SBIR-STTR Award

Technergetics is please to present UPgrade, an effort to research and develop technical methods to transform the Space-Available (S/A) processes for the US Air Force (USAF). It is clear that there is a desire to improve this process as AMC has developed some Virtual Roll Call (VRC) procedures and has utilized this process in select locations with scattered results that clearly shows no concrete permanent solution. The VRCs current procedures use a hybrid of in-person and virtual processing and require manual entry of data leading to errors and pitfalls. During an analysis with our potential customer base, it is clear that a requirement exists to maximize seat utilization while reducing process resource drain by providing a means of predictability and process improvement; thereby freeing up manpower for mission essential Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs). Legacy systems which are part of today’s manual process which would also be analyzed for optional future integration into a cohesive technology platform. Ultimately, an enhanced S/A traveler experience is desirable which will make the process more efficient for all involved. An analysis of manual processes along with research and technical feasibility of desired digital capabilities should be explored in an effort to develop a product roadmap which exceeds the customer’s requirements. Features such as remote mobile passenger “check-in” (i.e. true virtual roll call), geospatial verification of candidate passenger location, baggage registration and tracking, passenger travel authorization verification, and online meal ordering would support a digital process improvement that is sorely needed. Advanced features would significantly enhance the S/A process, such as automated passenger visual identification/verification, passenger history analysis, baggage/cargo tracking integration to Android Team Awareness Kit (ATAK), and predictive analysis, aided by machine learning, of passenger backlogs to maximize seat utilization for higher accuracy in roll call scenarios. A product in this market demand area holds significant commercialization potential for all passenger manifesting locations and military services (i.e. Navy) which have S/A requir

The DoD Passenger travel program and applications that support passenger movement are antiquated and vastly behind in current technological capabilities. The Space Available (S/A) Travel program is a benefit that allows authorized passengers to occupy DoD aircraft seats that are surplus after all space-required passengers and cargo have been accommodated. S/A travel is a privilege (not an entitlement) available to the Uniformed Services for Active Duty, Retired, and Disabled Service Members and their dependents. The S/A passenger manifesting/matching process is a significant resource drain for AMC and candidate passengers alike. Upgrade aims to cut manual processes, reduce resource strain, and introduce technology to revolutionize the passenger experience combined with the S/A travel process. The Passenger Experience is the focal point in this effort. Improving the passenger experience through technological improvements will provide the DoD with operational enhancements in passenger movement. UPgrade aims to maximize the passenger experience by delivering self-service opportunities to permeate throughout the travel journey. With the introduction of UPgrade, Air Terminal Personnel will save significant time and resources by assisting in a complete self-service passenger experience. UPgrade will enhance the passenger process with a mobile passenger application and a web-based air terminal application to usher in sensor-equipped, intelligent, exponential technologies that can gather data, interpret it, and take smart action. UPgrade will enable remote passenger check-ins, limit overcrowding of air terminals, increase predictability for air terminals, and enable geospatial verification of passenger locations. Additionally, UPgrade will support automated passenger signups, introduce automated roll calls and selection, enable remote meal selections/ordering, and introduce a secure means to publish flight information to potential passengers. Enhanced features that will benefit the passenger experience will be achieved by coupling UPgrade with the Android Team Awareness Kit (ATAK). This will include automated passenger traveler verification, passenger profiles and history analysis, providing secure travel information, passenger data, tieing in commercial standard technology to the DoD passenger experience to decrease resource strain, and decision making to maximize aircraft utilization.