Technology Demos
We’re excited to announce the live technology demonstrations! These demonstrations will provide a unique opportunity to witness DoW-funded technologies in action. Moreover, attendees will have the chance to engage with the minds behind these innovations. This will be a fantastic opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge and insights into the latest advancements in the state of the science.
Integrating Deactivation and Recycling of Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries Using Low-Temperature Chloroaluminate Molten Salts
As demand for batteries grows across defense platforms, the ability to recover high-purity lithium and transition metals from spent batteries is essential for supply chain resilience and reduced dependence on foreign sources. This demonstration highlights an aluminometallurgy process using chloroaluminum chemistry to delithiate and dissolve lithium transition metal oxides under mild conditions—a promising advancement for novel battery material recovery. The exhibit illustrates the reaction mechanisms between lithium transition metal oxides and aluminum chloride solutions in ethanol containing AlCl2+. Attendees will see samples of the extracted materials and the aqueous separation processes that achieve high recovery yields and purities of lithium and transition metals. The demonstration includes visual evidence of the technology's efficiency and scalability when processing spent lithium-ion batteries.
Presenter: Dr. Juchen Guo
Organization: University of California – Riverside
Project: WP24-0267
Optimization of Self-healing Fiber-reinforced Polymer-matrix Composites via Convolutional Neural Network
Delamination damage has long hindered the safety and lifetime of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites widely used across military platforms. This failure mode undermines the lightweight mechanical advantage of composites while driving costly, time-intensive manual inspections and repairs. This demonstration features a self-healing FRP composite platform that autonomously remends internal fractures using 3D-printed thermoplastic agent and embedded heater interlayers. Participants will see a self-contained thermo-mechanical test system that illustrates how the composite material repeatedly restores structural integrity without external intervention. This demo highlights the patented technology’s’ potential to reduce downtime, extend service life, and strengthen readiness for critical composite systems where invisible interlaminar fracture can otherwise escalate into mission failures.
Presenters: Dr. Jason Patrick and Jack Turicek
Organization: NC State University
Affiliate organization: Structeryx, Inc.
On-site Representatives: Dr. Dennis Gilmore and James Peters
Project: WP21-1240
Structural Repair of Metal Alloys by a Solid-State Additive Deposition Process
Aircraft structural components are vulnerable to corrosion and fatigue damage yet are difficult to repair with conventional methods. These challenges increase costs, extend downtime, and reduce aircraft availability. This demonstration showcases Additive Friction Stir Deposition (AFSD), a solid-state additive process that restores high-strength aluminum alloys by depositing fresh material directly into damaged areas without melting the substrate. Participants will observe how AFSD achieves defect-free, metallurgically bonded repairs and restores structural fatigue performance. The exhibit highlights the method’s ability to extend the lifespan of critical aerospace components, reduce reliance on long-lead replacement parts, and support operational readiness across the Services.
Presenter: Dr. J. Brian Jordon
Organization: Baylor University
Project: WP21-1102
Augmented Reality for Flood Resilience of Military Installation and Surrounding Community Infrastructure
The FloodVue mobile application will be demonstrated as an innovative tool that transforms abstract flood mapping into actionable insights for military installations and civilian communities. This technology integrates multiple data sources to provide augmented reality projections of potential flood conditions directly on smartphones and tablets while users are on the ground. Demonstrators will highlight how the application enables visualization of precisely where and how high flooding could occur under different scenarios, expanding foresight capabilities for both municipal planners and military base managers. Through this visualization approach, stakeholders can understand the impact of various rainfall events and infrastructure modifications on utilities and critical assets, allowing installation managers to identify vulnerabilities, assess operational impacts, and implement more effective resilience planning across military facilities.
Presenter: Dr. Dawn Johnson
Organization: WSP
Project: NH23-7809
Rapid Life Cycle Assessment Methodology for Enhanced Decision-Making and Reduced Supply Chain Impact in Military Construction and Facility Planning
This demonstration will showcase a user-friendly calculator tool that assesses building materials supply chain impacts for procurement and engineering decision support at Navy and USACE installations. The technology analyzes eight critical construction materials—steel, concrete, plastic, wood, glass, insulation, aluminum, and modular components—using life cycle assessment (LCA) and technoeconomic analysis (TEA) methodologies. Demonstrators will highlight the interactive features allowing users to compare business-as-usual construction approaches with alternative materials by adjusting supply chain parameters. Through this next generation decision support tool, installation managers will be able to identify cost and risk drivers while improving resilience against supply chain disruptions in military construction projects.
