Small Form Factor RFID Applicator

The proposed development of a small form factor Astrobee dedicated RFID label applicator will allow current and future free flying vehicles to place RFID labels assisting in logistics and asset tracking. Metis Technology Solutions proposes the development of an RFID label applicator designed to fulfill the Astrobee operational requirements, payload interface requirements, as well as satisfy JSC PSRP requirements for safety. The unit is designed to have a replaceable cartridge with 100 Alien Technologies ALN-9640 Higgs-3 RFID labels. Operationally the unit is first installed, Astrobee then propels and aligns the vehicle to the target asset/surface to be labeled once there a pitch maneuver aligns the label applicator with the assistance of integrated cameras. The unit then exerts a thrust force on the target as the applicator quickly applies the adhesive backed RFID label. A proof of concept early prototype shall be developed as a Phase I deliverable in conjunction with the findings report. The prototype is to demonstrate the extraction of the RFID label from the adhesive release liner, and transfer to a target surface with sufficient force to apply the label but minimize transient inputs to the Astrobee flight controller.

The development of the small form factor RFID label applicator is intended to be utilized for the purpose of small free flyer applications. Alternatively with minimal repackaging of the form factor the unit can be reconfigured as an end effector on a robotic arm assembly. For an alternate use case the RFID label applicator could easily utilize non RFID labels. These labels could contain printed information to help astronauts identify items or be used for science in the sense of placing visual cues such as fiducial markers often utilized by computer vision based systems. The NASA roadmap is focuses on future human space habitats and long duration space missions which require asset tracking and labeling. The small form factor RFID applicator can satisfy these future needs.

Additional application use cases beyond NASA missions consist of commercial level shipping and receiving, and manufacturing. Many large manufacturing entities operate on Just-in-Time (JIT) inventory architecture. This model only works with extensive asset tracking infrastructure which includes a large amount of automation and robotic systems. The core unit can be reconfigured to integrate into product picking robots or facilities with dynamic inventory which evolves through manufacturing processes. Another benefit to an item of this form factor is the use of placing labels or RFID information on hazardous products or in hazardous environments such as containers with biomedical or toxic contents.

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.

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