Mobile Platform Augmented Reality for Enhanced Operations on the International Space Station

Completed TRL 5 (started at 2, targeting 5)

Description

To develop an Augmented Reality system that runs on a small portable device to aid crew in routine maintenance activities by providing enhanced information and situational awareness of their immediate environment. This system would improve the speed and quality of maintenance procedures, and reduce error and risk. The specific enhancements we will investigate include: - Overlaying devices with relevant telemetry. - Highlighting of items that require action, e.g., a switch that needs to be flipped, a hose that needs to be removed, or a bolt that needs to be tightened. - Information about consequences of actions, e.g., if the bolt is removed, this assembly will be detached or if the switch is flipped then this panel will be powered on. - Guidance aids through planned procedures or activities. - Navigation aids, e.g., where is the next device to be adjusted.

Benefits

The proposed AR system could be readily adapted to commercially developed manned space vehicles. It could be adapted to aid maintenance operations on a large military vehicle such as a naval vessel. It also could be used in commercial shipping and complex commercial systems such as chemical plants, refineries, manufacturing facilities, etc.

The proposed AR system could be adapted to work interactively with ISS procedure execution. It could also be adapted to work in other manned spacecraft developed by NASA.

Details

Technology area	Robotic Systems > Human and Robot Interaction > Remote Interaction
Program	Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer (SBIR/STTR)
Lead organization	Tietronix Software, Inc., Houston, TX
Start date	2011-02-18
End date	2011-09-29

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

Lui Wang — lui.wang-1@nasa.gov
Robert J Phillips
Robert Phillips

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — 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.