Presenter: Dr. Melissa Harclerode
Organization: Boundless Impact Research & Analytics
Project: NH24-8125
FuelsCraft: An Innovative Wildland Fuel Mapping Tool for Prescribed Fire Decision Support on Military Installations
This demonstration will showcase FuelsCraft, an innovative wildland fuel mapping tool for prescribed fire decision support on installation lands in the southeastern U.S. The technology uses AI, 3D visualization, and existing field and remotely sensed point cloud data to create realistic representations of both canopy and surface fuels. Demonstrators will also highlight the LitterBox module of the FuelsCraft project, allowing users to interactively change parameters to customize simulations of forest litterbeds. Through these next generation visualization tools, installation managers will be able to bypass costly field surveys while improving the precision of coupled fire-atmosphere modeling.
Presenter: Dr. Susan Prichard
Organization: University of Washington
Project: RC23-7779
Demonstrating Improved Accuracy, Consistency, and Efficiency of Military Land Monitoring Using Laser Scanning Technology
This demonstration shows how laser scanning can make military land monitoring faster, more accurate, and more consistent. Participants will see a push-button terrestrial laser scanning system (TLS) from the Interagency LiDAR Monitoring (IntELiMon) program that rapidly maps the 3D structure of forested plots. They will also see the CruzAssist system by Silvxlabs, which automates calculations from TLS data to generate a comprehensive suite of forest and fuel metrics. Together, these lightweight, compatible tools provide an affordable and streamlined system for efficient field monitoring.
Presenter: Dr. Louise Loudermilk
Organization: USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station
Project: RC24-8162
Interactive App for Coastal Wetland Mapping
This demonstration will showcase a preliminary version of an interactive app for DoW managers of natural infrastructure to assess large unaccounted organic matter pools in wetlands in coastal military installations. The app will equip managers with a tool to assess organic matter density and flows in coastal wetlands soil and vegetation biomass that act as natural buffers protecting vital military assets against storm surges, flooding, seawater overtopping, and coastal erosion. The baseline provided by this tool will help DoW managers anticipate threats to these natural defense systems and enhance adaptive capacity to safeguard coastal DoW property and maintain operations.
Presenter: Dr. Andre Rovai
Organization:The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center and The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
Project: RC25-4887
Arctic Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT)
This project demonstrates a novel Arctic Sea ice intelligence product derived from NASA’s Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite. Leveraging SWOT’s unique wide-swath altimetry, it delivers daily estimates of sea ice freeboard, thickness, concentration, and motion at 250-meter resolution across the Arctic. By integrating complementary data sources such as ICESat-2, the dataset significantly enhances situational awareness, forecasting, and risk management. Developed for integration into the U.S. Arctic Observing Network, the product provides actionable insights to support operations in a rapidly evolving and strategically critical region.
Presenter: Dr. Benjamin Hamlington
Organization: NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Project: ILN
Demonstration of Highly Integrated Autonomous ROV-based 3DEM for Underwater Advanced Geophysical Classification (APEX)
This demonstration features the APEX system, a DoW-accredited dynamic advanced geophysical classification (AGC) sensor for munitions response. Using multi-axis, high-resolution electromagnetic induction (EMI), APEX collects digital geophysical mapping data and enables classification decisions directly from dynamic surveys. Participants will see how this integrated approach improves detection and discrimination of hazardous munitions versus non-hazardous debris, enhancing safety and efficiency in underwater operations.
Presenter: Dr. Gregory Schultz
Organization: White River Technologies
Project: MR22-7454
Demonstration of Highly Integrated Autonomous ROV-based 3DEM for Underwater Advanced Geophysical Classification (MAGPi UAS Magnetometer)
This demonstration highlights the MAGPi system, which integrates total-field magnetometers with electro-optical imaging, an autonomous tow-bird, drone mission planning, and data processing tools. Participants will see how MAGPi enables wide-area aerial surveys to detect and track potential unexploded ordnance (UXO). The system’s combination of autonomous flight and magnetic sensing makes it a powerful capability for rapid, cost-effective site assessment.
Presenter: Dr. Gregory Schultz
Organization: White River Technologies
Project: MR22-7454
Transferring Capability for Microgrids and Resilience in Military Installations
This demonstration highlights how advanced microgrid and energy resilience training directly strengthens mission readiness and installation security. Participants will see examples from programs that have already trained more than 1,500 DoW personnel using hands-on software and hardware for resilience planning and operations. The exhibit features training modules covering needs assessment, engineering design, cost modeling, cybersecurity, procurement, commissioning, and black start exercises. Attendees can review ESTCP-funded training packages for leadership (2–8 hours) and technical execution (40–80 hours) and explore options to tailor content for specific operational requirements.
