Intrinsically Safe and Flexible Dual-Mode Bone Conduction and Vibrotactile Communications System

KCF will develop an integrated bone conduction and vibrotactile communication system utilizing novel flexible electro-mechanical polymer actuators. These flexible and intrinsically safe EMP transducers will be built into a flexible electronic platform and ergonomic molded housing and wirelessly integrated with existing Army radio systems. EMP actuators have already shown promising results as tactile stimulators in flexible devices, like smartwatch bands and wearables, and are the ideal solution for a bone conducting and vibrotactile device made with entirely soft materials. The matured solution will attach comfortably to a Warfighters head with no added risk to the user, while also alleviating the Warfighters overburdened sensory reception.In addition, KCF will utilize their extensive expertise integrating wireless systems in DoD applications to develop a wireless communications system between existing Army radio equipment and their novel bone conducting and vibrotactile communicator.