Fiber Optic Sensor Systems for Smart Depot, Factory, and Sustainment

Foundational to the Digital Depot vision is novel sensing capability to provide robust, reliable data to enable a host of new analytical, diagnostic, and managerial capabilities. IFOS proposes a Sequential Phase II project to advance an innovative photonic-based integrated asset monitoring solution (DepotSense™) to Digital Depot “shop-floor” operations. The IFOS DepotSense™ sensing solution comprises an advanced fiber-optic sensing system with application-specific data analytics and algorithmic software for real-time, multifunctional, multiplexed measurements for machinery condition monitoring, diagnosis, and remaining useful life (RUL) estimation; electrically passive, EMI/RFI-immune, distributed fiber-optic sensors within a single lightweight optical fiber strand that can be unobtrusively attached to the machinery; and advanced sensor analytics including ML/AI algorithms for advanced manufacturing equipment diagnosis, process and product anomaly detection, data aggregation, and on-board & cloud analytics. Leveraging our completed Phase II project and expanding end-user engagement, IFOS is well-positioned to transition the technology platforms and their derivative modular plug & play products for real-time use. The resulting solution will enable realization of smart manufacturing. Phase II is expected to achieve TRL 7 in coordination with AF. IFOS’ photonically enabled, cybersecure DepotSense™ is aligned with AFSC initiatives including the recent contract to Accenture Federal Services for ALC digital transformation.