Naval scientists are working to help meet the challenges of the 21st century warfighter, and their latest creations are is on display this week at Whether you want a glimpse at emerging technology or just need to satisfy your inner geek, the Naval Future Force Science and Technology Expo has what you need.

Sailors and members of the general public attending the biennial event, Feb. 4-5 at the The Expo will be held Feb. 4-5 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. And this year, the biennial event is opening its exhibit hall to the general public, where they can , will be able to see everything from the electromagnetic railgun to underwater gliders. Key technologies on display also include:

  • The Shipboard Autonomous Fire-Fighting Robot (SAFFiR), a bipedal humanoid robot designed to assist sailors in the location and suppression of fires.
  • An autonomous swarmboat.
  • Optical scans of the outer ear and 3-D-printed, custom molded ear plugs produced on site.
  • The CQ-10B, a lightweight unmanned helicopter capable of carrying 500 pounds.

"This year's Expo promises to deliver opportunities for sailors and Marines to interact with members of the naval science and technology community who are confronting the toughest technological challenges that they face on the front lines," said Peter Vietti, Office of Naval Research spokesman. "In addition, they will be able to see, first-hand, displays and demonstrations of the latest innovations that are contributing to the building of the future force."

Registered attendees will hear from a host of key leaders in science and technology. This will include a first-ever panel of science and technology service chiefs, as well as presentations on Arctic studies, directed-energy technologies, and advances in autonomy and virtual training.

Other prominent speakers include Patricia Falcone, associate director of national security and international affairs at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy; Adm. Jonathan Greenert, chief of naval operations; and Robert Ballard, the famed oceanographer who discovered the Titanic.

Check in with Navy Times online throughout the week for stories about the people, ideas and technological advances that are shaping the future.

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