Award Data

Individual differences in vulnerability to sleep loss and fatigue from extended work hours and night work are a substantial problem in transportation work schedule development, fatigue risk management strategies, and prediction of performance impairment in real-world operations. This project will deliver an individualized Fatigue Management Program (FMP) technology for trucking operations that in ...

This proposal describes the application of a mature nanotechnology-based crack arrest / structural repair technology as a novel crack arrestor tool for high-strength pipelines. The crack arrestor would comprise a thin layer or sleeve of electrodeposited nanocrystalline material applied to the outside of the pipe either in the coating mill during fabrication or in-field during or following constru ...

Laser Technology Inc. (LTI) proposes a Phase II SBIR research project to further develop a Compact Shearography System, Analysis Method and Software for micro-crack detection in concrete. There is an urgent need to detect and characterize fine cracks in concrete that form because of various damage mechanisms including alkali-silicate reaction, delayed ettringite formation or frost damage. Fine s ...

Development of the basic EMAT based transverse rail defect detector has progressed toward finished form, as envisioned in the original solicitation. This modification is intended to produce a demonstratable version of a 2-rail detection system with automated signal interpertation. The objectives of this work are to: a. Further develop the system into a functioning 2-rail detection system, as ori ...

We propose to develop a critical enhancement to an existing interactive task guidance system, integrating the capability to utilize data from sensors and control actuators. The system will allow caregivers or rehabilitation professionals to incorporate sensors and actuators into a task script in order to detect task state; detect user state; detect environmental context; detect safety risks; or pa ...

Cities must perform detailed assessments of sidewalks and streets, including curb ramps, pedestrian signals, crosswalks, street furniture, and other components to determine compliance with the Public Rights-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines. However, current assessment methods are inadequate or unreasonable due to time and resources required. The objectives of this project are to: 1) develop elect ...

Fully autonomous, taskable robots for use in unconstrained environments are still a dream rather than a reality because of a host of problems, including capabilities of existing sensors, effectors, and control/planning software. Indeed, concepts of operations for robot use are tending toward robots collaborating directly with humans, in relationships similar to bomb squad dogs. Fortunately, enough ...

Daniel H. Wagner proposes to explore and develop the method and the mathematics by which information and networks can be dynamically evaluated to minimize the transmission or display of redundant, low-value data while assuring that high-value information and subsystems are available. To do this, we propose to develop a non-probabilistic measure of value that encompasses all possible aggregates of ...

Research is proposed to investigate the feasibility of a path planning module that makes use of time-bounded lattices to avoid potential collisions in dynamic environments. The challenge of planning in a dynamic environment is two-fold. First, tracking and predicting the trajectories of dynamic obstacles (e.g., cars, humans, and aircraft) is very noisy. Second, planning with dynamic obstacles requ ...

Research is proposed to investigate the feasibility of developing an HMMWV based Vertical Unmanned Aircraft System (VUAS) with laser designator and target geo-referencing capability to provide Close Air Support (CAS). Shoulder fired missiles have pushed US aircraft so far away from the CAS customer that he needs to find a replacement for the aircraft. As CAS aircraft stand off farther from the sma ...