Transforming Operational Challenges into Dual-Use Intelligence Solutions in Engineering

Operational challenges often reveal hidden opportunities for innovation. At the recent Combat Engineer and Logistics (CEL) forum, Anywise demonstrated how a straightforward problem in deployable bridging systems evolved into a suite of intelligence products with applications beyond Defence.

This journey highlights how understanding equipment use and improving planning can reduce risk and enhance efficiency in both military and civilian contexts.

Deployable military bridge in use

From Problem to Practical Solution

The starting point was a simple but critical question: How do we restore confidence in deployable bridging systems? These systems are vital for military operations, but inconsistent usage data made it difficult to assess their condition and reliability. Anywise developed FABHUMS, a configuration tracking system that transformed scattered data into trustworthy information about serviceability.

The key insight was clear: truly understanding what equipment you have and how it has been used allows you to reduce risk without unnecessary replacement. This approach saves resources and extends the life of valuable assets.

Improving Planning with Digital Tools

Once confidence in equipment status improved, the next challenge was planning. How can teams plan better and faster with reliable data? This led to the creation of ENG|AIDE, a digital twin and planning support environment. ENG|AIDE structures workflows, validates calculations, and improves data quality. It also reduces friction between assessment and action, making planning more efficient and accurate.

A design principle emerged from these developments: let machines handle repetitive micro-decisions so people can focus on judgement. This principle guides the evolution of Anywise systems and supports better decision-making in complex environments.

Advancing Edge Intelligence

Building on these foundations, Anywise developed AELIAS, an edge intelligence architecture based on the WISDOM human-machine teaming platform. AELIAS supports a family of systems designed to operate in challenging conditions:

• Route planning and condition monitoring: Low-power sensors and edge AI assess route viability, bridge loads, and vehicle signatures without needing continuous data streaming.

• Logistics and engineering intelligence overlays: These provide actionable data layers that assist planning in contested, degraded, or remote environments.

• Smart deployable infrastructure: Camps, shelters, generators, and fuel systems equipped with sensors monitor and report only essential information.

  
  

Sensor device on military vehicle monitoring route conditions

Dual-Use Applications Beyond Defence

Although these systems were developed for defence engineering, they address challenges common to many civilian sectors:

• Emergency response and disaster relief: Reliable infrastructure and rapid planning tools help responders act quickly and safely.

• Remote infrastructure and mining operations: Monitoring equipment and routes in isolated areas improves safety and efficiency.

• Temporary works and construction logistics: Tracking and planning tools reduce delays and equipment failures.

• National stockpile staging and asset management: Accurate data on equipment condition supports better inventory management.

  
  

These examples show how defence innovations can provide practical benefits in civilian contexts, improving safety, reducing costs, and enhancing operational confidence.

Practical Takeaways

• Understanding equipment usage reduces unnecessary replacements and lowers risk.

• Digital twins and planning tools improve workflow and decision-making.

• Edge intelligence systems provide reliable data in difficult environments without heavy data demands.

• Defence technologies can be adapted to support emergency services, mining, construction, and asset management.

  
  

Perspective from Growth

Chris, our Head of Growth, captured it well:

“Our products start with real constraints, not feature lists. We build practical intelligence layers that sit directly on the infrastructure people rely on, reducing noise and elevating clarity. That same approach works across defence, emergency management and civilian infrastructure.”

What’s Next

Under the AELIAS architecture we’re continuing to advance:

• Route viability and load intelligence

  
  

• Engineering and logistics overlays

  
  

• Smart camp and fuel monitoring

  
  

• Low‑power fire detection mesh networks

  
  

• Infrastructure planning & reporting tools

All designed to give decision‑makers clarity over complexity.

Closing Thought

The future of deployable infrastructure, whether for military operations or civilian response, isn’t about bigger systems. This approach encourages organisations to rethink how they manage equipment and plan operations, focusing on data quality and human-machine collaboration.