ARA has marked a major achievement for the Additive Construction of Maneuver Enabling Technology (ACME Tech) research project following a successful field demonstration with the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) and soldiers from the Wisconsin and Maryland Army National Guard.
ACME Tech represents the future of combat engineering, delivering a mobile additive construction system designed to enhance battlefield mobility, counter mobility, and force protection. By harnessing 3D printing, robotics, and locally available materials, ACME Tech reduces crew size requirements, minimizes material waste, and enables on-demand construction in austere environments. The system is palletized and deployable by air, land, and sea, leveraging adaptable construction capabilities across domains.
In September, the ACME Tech team conducted an exercise combining training and hands-on operations with soldier participants. Over the course of six days, the team trained soldiers in advanced techniques including material characterization, concrete mix design, 3D file slicing, and robotic equipment operation. The training included the successful 3D printing and assembly of eight culvert segments, creating a 24-foot simulated pipe crossing to assess assembly procedures, as well as force protection structures such as barriers.
The exercise also demonstrated the successful production of high-strength concrete directly from on-site soils using ACME Tech’s innovative material processing, mix design process, and mobile testing equipment. Compression testing conducted during the event demonstrated concrete strengths exceeding 4,000 psi within 24 hours, validating the system’s field-ready capabilities.
The ACME Tech research project is led by ARA on behalf of the U.S. Army ERDC, with collaboration from three key subcontractors: the University of Arkansas, Iowa State University, and Robotic Construction Technologies.
“This exercise was the culmination of a multi-discipline team effort that is advancing the state-of-the-art in combat construction through years of dedicated development, innovation, and partnership.”
Jim Mantes, ACME Tech Project Manager
See ACME Tech in action here.
