DARPA - These are new technologies of the US military

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is a well-known term. We owe technologies like GPS or the internet to them. What might they be working on now?

DARPA has been in existence since 1958, developing hardware and software for the US military. Some of their developments remain hidden, while others even reach the civilian market. When an idea reaches a certain point in development, DARPA likes to show this publicly - above is an image from the "Future Soldier" project. At DARPA's so-called Demo Day, about 60 projects were presented to a selected group at the Pentagon. Here are some current research examples.

Bionic Limbs

Bionic hands are designed to provide control similar to what one is accustomed to.

Bionic Brain

If the brain has suffered damage due to trauma or aging, an implant is intended to help with memory recall. In the future, it should also help with storing memories.

Hack-Proof Computers

In today's world, we often hear about cyberattacks and hacker intrusions. DARPA is therefore working on the High-Assurance Cyber Military System (HACMS), a system designed to provide security against such attacks. To test its security, DARPA also regularly invites hackers to assess HACMS. So far, the system has withstood all attacks.

High-Resolution Night Vision

If you've ever used night vision goggles, you know how powerful they can be. However, it's also noticeable that the images could be clearer. Therefore, DARPA is working on improving resolution as well as sharing images in real-time across different platforms. This way, the command center sees the same images as the soldier on the ground.

Such technology, of course, costs a lot of money. Therefore, research is also being conducted on how to reduce the costs of night vision devices to equip even more soldiers with them.

The Virtual Eye

With the virtual eye, DARPA, in collaboration with NVIDIA, aims to digitally capture and create a room without anyone entering it, or better still, without attracting attention.

Several cameras are used to generate a 3D image. This naturally provides soldiers and police officers with a significant advantage in the field.

Gecko-like Climbing

DARPA's Z-Man device allows a person to climb like a gecko. Specially developed lamellae, similar to a gecko's, provide grip on smooth surfaces. Materials like metal, glass, or fiberglass are no longer a problem, and buildings can be climbed from the outside.

Bionic Exoskeleton

Amidst all this progress, the exoskeleton is a must. The device senses when a step is taken and activates the motor to assist the wearer in walking with heavy loads. This gives the wearer "superhuman" strength and endurance. Tests with the device have so far been extremely successful.

Instant Speech Translation

DARPA's Broad Operational Language Translation (BOLT) System allows real-time translation. Currently - surprise, surprise - the focus is on Arabic. The system is fast, accurate, and works on mobile devices as well. Recording can be done with a click, and translation occurs instantly upon release.

Supersonic Missiles

The Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon Concept (HAWC) is the latest generation of the X-51 "WaveRider," a drone that reached Mach 5 in 2013. Enemies wouldn't see this new missile coming. It reaches its targets extremely quickly. And even if the missile is detected, the enemy wouldn't be able to react quickly enough.

Unmanned Submarine Hunters

To maintain the upper hand in the water as well, there is the Sea Hunter, an "Anti-submarine Continuous Trail Unmanned Vessel" (ACTUV). This is designed to autonomously detect and track hostile submarines without human intervention. It is therefore capable of self-navigation, essentially an autonomous drone for underwater operations.

Similar to the Sea Hunter, there is the "Submarine Hold at Risk" (SHARK), which goes a step further. In addition to tracking, it is designed to actively hunt down and destroy submarines.

Rising Payload

DARPA has also introduced a novel system for distributing payloads. These can be dropped from aircraft and remain on the seabed until activated. When needed, the device is activated, and the payload rises from the ground to the surface. The payload can remain on the ground for up to five years and sink up to 6,000 meters deep.

DARPA on the internet: www.darpa.mil