To address specific NASA mission applications of spaceborne automation and robotics, this project applies specific innovations to the emerging technology area called coherent infrared laser radar (ladar). The innovations proposed result in an imaging ladar approach tailored to operate safely in a large-area dynamic environment while providing highly accurate data required to accomplish complex tasks.Phase I project objectives were: to evaluate the hierarchical scan concept of programmable fovea with simultaneous peripheral vision, to fabricate a breadboard ladar, and to create range and Doppler images of simulated spaceborne targets in the laboratory. The project demonstrated the programmable fovea and peripheral vision scanning concept using a breadboard, CO2 laser imaging ladar. The project also generated Doppler and intensity images and performed electronic tests of the range electronics.Potential Commercial Application:Ladar vision for intelligent robotics offers significantly increased automation for broad-based industrial applications.STATUS: Project Proceded to Phase II
