IoT testing and Experimentation for End-to-End Scenarios

TECH FOCUS AREAS: Cybersecurity; Network Command, Control and Communications; Autonomy; Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning; 5G TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors; Information Systems OBJECTIVE: This topic seeks to establish the tools and processes, and best practices for integrating and testing real and simulated IoT edge devices and telemetry in the context of digital twins defined for testing and evaluation of Air Force mission use cases. DESCRIPTION: Efforts will develop an IoT test environment for modeling end-to-end solutions for mission-centric scenarios. This will be accomplished by leveraging a cloud-centric ecosystem for developing processes and methodology for end-to-end IoT testing and evaluation of AF mission-centric scenarios. PHASE I: Phase I will establish a methodology around a flexible ecosystem of tools to enable digital twins modeling, data analytics and data management capabilities. Internet of Things/Internet of Battlefield Things (IoT/IoBT) implementations are proliferating across Air Force Installations of the future, offering improvements in efficiency, readiness and situational awareness. At the same time, this technology also presents new attack vectors for potential adversaries. A flexible and modular data architecture is required to thoroughly test and evaluate IoT technologies, as well as to support operational use cases. The Phase I concept development will consist of an initial capability description including a baseline testbed architecture, a cloud-centric data management concept description, and a description of a flexible ecosystem of tools to enable digital twin modeling, data analytics and data management. Phase 1 will provide foundational artifacts that will lead to a Phase 2 prototype. PHASE II: Based on the results of Phase 1, develop and demonstrate an initial framework, a detailed architecture design, and a cloud-based digital twin IoT testing prototype ecosystem. The framework will describe all capabilities required to perform IoT modeling, simulation and testing for Air Force system application. The ecosystem shall include a multi-layer architecture to effectively collect, process, analyze and store data collected by IoT/IoBT devices to drive operational technology and/or inform command-level decision making. Phase 2 will additionally involve collaboration with AFRL engineers/AF community to establish mission-centric use cases to demonstrate and evaluate the digital twin's prototyped architecture's ability to support next generation Air Force mission scenarios. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Work with the DoD to demonstrate the use-cases and exemplars developed during Phase II are applicable to DoD systems and software. Further demonstrate and deploy the capability within diverse environments. Potential PH III military applications 1. Smart base digital twins (such as Tyndall) would utilize the proposed capability to model the base before acquisition of IoT hardware, devices, and IT support. 2. UAS digital twins would be a low-cost method of testing autonomous vehicles before actual flight. 3. Use of data analytics and data modeling when preparing for theater-level events Potential commercial applications of this technology: 1. Using the developed processes and methodology to efficiently model and plan a manufacturing factory that will utilize IoT devices and communication within the factory and the cloud. This will ensure all devices send correct data and as efficiently as possible. In addition, the security of the devices would be modeled and analyzed to ensure safety. 2. Any product that utilizes IoT devices/sensors (e.g., vehicles, homes, medical equipment) can be represented by a digital twin model in order to discover any problems before prior to development. The proposed capability would be useful for both military and non-military (commercial, medical, manufacturing, etc.) applications. NOTES: The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the proposed tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with section 5.4.c.(8) of the Announcement and within the AF Component-specific instructions. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws. Please direct questions to the Air Force SBIR/STTR Help Desk: usaf.team@afsbirsttr.us REFERENCES: https://www.gartner.com/document/3999193 KEYWORDS: IoT; methodology; Digital Twin; best practices; modeling