Welcome to ZKxKZ
ZKxKZ develops breakthrough transportation, defense, and advanced manufacturing technologies from concept through commercialization. Our multidisciplinary engineering team combines materials science, mechanical engineering, manufacturing, and systems integration to solve complex problems for government and industry.
ZKxKZ Defense Technology Materials & Systems for Military Applications
Precision Leveling Motion Control System
ZKxKZ has developed a self-leveling elevator system capable leveling each individually driven corner to less than 0.002”. The system also has the capability to self-level to optimize performance of each motor and to reduce wear and tear on the system. The system leverages data acquisition and tracking to optimize performance and alert users to when maintenance may be necessary.
Quantitative High Speed X-Ray Inspection
ZKxKZ has developed a quantitative X-ray system capable of locating, determining mass and identifying material type of objects of interest embedded in other materials. The primary development of this technology was for significantly reducing the inspection time of searching for metal particles suspended in low-carbon materials. The new approach reduces the time to obtain the mass, location and material of the particles by nearly 95%. Data can now be obtained in hours as opposed to months and comes in fully databased format with 3-D images of the particles for further use in artificial intelligence and machining learning applications.
Advanced Towed Array Hose
ZKxKZ has developed numerous advances in the hose that protects acoustic arrays commonly used to “listen” for pressure variation in the ocean. The ZKxKZ used proprietary manufacturing methods and material blends to modify numerous aspects of the hose system including Coefficient of Friction (CoF) improvement, dampening manipulation/matching, diameter creep control, stiffness manipulation, moisture permeation reduction, and density manipulation; all of which can be modified simultaneously in positive or negative direction.
Automated Sheet Loader
ZKxKZ has developed an automated sheet loader capable of picking up standard size sheets (4’ x 8’) of low-density material and placing them onto a conveyor system for secondary operations. The system is capable of lifting different quantities of sheets and also contains sensors and motion control to provide feedback on operations to ensure the system is performing as desired and is capable of interfacing with other automated hardware.
Metabolic Sensor
ZKxKZ is developing a compact, wireless wearable metabolic sensor that provides real-time measurements of oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production, and ventilation to assess physiological readiness, energy expenditure, and fatigue in operational environments. Developed under a Defense Health Agency SBIR program, the system delivers actionable guidance for fueling, pacing, workload optimization, and recovery through embedded analytics and Bluetooth-enabled connectivity. Designed for both rapid metabolic assessments and extended field monitoring, the technology supports personalized training, performance optimization, and informed return-to-duty decisions. Prototype systems are currently undergoing laboratory validation and field-relevant testing.
Commercial Applications
Modular Roadway System
Vortex has developed a patented family of modular traffic control systems that enables permanent or temporary roadway improvements to be installed in hours or days rather than months. Manufactured from durable recycled polymers, the modular components install directly over existing pavement with minimal traffic disruption, providing agencies with a faster, lower-cost alternative to conventional concrete construction. The technology has been deployed across North America to improve roadway safety, calm traffic, and rapidly implement innovative intersection designs while significantly reducing installation time, cost, and environmental impact.
Applications:
- Modular Roundabouts
- Traffic Islands & Channelization
- Protected Bike Lane Dividers
- Speed Control & Traffic Calming
- Lane Closures & Traffic Diversion
- Permanent or Temporary Traffic Control
Key Advantages
- Rapid Installation – Install complete traffic control systems in as little as a single day.
- Lower Cost – Fraction of the cost of conventional concrete construction.
- Minimal Traffic Disruption – Installs directly over existing pavement with intersections reopened immediately after installation.
- Long Service Life – Engineered for approximately 50 years of service in permanent applications.
- Sustainable – Manufactured from recycled materials and fully recyclable at end of life.
- Customizable – Available in virtually any color, geometry, or configuration.
- Modular & Expandable – Easily modified, relocated, repaired, or expanded as roadway needs change.
- Simple Installation – Shipped as an "IKEA-like" kit that can be installed by municipal maintenance crews without specialized equipment.
- Federal Validation – Developed through multiple U.S. DOT SBIR research programs and deployed at installations across the United States and Canada.
- Maintenance Crew Installable – Delivered as a modular kit for rapid installation using standard municipal maintenance crews and equipment.