QUANTUM CLONING: THE FUTURE OF TELEPORTATION?
In the popular television series Star Trek, the crew members of the USS Enterprise were able to visit foreign planets using a teleportation system that could transport humans to and from the ship. Such technology is now inching closer to being a reality, based on the fact that teleportation isn't about moving matter — it's about transmitting quantum information. Since the 1990s, scientists have successfully teleported photons and, more recently, electrons by using quantum entanglement to transfer their quantum state. This methodology and technique could extend to atoms and even biological structures, like people. However, unlike the fictional series, quantum teleportation wouldn't physically transport a person to a different location. Instead, it would replicate their exact quantum state elsewhere. That, in turn, raises an existential question: is the teleported person still themselves, or just an identical copy? The answer is still speculative, because human teleportation remains far off in the future. However, advances in quantum computing and entanglement continue to push the boundaries of possibility, and raise vital questions along the way. (Popular Mechanics, November 4, 2024)
SOCOM SEEKS HYBRID MICRO DRONES
Today, drones come in all shapes and sizes, and the variety continues to get bigger as applications for unmanned vehicles become more diverse. The U.S. Special Operations Command's recent request for microdrones that can seamlessly transition from air to water is a case in point. As per the public announcement, SOCOM is seeking drones capable of a wide array of mission sets, including gathering intelligence, surveillance, and even potential kinetic engagement. These drones must withstand 15-knot winds, be able to operate for at least 12 minutes, and cover a range of 0.5 nautical miles. Additionally, they must feature modular hardware and support government AI software, in order to enable autonomous operation in contested environments. (Defense Scoop, November 14, 2024)
CUTTING THE CORD: WIRELESS POWER FOR TROOPS
Modern warfare depends on energy-hungry technologies, such as drones, for battlefield dominance. That, in turn, means that modern militaries are heavily reliant on functioning energy supply lines. Currently, there are few logistical operations more difficult than transporting energy across a battlefield, but the U.S. Army is working with U.S. defense contractor Raytheon on a wireless power transfer technology solution. This new contract aims to develop a directed energy wireless power system capable of delivering energy to manned and unmanned systems in real time, without the need for physical supply lines. Such a capability "is extremely important in highly contested threat environments where operations are challenged," notes Raytheon's Colin Whelan. Most importantly, wireless power could also enable decentralized energy distribution — eliminating the need for vulnerable centralized fuel depots. (Interesting Engineering, November 22, 2024)
CHINA'S MICROWAVE SUPERWEAPON: SCIENCE FICTION OR REALITY?
The idea of converging energy beams as a weapon is hardly new; in fact, it was popularized in Star Wars, where the capability was wielded to devastating effect by the Empire from the Death Star. Now, Chinese scientists claim to have developed a similar concept: a microwave weapon that concentrates multiple high-powered electromagnetic waves from different locations onto a single target. Unlike traditional directed energy weapons, the combined microwave beams allegedly generate more power than their individual outputs. Once operational, the beam could disable targets ranging from drone swarms to cruise missiles. But while the technology may have potential, it is currently only lethal in a controlled environment, and not in the real world, where it requires millimeter-level accuracy in positioning and immense power demands. (Live Science, November 24, 2024)
FROM WARRIOR SUIT TO CARRYING COMPANION
The U.S. Army is once again exploring the use of exoskeletons to enhance soldier endurance and mobility. Most recently, the TALOS program – which promised an impressive combat suit – was shut down due to overly complicated powered armor (see Defense Technology Monitor no. 79). Now, a tamer Army vision is focused on reducing strain and improving logistics. A recent trial at Fort Sill, Oklahoma evaluated off-the-shelf exoskeleton suits for their ability to assist troops in hauling artillery shells and heavy equipment. The Army's Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM), the organization responsible for developing new technology for soldiers, is interested in a suit that helps soldiers who often carry around 140 pounds into combat. Furthermore, the suit may have applications for the loading and unloading of cargo transporters. (Wired, November 29, 2024)