FA864924P0762

Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) Phase I

Enhancing Air Force Autonomous Systems with Sensor Fusion Engine (SFE) for Greater Precision, Efficiency, and Extended Operational Range

To augment the capabilities of Tular, an autonomous Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) launch and recovery platform that operates while on-the-move, Target Arm is enhancing its Sensor Fusion Engine (SFE) technology. The SFE is a critical component of its autonomous vehicle operations, focusing on localized operations, to enable vehicles to operate collaboratively in very close proximity, a capability that serves as a force multiplier in the DoD's shift towards autonomous and unmanned teaming systems. Target Arm's SFE currently demonstrates the capability for precise short-range localization to 6-9 meters. The goal is to bridge the gap out to beyond 100 meters, enhancing autonomous operational accuracy and seamlessly connecting UAVs to/from their missions. This project has been significantly de-risked as Target Arm has deep experience developing UAV launch and recovery platforms featuring the SFE for package delivery solutions and the DAF. Target Arm's Sensor Fusion Engine presents a revolutionary and low-cost precision localization solution on-the-edge, eliminating the need for human interaction during critical phases of flight. Rooted in advanced technology and wraparound software to existing flight controllers, this solution relies on highly dependable sensors to ensure surgical level precision, high speed updates, and low latency. Extended Range + Accuracy: Currently, SFE operates effectively within a range out to approximately 6 to 9 meters, with a Phase II objective to extend this capability to 100 meters. This enables us to maintain a critical range and accuracy balance, which is essential when autonomous systems need to interact with relative objects in their vicinity. This not only makes close proximity collaboration more efficient but also ensures that autonomous systems can seamlessly transition to/from mission profiles with launch and recovery procedures. An analog is a hands-free instrument landing system for an aircraft, but with much more precision for UAVs. The goal of this SBIR Phase I Project is to secure a Customer Memorandum from relevant DAF Customer and End User.

The goal of phase I is to establish the technical merit, feasibility, and commercial potential of proposed R&D efforts and determine the quality of performance of the small business awardee organization.

AFX245-PCSO1

FX245-PCSO1-1234

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Meghan Scott