Equipment Rigging with Augmented Reality / Computer Vision

OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Human-Machine Interfaces; Sustainment & Logistics OBJECTIVE: The Aerial Delivery field has a systemic shortage of personnel at Skill Level 1 positions across all COMPOS that places the mission of packing personnel parachutes, large cargo parachutes, and rigging of equipment at risk of mission failure. This topic aims to deliver wearable, augmented reality (AR) and/or computer vision (CV) devices to non-Parachute Rigger Soldiers to increase technical capabilities for rigging their unit organic equipment, thus reducing overall Army Parachute Rigger requirements. DESCRIPTION: This topic incorporates Soldier-worn devices for any Soldier to have the ability to rig equipment, which reduces the burden on Army Parachute Riggers doing most of the tasks. The Soldier-worn device(s) must instruct the Soldier on what tasks need to be completed for rigging and conditionally assess whether the step was properly conducted. PHASE I: This topic is only accepting Direct to Phase II (DP2) proposals for a cost up to $2,000,000 for a 24-month period of performance. Proposers interested in submitting a DP2 proposal must provide documentation to substantiate that the scientific and technical merit and feasibility equivalent to a Phase I project has been met. Documentation can include data, reports, specific measurements, success criteria of a prototype, etc. (DIRECT TO) PHASE II: During Phase II, a prototype design will be completed for production and devices delivered for demonstration. The demonstration devices will be tested to validate the approach against the specifications of the topic. The prototype must demonstrate the ability to rig equipment for an aerial delivery mission, such as the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV), using the extraction method. The prototype must provide all rigging steps within the AR/CV software such that a group of four untrained Soldiers wearing the devices can successfully rig a JLTV for airdrop per the established rigging procedures. The device must also demonstrate the ability for an Army Parachute Rigger to conduct remote support for troubleshooting and technical assistance. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Augmented Reality (AR) technology under this topic involves hardware-agnostic software development for augmented reality education and training. AR/VR educational technologies are increasingly widespread across a variety of industries, user demographics, and skill levels. Potential dual-use cases include: Gamified classroom lessons in schools and universities Virtual reality field trips from the classroom Higher education simulation experiences, such as medical training Workplace training with improved safety and reduced material cost Immersive scenario training for first responders REFERENCES: 1. Army Techniques Publication (ATP) 4-48, Aerial Delivery 2. Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality in Medical Devices: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/digital-health-center-excellence/augmented-reality-and-virtual-reality-medical-devices 3. Augmented Reality: A Systematic Review of Its Benefits and Challenges in E-Learning Contexts: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/343663440_Augmented_Reality_A_Systematic_Review_of_Its_Benefits_and_Challenges_in_E-Learning_Contexts 4. An Overview of Augmented Reality: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-431X/11/2/28 KEYWORDS: Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, Computer Vision, Aerial Delivery, Parachute, Remote Assist, Sustainment, Logistics, Human-Machine Interfaces, Human Machine Integration