Embedded Soldier Kinematics Acquisition and Analysis Platform

To address the Army"s need for monitoring soldier body dynamics, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Embedded Soldier Kinematics Acquisition and Analysis Platform (ESKAAP). This proposed device is based on a new design supporting accurate acquisition of soldier body dynamics in a wireless, miniature (button-size), and lightweight package. The innovation in ESKAAP is a highly accurate multisensory MEMS cluster that will allow the fabrication of a nonintrusive wearable system capable of acquiring and analyzing the movements of a soldier"s trunk, limbs, and equipment. As a result, ESKAAP will increase the accuracy and dramatically simplify the process of monitoring body dynamics in soldier behavior and performance of new equipment, which directly addresses the needs of the Army. In Phase I, POC will demonstrate the feasibility of ESKAAP by designing a prototype system to answer design issues and meet requirements, as well as fabricate a prototype sensor array for measuring body kinematics. In Phase II, POC will deliver a fully implemented system that will meet and exceed the Army"s requirements and can be ready for field tests for the acquisition and analysis of a soldier"s body and equipment and for kinematics and kinetics, in real soldier environments.