ARA has announced a significant achievement in its partnership with the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) through the Additive Construction of Maneuver Enabling Technology (ACME Tech) project. The milestone follows a successful field demonstration involving soldiers from the Wisconsin and Maryland Army National Guard.
ACME Tech is a mobile additive construction system intended to improve battlefield mobility, counter mobility, and force protection. The system uses 3D printing, robotics, and locally sourced materials to reduce the number of personnel required, limit material waste, and allow for construction on demand in challenging environments. It is designed to be transported by air, land, or sea and can adapt to various construction needs.
In September, the ACME Tech team held a combined training and operational exercise with Army National Guard soldiers. Over six days, participants received instruction in material characterization, concrete mix design, 3D file slicing, and robotic equipment operation. The training resulted in the 3D printing and assembly of eight culvert segments, forming a 24-foot simulated pipe crossing for evaluation of assembly procedures and force protection barriers.
During the exercise, the team also produced high-strength concrete from on-site soils using ACME Tech’s material processing and mix design process, supported by mobile testing equipment. Compression tests conducted at the event showed concrete strengths exceeding 4,000 psi within 24 hours, confirming the system’s readiness for field use.
ARA leads the ACME Tech research project for the U.S. Army ERDC, with support from 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.” said Jim Mantes, ACME Tech Project Manager.
