WHAT’S NEXT FOR ERDC?

Facing a myriad of new and escalating challenges, from changing climates to an increased geopolitical focus on the Arctic, USACE released its first research and development strategy in 2021.

The strategy outlines 10 priorities, including modernizing infrastructure, securing reliable installation energy, revolutionizing and accelerating decision making, and more. It will guide much of ERDC’s efforts in the years ahead.

The increased frequency of extreme weather patterns will demand a multitude of innovative solutions to defend communities and strengthen infrastructure to withstand these increased stressors. As the U.S. Army lays out its vision for 2040 and beyond, ERDC will be essential in helping it achieve these goals.

Meanwhile, its engineers and scientists will build upon ERDC’s tradition of innovation to advance basic research and apply emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and robotics to solve the nation’s toughest science and engineering challenges.

ERDC’s research into advanced materials holds immense promise for civil works and military applications. Innovative materials, such as self-healing concrete, high-strength alloys and adaptive structures, will transform infrastructure durability, construction efficiency and disaster resilience. For our military, advanced materials will revolutionize equipment design, enhancing durability, weight reduction and stealth capabilities. Both sectors stand to benefit from materials that offer unprecedented performance, longevity and adaptability, paving the way for more efficient and resilient solutions in the face of evolving challenges.

Advancements in renewable energy sources, microgrid technologies and energy storage systems will enhance the ability to withstand disruptions and ensure uninterrupted power supply for critical infrastructure and military operations. ERDC research is paving the way for energy-efficient innovations that will bolster sustainability, reduce reliance on traditional grids and mitigate environmental impacts. This shift toward energy resilience will strengthen operational capabilities, support disaster response and promote long-term sustainability in military and civil works applications.

The U.S. Army is actively bolstering its capability to regain Arctic dominance through strategic initiatives. Addressing the evolving Arctic environment, the Army is enhancing cold-weather training, modernizing equipment and developing specialized tactics. Partnerships with Arctic allies and investments in advanced technology are key components of this effort. As the Army aims to gain a competitive edge in the Arctic region, ERDC’s deep expertise in cold regions science and engineering will play a critical role.

ERDC is poised to embrace a transformative future with machine learning (ML), leveraging its potential to revolutionize research and innovation across diverse domains. In civil works, ML will enhance predictive modeling for infrastructure maintenance, optimize resource allocation and expedite disaster response through data-driven insight. ML will revolutionize intelligence analysis, autonomous systems and decisionmaking processes for our military. With increased automation and real-time adaptation, ML will transform these sectors, and drive efficiency, innovation and strategic advantage.

ERDC research into structural health monitoring and digital twins promises to revolutionize infrastructure management and performance assessment. By embedding sensors and data analytics, real-time monitoring will enable early detection of structural issues, enhancing safety and efficiency. Digital twins — virtual replicas of physical structures — will enable accurate simulations, predictive maintenance and informed decision making. The synergy between monitoring and digital twins will optimize resource allocation, extend the lifespans of infrastructure assets and transform how we design, maintain and interact with structures.

Cutting-edge installations integrate advanced technologies, data analytics and resilient infrastructure to create smart, adaptable communities. Emphasizing energy efficiency, connectivity and dynamic resource management, these Installations of the Future optimize resource allocation, enhance quality of life and ensure mission readiness. ERDC research is leading the way to help the DOD redefine the concept of military bases and civilian facilities, fostering innovation, security and resilience in a rapidly evolving world.

The use of robotics is set to reshape construction, military engineering and civil works through automation and innovation. In construction, robots streamline tasks, enhancing efficiency and precision. In military engineering, autonomous robots assist in reconnaissance, demining and infrastructure repair. Civil works will benefit from robotic disaster response solutions, infrastructure maintenance and inspection. ERDC’s cross-sector research into robotics will further revolutionize operations, reduce risks and pave the way for safer, more efficient practices.