At the least, DARPA wants BlockADE designs to slow down intruders with axes or saws. However, the agency is also looking for as many extra features as it can get, including "ballistic resistance;" ideally, soldiers could take cover behind the insta-wall in case of a firefight. There's no certainty that this will happen, mind you. DARPA is likely many months away from seeing what prototypes can do, let alone a finished system. Even if the resulting technology isn't bulletproof, though, it could be extremely useful for creating impromptu bases, perimeters and disaster shelters.

[Image credit: AP Photo/Aaron Favila]