QinetiQ TechWatch Publication

Working with academic and industry experts, we examine emerging technologies and how they might disrupt the defence and security sector in the future. We identify the risks and opportunities associated with new innovations to provide an insight to decision-makers on how their adoption could overcome challenges and achieve operational advantage.

Edition 16

TechWatch is back with its sixteenth edition – and we’re proud to bring you our second fully digital release!

In this issue, we explore how defence and security is evolving how science and technology is being used to deliver innovation impact. From changing trends to emerging technologies, we take a closer look at how tools like digital twins, 3D printing and immersive environments are helping accelerate progress.

We also highlight some of the exciting technologies shaping tomorrow’s capabilities, including fish-scale-inspired hypersonic materials and voice-controlled drones – all aligned with our strengths in science and innovation.

And finally, we reflect on our presence at this year’s DSEI – the largest to date – with powerful demonstrations, expert panels, and real-world insights into the future of defence.

We hope you enjoy reading TechWatch 16. If you have feedback on the new format, or ideas for future editions, we’d love to hear from you. You can email us at TechWatch@QinetiQ.com

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TechWatch blogs

Digital Assistant card - conceptual image showing human interacting with robot with a screen in between

Bringing context into our conversations with 'Intelligent' Digital Assistants

An Intelligent Digital Assistant is an AI-based application that understands voice (or text) commands and completes tasks for the user. Now, Meta have been looking to bring contextual awareness to these Digital Assistants, so that they can adapt to user behaviour and their environment.

close up image of marmalade hoverfly in flight against green background

Learning from the Hoverfly improves drone detection

In another case of "nature knows best", a team of researchers have drawn inspiration from the humble hoverfly and made an impressive leap forward in long-distance drone detection.

Techwatch - image showing conceptual image of Carbon nanotubes - tiny cylinders of carbon spanning the width of a single atom

New lightweight material outperforms Kevlar for armour

Researchers have developed a new type of ultra-light material that outperforms Kevlar fabric and steel plates as a means of protective armour, at much lighter weight and across a wide temperature range.