Futureproof: Protective Acoustic Wave
Future Narrative
The war in Ukraine made the importance of drone and artillery defense clear to everyone. A groundbreaking planar wave technology emerged, leveraging acoustic wave energy and microwave emissions (A.W.E.M.E) to create barriers and protect troops from frontal or overhead attacks. Today, a downscaled version known commercially as the SoundSentinel™ safeguards crops from insects. Similar to bug zappers from years ago, the planar wave resonance eliminates specific pests when passing over crops in the field.
In the agricultural sector, this acoustic barrier technology represents a significant advancement in pest control. Chemical pesticides or physical nets can harm the environment and are labor-intensive. Planar wave technology offers a sustainable and maintenance-free alternative. Applying tuned acoustic waves and microwaves to target specific insect species effectively eliminates pests from crops without harming beneficial insects or the surrounding ecosystem. This precise targeting reduces crop damage and increases yield, contributing to more efficient and eco-friendly farming practices.
In military applications, protective planar wave systems are stronger, sometimes leading to the acoustic capturing of smoke and flames, making the barrier temporally visible. The invisibility of the protective barrier can be restored by briefly cycling the system and allowing smoke and flames to dissipate.
As with many technologies, acoustic and microwave barriers were born out of the intensive need to protect troops in conflict. The technology then found its way into commercial agricultural applications. When deployed around a base, convoy, or troop formation, planar wave technology projects a plane of high-frequency sound and microwaves that disrupt incoming drones or ordinance. Multiple protective barriers can be deployed horizontally or vertically at various distances, providing full coverage for troops in the field. Forces can integrate planar wave technology into existing infrastructure or deploy it using power provision armored vehicles that move with infantry units across the battle space, thus providing flexible and robust protection in various combat scenarios.
Refinements of protective acoustic barriers included projecting laser visual indicators that reflected off of trapped particulates within the acoustic barrier to aid troops in identifying the position of A.W.E.M.E. Mark II systems.
Early military planar wave barriers were so strong that, depending on environmental conditions, they sometimes spawned fires. As a result, troops referred to the A.W.E.M.E. Mark I system as the “Gates of Hell.”
Implications
The versatility of this acoustic barrier technology lies in its ability to be finely tuned to specific frequencies and intensities, ensuring optimal effectiveness for various applications. As research and development continue, we can anticipate further enhancements, such as integrating artificial intelligence to dynamically adjust sound parameters based on real-time threats or pest behavior. This fusion of acoustic engineering and advanced algorithms promises to revolutionize military defense and agricultural protection, marking a significant leap forward in using non-lethal defense and sustainable crop technologies. However, the health of those using this technology must be safeguarded, and we must avoid unintended consequences such as additional noise pollution or interference with wildlife across wide green spaces.
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.