SBIR-STTR Award

Hyperrealistic, precise position, multi-astronaut training with XR Redirected Walking
Award last edited on: 1/6/2023

Sponsored Program
STTR
Awarding Agency
NASA : JSC
Total Award Amount
$175,000
Award Phase
1
Solicitation Topic Code
T11.06
Principal Investigator
Miguel Arias

Company Information

Orbital Outpost X Inc (AKA: Space Villages Inc)

1044 Alderbrook Lane
San Jose, CA 95129
   (650) 800-6504
   info@orbitaloutpostx.com
   www.orbitaloutpostx.com

Research Institution

New York University

Phase I

Contract Number: 80NSSC22PB193
Start Date: 8/17/2022    Completed: 8/25/2023
Phase I year
2022
Phase I Amount
$175,000
We will implement large virtual spaces dynamic saccadic redirection methods for 2 person Redirected Walking (RW) in real room/multi-room scaling XR. We’ll use target numerical simulations & user scenario test data to evaluate XR performance metrics against TRL-4 goals. RW can deliver up to 10x real space walkable area in virtual space without 1 user awareness of real space. Our goal is to achieve best virtual vs. real space expansion with 2 users in same room. We will show hyperrealistic large virtual environments rendering with high level of terrain details appropriate for surface operations & object models such as instruments, tools, vehicles, & structures. Photorealistic accurate scenarios improve full immersion sensations & training outcomes. We will demonstrate accurate finger, hand, & object tracking for 2 rooms including tracking objects with limited visibility for typical astronaut activities, e.g., unload, transport, assemble. We will explore novel human-computer interface methods, such as gesture commands, next step scenario guided choice/presentation from eye, hand, finger motions, etc. to determine applicability for Phase I & Phase II R&D. UX interfaces in XR can guide users, follow responses to AR visual cues, present checklists, measure appropriateness of response & use trainee or user responses to guide next step training or operations to improve memory & new eye hand coordination retention during training, operational planning, & operational management. Our Deliverables include a theoretical framework implemented in hardware that demonstrate basic functionality & critical test environments, with key software components integrated & functionally validated to establish interoperability, with documented test performance demonstrating agreement with analytical predictions. Our (TRL-4) goal is to show breadboard systems with novel RW algorithms in a basic operating environment. All deliverables will be shown in a 2 person hands-on demo in XR. Potential NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words): XR technologies can facilitate many missions, including those related to human space exploration, for planning, training, & operations support as well as for modeling & simulation of future orbital, transportation, & stationary structures for robotic & human use. The Human Exploration & Operations Mission Directorate, Space Technology Mission Directorate, Science Mission Directorate, Artemis, & Gateway programs could benefit from this technology. The crosscutting nature of XR technologies allows it to support all of NASA’s Directorates. Potential Non-NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words): More “realistic” training environments deliver better training outcomes due to improved “muscle memory”. Commercial applications include training of pilots for aerospace; workplace injury reduction among construction, freight, material movers (2.8 million 2019); tele-robotics; surgical training; strength training; telepresence; education; gaming & entertainment. Duration: 10

Phase II

Contract Number: ----------
Start Date: 00/00/00    Completed: 00/00/00
Phase II year
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Phase II Amount
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