Presenter: Dr. Nathan Johnson
Organization: Arizona State University
Project: EW22-7348
Wildland Fire VR Technology Demonstration: Visualizing Energy Release and Exposures in a Portable Training Environment
Obsidian Solutions Group has developed a Wildland Fire VR prototype that converts over 200 GB of QUIC-Fire simulation data from Los Alamos National Laboratory into an engaging, practical training environment. This approach focuses on operational training needs by optimizing the system to run independently on standalone VR headsets, providing a cost-effective and scalable solution for end users. The demonstration includes GPU-instanced vegetation, dynamic burn progression, and overlays for exposures and energy release, allowing personnel to realistically practice hazard identification and improve tactical decision-making in a safe virtual environment.
Presenter: Mr. Ryan Chen
Organization: Obsidian Solutions Group
Project: Tech Grove
FireVista™: Advanced 3D Visualization Platform for Critical Fire Management Decisions"
FireVista™ delivers a state-of-the-art 3D visualization platform showcasing advanced fire simulation models, empowering end users to simulate, plan, and make critical decisions with confidence and reduced risk. Leveraging custom data pipelines and high-performance GPU rendering, FireVista™ ensures fast, accurate, and validated insights backed by over 30 years of R&D and Los Alamos National Laboratory. This demonstration will highlight upcoming tools for fuel inventory optimization and thinning, as well as immersive extended reality (XR) features designed to enhance collaborative decision-making in defense and emergency management.
Presenter: Mr. Mike Langone
Organization: SciVista, Inc
Project: Tech Grove
Green Remediation of PFAS in Soil and Water
Aluminum-based drinking water treatment residuals (Al-WTRs), typically a non-hazardous solid waste destined for landfills, have been transformed into superior filter media that irreversibly adsorb PFAS. This patented granulation method converts these powdered particles into bead-size granules that maintain high PFAS adsorption capacity while improving hydraulic flow. This demonstration showcases the media in modular filtration columns, and a model catch basin insert, highlighting how this technology offers a scalable, low-cost solution for PFAS-impacted groundwater and stormwater while adhering to circular economy principles.
Presenter: Dr. Dibyendu Sarkar
Organization: Stevens Institute of Technology
Project: ER22-3194
Development of Novel Functionalized Polymeric Thin Films for Equilibrium Passive Sampling of PFAS in Surface and Groundwater
This physical demonstration with field mockups will showcase applications of in situ passive samplers to monitor porewater concentrations at the sediment-water interface. High resolution concentration profiles at this critical interface enhance our understanding of chemical transport and the effectiveness of in situ remediation approaches. Through years of research and development, this technology was adapted to monitor various chemicals of concern at multiple sites, which will be showcased through passive sampling devices currently being used in field applications.
Presenter: Dr. Upal Ghosh
Organization: University of Buffalo
Project: ER20-1336
Hydroaerofuel Conversion Initiative (HACI): A Novel Hydrothermal Liquefaction Process for Conversion of AFFF to Renewable Fuels
This demonstration showcases the River Otter ECLIPSE system, which employs radical initiated hydrothermal liquefaction (RI-HTL) technology to remove up to 99.96% of PFAS compounds from firefighting foam while converting organic components into usable diesel or jet fuel. The process transforms PFAS-laden AFFF concentrate into valuable crude oil and water, creating a self-sustaining operation where the produced oil powers the system itself and generates necessary reagents. ECLIPSE offers an efficient approach to eliminate stockpiled AFFF while recovering energy resources that directly benefit warfighters and their communities.
Presenter: Ms. Amelia Thomas
Organization: River Otter Renewables, Inc
Project: ER25-4955
Handheld Surface Analyst Tool for Improving Quality Control in Manufacturing
This demonstration will showcase the handheld Surface Analyst™ technology, an innovative surface intelligence solution that enables precise, real-time measurement and control of surface readiness for bonding, coating, and sealing operations. This technology quantifies surface cleanliness and chemistry in seconds using water contact angle measurements, ensuring mission-critical reliability and repeatability in aerospace manufacturing and maintenance environments. By delivering actionable data at the point of process, Brighton Science empowers engineers and operators to verify surface quality, reduce rework, and enhance performance across defense, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing applications.
Presenter: Mr. Lucas Dillingham and Mr. Charles Becher
Organization: Brighton Science
Treatment of PFAS in Groundwater with Regenerable Anion Exchange Resin as a Bridge to PFAS Destruction
ECT2 will demonstrate models of two types of PFAS treatment systems: One model is of an ECT2 Foam-X 3000 foam fractionation system along with ancillary tankage, piping, and foamate media Superloading system. This is a primary foam fractionation PFAS treatment system designed for complex waters. The second model is of a centralized regeneration plant for ion exchange treatment systems, including all primary components, piping, and tankage.
