Flyover and military tech | Bridge inspection tech

Wichita State to help U.S. Army with tech development

WITCHITA, KS—A program at Wichita State University will help the U.S. Army with technology development and its integration. FirePoint Innovations Center is intended to accelerate joint technology development, transfer, and commercialization between DEVCOM, universities, industries, and government organizations.

Purdue launches initiative with U.S. Air Force

WEST LAFAYETTE, IN–Purdue University will further research and development in critical areas of national security as a lead academic partner of a new pilot initiative with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). Purdue was selected as the lead academic partner and headquarters for the AFRL Regional Research Hub – Midwest and will be involved in the development of a science and technology ecosystem across a wide area of 15 states.

Ohio company to commercialize flexible battery tech

COLUMBUS, OH–FlexEnergy has negotiated a pair of patent license agreements with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory to commercialize a flexible battery technology developed by Air Force scientists from the lab’s Materials and Manufacturing Directorate. The battery technology offers a high-temperature range, which makes it ideal for UAVs and industrial applications but the company’s focus will be on “smart clothing.”

Deploying tech for bridge inspections

PITTSBURGH, PA—Pittsburgh startups are deploying relevant tech for bridge inspections. The companies include Mach9Robots, which uses robots and sensors to produce geospatial renderings of critical infrastructure and AERAS, a drone startup that will offer analysis of the city’s bridges.