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AI, Machine Learning, and Extended Reality Tech Demonstration

AI, Machine Learning, and Extended Reality Tech Demonstration

Sponsored by the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, Thunderstorm, along with the Joint Interagency Field Experimentation and Stiletto programs, provide venues for collaborative R&D involving teams from Private Sector, Academia, Non-Governmental Organizations, and state and federal agencies.

Information on Artificial (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Extended Reality (XR) technologies is being solicited as part of 

the Thunderstorm 22-1 demonstration and experimentation event [that] will focus on Modernizing Combat Planning and Operations by Leveraging [AI, ML, and XR technologies].  Technologies capable of providing the warfighter with ways to modernize command and control, planning, decision making and efficiency; reduce cost, workload, and risk; improve safety of the operator and operating equipment, and enhance situational awareness in both the rapid response planning and execution of combat operations against near-peer adversaries.  The event will primarily focus on developmental and mature technologies and is planned to be conducted in the autumn of 2021 at the United States Military Academy (USMA) in West Point, New York.  Participation for each vendor will be tailored based on the vendor’s capabilities, the availability of facilities, and the availability of the USMA faculty, staff and students. Under the direction of RRTO, the Applied Research Laboratory at Pennsylvania State University (ARL/PSU) will lead the Thunderstorm 22-1 demonstration and experimentation event, with support and participation from the USMA and Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) along with other DoD and government partners.

  1. Collection capabilities that may include AI/ML and autonomous operations of air and ground systems: [Unmanned Aerial System, Unmanned Ground Vehicle] operating alone, as part of a group/swarm, or as a manned/unmanned team and capable of 3-Dimensional data collection (tactical photogrammetry, LIDAR, etc.) and Measurement and Signature Intelligence…collection to develop three-dimensional products (interior/exterior) in support of a platoon sized objective. 
  2. Time Critical Processing of data collected in step 1 under field conditions to provide XR products in support a platoon level mission, including Denied, Disrupted, Intermittent, and Limited…bandwidth considerations. 
  3. XR applications/experiences that may enhance a platoon or other small unit’s ability to rapidly gain situational awareness, provide command and control of assets, complete their planning process and conduct mission rehearsals. 

Discover more about Thunderstorm and the Thunderstorm 22-1 Request for Information (RFI).  The application deadline is 5:00 PM Eastern on 31 May 2021.

This is an informational posting only and an authoritative source should be consulted for any revisions to the RFI.

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