Presenter: Dr. Erika Houtz
Organization: ECT2
Project: ER23-8391 and ER25-8737
Standardizing Sediment Porewater Passive Samplers for Inorganic Constituents of Concern
This demonstration will showcase two passive samplers: dialysis samplers (“peepers”) for metals and PFAS, and polyethylene samplers for hydrophobic chemicals. Both are commercially available and have been validated at numerous federal and commercial sites under USEPA and state oversight. Analyzed using standard USEPA SW-846 methods, these samplers measure the freely dissolved (bioavailable) fraction of impacts in sediment, surface water, stormwater, and groundwater. The demonstration will cover sampler types, sampling gear, and sample processing, with opportunities for attendees to ask questions about developing a passive sampling program.
Presenter: Dr. Jason Conder and Ms. Rachel Zajac-Fay
Organization: Geosyntec Consultants, Inc
Project: ER23-7741 and ER20-5261
Mobile Treatment Train for Destructive Remediation of PFAS-Impacted Soils, Sediments, and AFFF Rinsate Using Ball Milling, Soil Washing, and Plasma Technology
Aluminum-based drinking water treatment residuals (Al-WTRs), typically a non-hazardous solid waste destined for landfills, have been transformed into superior filter media that irreversibly adsorb PFAS. This patented granulation method converts these powdered particles into bead-size granules that maintain high PFAS adsorption capacity while improving hydraulic flow. This demonstration showcases the media in modular filtration columns and a model catch basin insert, highlighting how this technology offers a scalable, low-cost solution for PFAS-impacted groundwater and stormwater while adhering to circular economy principles.
Presenter: Victor Manuel Melgarejo Cazares and Dr. Thomas M. Holsen
Organization: Clarkson University
Projects: ER23-8377 and ER20-5355
Mobile Remediation System: On-site Thermal Soil Treatment
This demonstration will showcase ASRC Energy’s Mobile Remediation System (MRS), a fully electric, on-site thermal treatment technology for remediating PFAS-impacted soil. The system employs electric induction to uniformly heat a rotating drum, which desorbs PFAS to achieve non-detect concentrations in treated materials. Exhaust gases are heated by thermal plasma in a high-temperature oxidizer, achieving PFAS destruction before being directed to a multi-stage emission control system. MRS-1 has treated over 7,000 tons of soil in four field deployments across Alaska, offering a proven, low impact alternative to excavation and off-site disposal for impacted soil remediation.
Presenter: Mr. Liam Zsolt
Organization: ASRC Energy
Projects: ER23-8378
Fire WOLF: A Remote-Controlled Ground Vehicle for Wildland Fire Suppression and Firebreak Creation
The Fire WOLF prototype has the utility of an unmanned ground vehicle in the management and suppression of wildland fires. This cutting-edge technology will cut fire breaks through terrain that would be inaccessible to standard wildland firefighting apparatus while also having the capability to directly suppress fires using a high-pressure water nozzle. The Fire WOLF’s remotely controlled system will provide greater stand-off distance between operators and fire, ensuring personnel safety without compromising utility The safety of personnel will be increased through the use of a remotely controlled system that provides much greater stand-off distance between operators and fire.
Presenter: Jerimy Doucet and Siddharth Thakur
Organization: HDT Global and Paradigm
Catapult Extended Reality Tactical Training: A Cutting-Edge Solution for Fire and Emergency Preparedness
Catapult Tactical XR’s extended reality training software and portable system leverages the highest fidelity hardware available to provide emergency responders with accessible, engaging and immersive hands-on training tools. This is proven to build crucial muscle memory for quick, effective responses while reducing training costs and risks. Individually designed with subject matter experts, modules so far include a flashover experience, stressful environments to raise stress levels during hands-on training, a fire extinguisher public education tool, and an MVP for wildfire / prescribed burns. Further modules are available and in–process to address specific industry training needs.
Presenters: Robyn and Sheldon Simpson
Organization: Catapult Tactical XR
Wildfire and Prescribed Burns in Virtual Reality: An Interactive Framework and Algorithm for Visualizing Fire Behavior
Navteca has developed an immersive, model-driven wildfire training tool that transforms situational awareness, decision-making, and readiness. Based on Navteca's custom-developed algorithm that compresses QUIC-Fire output allowing it to be run and visualized locally, Navteca’s solution creates a unique simulation capability: to model fire behavior with different weather conditions using game engine technology to support virtual experiential learning. Allowing users to see and feel the effects of fire in modeled scenarios using QUIC-Fire and other model output enables users to explore fire behavior virtually and to “game out” varying outcomes.
Presenter: Mr. Adam Silcott
Organization: Navteca LLC
Workshop Details
Dates and Location
March 2-5, 2026
Washington, DC
Book a Hotel Room
Code of Conduct
Hotel
Washington Hilton
1919 Connecticut Ave., NW,
Washington, DC, 20009