Dr. Nick Gans, head of the Automation and Intelligent Systems division, has been awarded the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant in collaboration with Immobileyes Inc. for “Small UAS Detection and Classification for Rapid Multiple C-UAS Operations using a Novel Multi-Wavelength Directed Energy Technology.”
The goal of the Air Force (AF) STTR project is to develop and evaluate the feasibility of Immobileyes Laser Storm system to support AF counter unmanned aerial system (UAS) tactics and operations procedures. Laser Storm is a patented, programmable, and scalable laser-emitting device capable of projecting a “shower” of multiple wavelength laser beams adapted to overwhelm multiple sensors. UTARI’s will work with Immobileyes to test the feasibility of enabling its Laser Storm technology to automatically identify target, track and blind multiple UAS’s through machine learning driven computer vision and advanced control algorithms.
STTR programs are highly competitive programs that encourage domestic small businesses to engage in Federal Research/Research and Development (R/R&D) with the potential for commercialization. Central to the STTR program is the partnership between small businesses and nonprofit research institutions. The STTR program requires the small business to formally collaborate with a research institution in Phase I and Phase II. STTR’s most important role is to bridge the gap between performance of basic science and commercialization of resulting innovations.