Wait, What? included demonstrations of approximately 50 technologies developed or in development as part of DARPA research programs. The demonstrations were grouped by theme areas linked to national security challenges and opportunities.
What’s In My Network?
Two challenges shape our ability to benefit from the continuing information explosion: trusting our information systems and understanding data. DARPA is developing technologies to ensure the integrity of the data uponwhich critical decisions are made and novel approaches to deriving insights from diverse datasets.
- Brandeis
- Cyber Grand Challenge (CGC)
- High-Assurance Cyber Military Systems (HACMS)
- Memex
- Plan X
- Vanishing Programmable Resources (VAPR)
- XDATA
Across the Spectrum
The electromagnetic spectrum functions as the eyes, ears, and voice of modern society. As the spectrum grows more crowded and as technologies from software-defined radios to advanced cameras become commonplace, DARPA is pursuing new opportunities for innovation.
- 100 Gb/s RF Backbone (100G)
- Advanced RF Mapping (RadioMap)
- Advanced Wide FOV Architectures for Image Reconstruction and Exploitation (AWARE)
- Cognitive Radio Low-Energy Signal Analysis Sensor ICs (CLASIC)
- Diverse Accessible Heterogeneous Integration (DAHI)
- Dynamically Adapting RF Technologies (DART)
- Fiber Laser Array System High energy laser (FLASH)
- Intrachip/Interchip Enhanced Cooling (ICECool)
- Power Efficiency Revolution for Embedded Computing Technologies (PERFECT)
- Spectrum Challenge
- THz Electronics
Where, When?
DARPA is reaching beyond GPS to establish new and better navigational and timing technologies, driving new microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), harnessing the physics of cold atoms and establishing new fix systems.
- Adaptable Navigation Systems (ANS)
- MEMS Revolution
- Program in Ultrafast Laser Science and Engineering (PULSE)
Restoring Injured Bodies and Brains
Recent advances in neuroscience, microelectronics and information science are sparking new approaches to restoring lost abilities following brain injury or disease and eventually increasing human performance.
- Electrical Prescriptions (ElectRx)
- Hand Proprioception and Touch Interfaces (HAPTIX)
- Neuro Function, Activity, Structure, and Technology (Neuro-FAST)
- Restoring Active Memory (RAM)
- Revolutionizing Prosthetics
- System-Based Neurotechnology for Emerging Therapies (SUBNETS)
Programming the Living World
DARPA is applying tools from data science, computing, automation and miniaturization to accelerate the ability to harness biology's synthetic and functional capabilities.
Outpacing Infectious Disease
New genetic and immunological technologies are making it possible to detect, diagnose and treat infectious diseases with unprecedented precision and rapidity.
- Autonomous Diagnostics to Enable Prevention and Therapeutics (ADEPT): Diagnostics on Demand (DxOD); Prophylactic Options to Environmental and Contagious Threats (PROTECT)
- Chikungunya Challenge
- Microphysiological Systems
- Pathogen Predators
- Prophecy (Pathogen Defeat)
Robotics Fact vs. Fiction
For decades, we have dreamed of robots that can help people perform tasks beyond the factory floor.
- DARPA Robotics Challenge (DRC)
- Legged Squad Support System (LS3)
Enhancing Maritime Agility
DARPA is developing unmanned platforms, distributed sensing systems, and position awareness technology to facilitate access to the vast maritime expanse in all its manifestations.
- Anti-Submarine Warfare Continuous Trail Unmanned Vessel (ACTUV)
- Distributed Agile Submarine Hunting (DASH)
- Upward Falling Payloads (UFP)
Space under Construction
To maximize capabilities in space, DARPA is developing new approaches to launching satellites on a day's notice and new satellite architectures that change what's possible on orbit.
- Phoenix
- StarCell
The Future of Ground Warfare
DARPA is bringing the digital revolution to close air support and developing a range of squad overmatch capabilities for greater reach, situational awareness and maneuverability.
- Mathematics of Sensing, Exploitation and Execution (MSEE)
- Persistent Close Air Support (PCAS)
- Robotic Landing Gear
- Warrior Web
- Z-Man
E Pluribus Unum
DARPA is developing participatory sensing, swarm robotics and micro self-assembly that could support collective approaches to overcoming challenges in realms as diverse as surveillance, manufacturing and transportation.
- Self-Organizing Resilient Technology (SORT)
- SIGMA
- Open Manufacturing
- Semiconductor Technology Advanced Research Network (STARnet)