Fusing 5D Virtualization Technology with Advanced Robotics to Enhance Air Force Readiness

The Air Force identified Rapid, Effective Decision-Making as one of five key strategic capabilities in its Science and Technology Strategy. To meet that strategic capability, the DAF has increasingly integrated advanced robotics and other next-generation conveyance platforms into its maintenance and sustainment processes. The DAF regularly relies on robotic-based technology to accomplish numerous tasks. Advanced robotics support manufacturing, maintenance, and emerging technologies like cold spray, among many other applications. Robotics systems provide the speed, precision, and autonomy to maintain force readiness. To achieve such superior results, robotics systems rely on myriad sensors. The DAF can directly enhance the quality from robotics-based systems and unlock new capabilities by improving the quality of input sensor data.Although this Phase I will focus on robotics-based systems, the results will provide insight on emerging conveyance platforms. For example, many companies are using Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) to open new possibilities for inspections and repair, such as performing aircraft inspections. The quality of those inspections is similarly limited to the quality of the data inputs. Using 5D Reality Models generated by the Quidient Reality® Platform, the DAF can directly capitalize on a major advance in virtualization technology to build the DAF of the future.