysis for Convoy Planning and Route Repair, Bi-Directional Inverter Deployable System (BIDS), and Pathfinder3D: Visual Terrain Reference and Navigation.
- These technologies aim to fill capability gaps in areas such as engineering reconnaissance, power generation, and navigation in degraded or denied environments.
- The technologies demonstrated have the potential to enhance warfighter survivability and improve mission success.
Introduction to the S&T Day Demonstration
The Science and Technology (S&T) Day Demonstration, held on September 25, 2025, at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, brought together various Army agencies to showcase their latest scientific and technological achievements. The event featured dynamic displays and demonstrations from the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Army G-1 Army Research Initiative, and the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command. Despite the unfavorable weather conditions, attendees were enthusiastic and engaged, with many taking advantage of the complimentary popcorn and water to add to the festive atmosphere.
ENROUTE Mission Analysis for Convoy Planning and Route Repair
One of the first demonstrations attendees saw was for ENROUTE Mission Analysis for Convoy Planning and Route Repair. John Rushing, Ph.D., a research civil engineer at ERDC’s Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory, was on hand to answer questions and discuss the technology. ENROUTE "fills a capability gap in engineering reconnaissance," Rushing said, helping Soldiers understand the condition of routes ahead and whether they can support a convoy. The technology inputs information about the pavement structure, incorporates climatic effects to capture changing environmental conditions, and considers the convoy make-up, including the type and weight of each vehicle. The analysis engine then takes this data and lets Soldiers know how many passes over that area the convoy can make, which is compared to the Soldiers’ objectives to output a go/no-go condition.
Pathfinder3D: Visual Terrain Reference and Navigation
Another technology designed to assist Soldiers with navigation is Pathfinder3D, a type of GPS that maps terrain in degraded or denied environments to provide accurate locations without LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) or radar. William Shuart, geographer and remote sensing scientist, explained that Pathfinder3D uses onboard cameras to reference a Soldier’s position. The technology takes foundational geospatial data gathered from sensors and distills it down to keep pertinent information that Soldiers can use at the tactical edge. By generating a synthetic horizon and matching it to a horizon sitting on a phone, Pathfinder3D provides accurate locations and navigation.
Bi-Directional Inverter Deployable System (BIDS)
The scientists at ERDC also demonstrated the Bi-Directional Inverter Deployable System (BIDS), which provides power to various systems. Jonathan Goebel, the operational energy program manager for ERDC, explained that the system can pull power in and push power out simultaneously. BIDS can input power from generators, solar, or host nation power at different voltages and output power the same way. The two-way conversion allows BIDS to take control of any generators in the field, power the load while also charging the energy storage, saving fuel and reducing engine run time by about 80%.
Additional Technologies and Conclusion
ERDC had several other technologies featured at the event, including demonstrations of their research and development capabilities. The S&T Day Demonstration showcased the latest scientific and technological achievements from various Army agencies, highlighting the innovative solutions being developed to support the warfighter. By providing technologies that enhance survivability, improve navigation, and increase power efficiency, the Army is better equipped to succeed in a variety of environments. For more information on the technologies demonstrated at the S&T Day Demonstration, visit the ERDC website or social media pages. The Behind the Frontlines online platform also provides exclusive content focusing on Army acquisition processes, procedures, capabilities, services, equipment, and the workforce.
