Description:
OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Trusted AI and Autonomy
OBJECTIVE: Develop a technology assisted, portable, ruggedized, toolbox for use in all-weather maintenance environments that can be 3D printed
DESCRIPTION: Technicians currently rely on manual accountability for tools and equipment - all accountability is hand-recorded. Additionally, inspections and tool replacement uses human judgement to identify, predict, and order tools. Human error is a perceived factor in tool supply issues. Additionally, individual tool locations within the same organization are operated under separate systems that do not allow integration with other programs. Furthermore, none of the current Automatic Tool Control (ATC) toolboxes are capable of operating on the AFIFNET and they cannot track, identify, and determine tool location internally or externally to the tool box. Technicians spend several hours a day checking tool boxes in and out, inspecting, and replacing tools, wasting valuable time that could have been spent inspecting and repairing aircraft. Personnel need a solution that harnesses current technology to recue time spent in lines, removes human error, and monitors requirements to keep toolboxes completely functional and ready for usage. Toolbox must be capable of holding up to 50 tools/tool components that is capable of remote data storage, is intuitive, multi-touch, and user friendly. Uses multi-factor authentication but not incessantly. Has tool tracking, tool current location, last known tool location, tool wear-and-tear status, missing tool recognition, foreign object (FO) detection, and incorporates predictive tool replacement with automatic ordering features. Operate on battery power for a minimum of 24 hours prior to needing a recharge or battery swap. The batteries must be easy to swap and capable of recharging within the ATC or on dedicated charging stations. Recharging system must be dual voltage (AC 110-220). Must be weatherproof and operational between -20C and +50C degrees. Must meet requirements to obtain a HERO certification with max ""Safe Separation Distance"" of 10 ft for UNSAFE from the AF safety center. Must be usable if user has gloves equipped. ATC must be easy for end user to reconfigure/update to remove/add tools/components. ATC needs to be able to operate in a communications compromised environment - i.e.. wireless communications go out. ATC needs to be able to sync relevant data with 3rd parties. The ATC box needs to be man portable and usable in wet/dry weather conditions ranging from -20C to 50C. Needs the ability to use a remote located AFIFNET computer or VM capable with a user interface screen and multi-factor authentication on the toolbox. The ATC should integrate with and allow integration from other Air Force and Air Force Contractor systems. ATC sensor kit should be able to be converted into a conventional hand carried toolbox in the event circumstances warrant or in a 3D printed toolbox. The toolbox itself should be 3D printable and print files released to USAF as part of the License agreement to allow allow repair and reprints due to damage as needed. The Air Force may elect to order the full ATC (toolbox and associated technology) or the only proprietary technology that enables the smart features in a locally printed toolbox. Additionally, fully operational capability requires seamless integration onto the Air Force Information Networks (AFIN) for network transport and Air Forces Network (AFNET) for software utilization. The system will utilize these networks for software application usage (both for on premises and remote access), security practices and procedures, and data transport requirements. Prior to inclusion on Air Force Installation Base Enclaves, all hardware components must comply with DoD Unified Capabilities Requirements (UCR), and be listed on the Department of Defense Information Network (DoDIN) Approved Products List (APL). All software components must adhere to UCR and be certified per the Air Force Evaluated Products List (EPL). In the event components are not currently authorized, authorization will be completed with support of government sponsorship prior to capability delivery to enable immediate operational usage.
PHASE I: A feasibility study that encompasses the following at a minimum: Problem, Solution, Market, Competition, Team/Stakeholders, Financials, Milestones, Additional Information Address at least the following: 1) Annual costs for tools in military maintenance overall broken down by military branch and shown as percent of total military/branch 2) Identify current technology capable of meeting the topic objective 3) Identify if the current technology can retire/replace a current process or technology 4) Identify ways where human conducted tool checks can go wrong 5) Identify security concerns and mitigations 6) Cost overview for both initial purchase, sustainment 7) Warrantee and service information 8) Solution impacts to cost, quality or speed versus the current method | Return on investment 9) Overview of the technological components to make the solution work 10) Procedural changes needed to make solution work 11) Include a visual of potential solutions complete with descriptors 12) Policy changes needed to make solution work, if any 13) Feasibility for an app component 14) Any discretionary information that may be valuable when choosing a solution proposal 15) Feasibility of 3D printing the toolbox and adding a sensor package
PHASE II: Develop, integrate, install, test, and demonstrate a prototype system determined to be the most feasible solution during the Phase I feasibility study. Company must work with Air Force stake holders to build ATC according to end-user specifications - this requires interaction with and feedback from Air Force end-users. Capabilities/issues identified but not address in previous phase can be resolved, added or remove as needed
PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The contractor will pursue commercialization of the various technologies developed in Phase II for transitioning expanded mission capability to a broad range of potential government and civilian users and alternate mission applications. Direct access with end users and government customers will be provided with opportunities to receive Phase III awards for providing the government additional research & development, or direct procurement of products and services developed in coordination with the program. An example of a commercial application is the ATC used in a vehicle maintenance application or at a civilian airport. Capabilities/issues identified but not address in previous phase can be resolved, added or remove as needed
REFERENCES:
1. AFI 21-101;
2. AFMAN 91-203;
3. Technical Manual 32-1-101
KEYWORDS: Automatic Tool Control; Artificial Intelligence, Identify; Predict; Tool Tracking; Tool Wear; Tool Home Recognition; Foreign Object (FO) Scans; Wired and Wireless Connectivity
