← Back to NASA Technology Projects
Completed TRL 4 (started at 3, targeting 4)
This project is expected to deliver a fully functional ground-based unit that will enable further development of AI/ML technology applied to granular media studies. The unit will include a series of complex shape tumblers (e.g.- hour-glass) with varying flow channel geometries and flow angles that will be filled with regolith simulants. Each tumbler will be surrounded by an imaging system which will capture the data in 360 degrees. The data will be fed through a neural radiance field (NeRF) pipeline, provided by Nvidia. The NeRF pipeline uses machine learning to assemble multiple two-dimensional images into a single three-dimensional image or immersive model, which scientists can study and interact with in ways that were previously not possible.
This proposal provides a unique, scalable and easy to implement imaging capability that will help fundamental experiments related to granular media (e.g.- lunar regolith simulants, lunar regolith etc.) and thereby expediting technology development pertinent to Artemis missions, ISRU activities, and the Moon-to-Mars initiative.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.
None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.