Electronic Textile Personal Area Network Soldier Enhancement System

To address the Army’s need for Electronic Textile Enabled Personal Area Networks (EPAN) for Ground and Air Soldiers, Intellisense Systems, Inc. (ISI) proposes to develop an Electronic teXtile Personal Area Network Soldier Enhancement (EXPANSE) system based on optimization of fabrication and assembly processes to advance the manufacturability of previously developed e-textile conductive materials and associated low-profile connectors. Specifically, the innovation in automated manufacturing processes will enable EXPANSE to advance beyond the experimental laboratory stage to a higher technical and manufacturing maturity. As a result, this process offers an improved path toward affordable, mass produced, reliable EPAN components, which directly addresses the Army’s requirements. In Phase I, ISI will perform a comprehensive study identifying viable automated production and assembly methods for e-textile conductive fabrics and connectors. ISI will investigate risks, benefits, and costs associated with the manufacturing techniques identified above as contrasted with current production and assembly methods. ISI will develop a proof-of-concept EXPANSE prototype in preparation for scale-up to automated fabrication methods in Phase II. A final report including a safety assessment report will be prepared. In Phase II, ISI will develop, demonstrate, validate, and deliver 25 working prototypes using the methods selected in Phase I.