DARPA Showcases Pentagon's Secret Weapons On Demo Day

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) held its first ever showcase at the Pentagon courtyard Wednesday, May 11. DARPA, also regarded as the "Pentagon's brain," displayed at least 60 of its military projects in what was dubbed as Demo Day. Some of these projects and secret weapons have the potential for national security and defense use in the future.

The showcase was opened to Pentagon badge holders for both civilian and military units. Stephen P. Welby, the assistant secretary of defense for research and engineering, and Dr. Arati Prabhakar, the DARPA Director, welcomed the visitor and talked to the press. Among the displays on Demo Day included devices and projects geared for counterterrorism, maritime, ground and cyber warfare, space and electromagnetic spectrum, air systems and biology.

If you're at the #Pentagon tomorrow, visit DARPA Demo Day 1000-1400 in the courtyard. https://t.co/wMfZkpr4cb pic.twitter.com/rD3s4tdH9a

— DARPA (@DARPA) May 10, 2016

DARPA's Innovations And Programs DARPA Demo Day Highlights

Demo Day guests were able to see the advances the DARPA engineers have been working on, but some are still in the first phase of the development. However, what the showcase highlighted was that seemingly impossible projects and technology are now being created by the Pentagon's research arm.

Guests were also able to learn more about the programs that are already being used in the military service. DARPA also showcased projects that are linked to the fight against the Zika and Ebola crises, and other biological threats. More details on each of the displayed projects can be accessed via DARPA.

It was @DARPA demo day at the pentagon today. Check out some of their new tech pic.twitter.com/gsWG9A4ueC — Defense Digital Svc (@DefenseDigital) May 12, 2016

"DARPA really is the disruption engine behind our technology enterprise in the department," said Welby, per the U.S. Department of Defense. Welby also told visitors that DARPA engineers are constantly developing new materials and advances "that will matter to the warfighter."

Each project has set goals during the research, which the engineers usually complete in four years' time. "These folks come in with three or four years to change the world, to make a difference, and under that intense pressure, under that clock, that's the secret weapon to moving the future in," said Welby.

Prabhakar also acknowledged the work of the DARPA team. "[They] revel in the opportunity to attack pressing, nearly intractable problems - all in the context of public service," he said in the press release.

DARPA was first established in the 50s during the Eisenhower administration. Learn more about it in the video below: