Success Stories
Below are success stories from just a few of the Army’s outstanding previous STTR awardees.
DeepRadio: Deep Learning for Wireless Communications and Security
Intelligent Automation, Inc. (IAI) developed DeepRadio technology providing reconfigurable embedded implementation of deep neural networks as a stand-alone radio platform to characterize radio frequency (RF) spectrum environment in real time and adapt to spectrum dynamics. DeepRadio uses deep learning to detect and classify RF signals (tactical and commercial waveforms as well as cognitive jammers), identify spectrum opportunities, and reconfigure the software-defined radio (SDR) transceiver. Each DeepRadio device consists of the integrated unit of an SDR front-end, embedded processor, and Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). Deep neural network architecture is reconfigurable and supports adaptation to spectrum dynamics including topology, channel, interference, and traffic effects. The outcome is an accurate characterization of the RF spectrum in real-time, spectrum efficiency improvement, and supports signal co-existence on busy spectrum bands. Field tests of DeepRadio using embedded processors with tactical and commercial radios demonstrated the effectiveness of DeepRadio in detecting RF interfering sources and mitigating their effects on wireless communications. DeepRadio successfully learned the behavior of a stealth jammer using a deep neural network model. Consequently, DeepRadio can predict with high accuracy when the jammer intends to jam the spectrum. Using this information, DeepRadio improves throughput, avoids extensive packet loss over jammed channels, and suspends the traffic flow transmission until it predicts the spectrum is reliable.
On-Demand Energy Activated Liquid Decontaminants and Cleaning Solutions
TDA Research has developed an electrochemical decontamination technology (eClO2). This technology eliminates toxic agents by utilizing an electrochemical cell to convert electrical power from a battery into reactive chemical species. The eClO2 technology consists of a battery-powered and operated sprayer, a packet of sodium chlorite and sodium bromide salts, and a packet of concentrated surfactants. The salts and surfactants are dissolved in available water on-site (tap water, hard water, surface water, even sea water), and dissolve within one minute with a resulting pot life of multiple days to months. When the solution is sprayed it passes through the electrochemical cell, generating the active decontaminants, chlorine dioxide and hypobromite, directly onto the contaminated surface. The components are extremely shelf stable (8+ years), have low weight and volume, and can be easily shipped commercially overnight with minimal restrictions.
The decontaminant solution is very reactive and has been shown to deactivate live chemical and biological agents including VX, HD, G-agents, and bacterial spores. Residual decontaminant dissipates within 60 minutes, leaving no harmful environmental footprint. Unlike other solutions, there is no decay after mixing. The reactive decontaminant is generated with battery power during the spray application and thus has a known concentration and performance each time it is sprayed. Chemical agent efficacy has been demonstrated by CCDC Chemical and Biological Center, showing excellent performance against G- and V- nerve and HD blister agents on stainless steel, glass, polycarbonate, polyethylene, CARC painted metal, Air Force painted metal, Navy painted metal and tire rubber.
Pathogen Specific Antimicrobial Coatings for Fabrics
Giner, Inc. has developed a phage-based antimicrobial fabric coating that is effective in eliminating harmful skin bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, which is the leading cause of skin and soft tissue infections in military personnel. The coating is processed on nylon/cotton fabric blends using an aqueous multilayer assembly method and consists of phages, bacteria-killing viruses, embedded within a polymer host matrix. Giner’s coating technology eliminates >99.9% of S. aureus without disrupting the beneficial skin microbiome. The applied coating is durable enough to withstand laundering cycles and is applied to “next-to-skin” fabrics using a roll-to-roll coating process, making it a scalable and cost-effective method of preventing S. aureus colonization.
Advanced Buffer Fabric
CTW Development, LLC has worked with the U.S. Army NSRDEC Air Delivery Engineering Support Team to develop a new and innovative buffer fabric to replace the current buffer fabric used in the construction of parachute deployment sleeves. The fabric is designed to protect the parachute canopy from thermal damage during parachute deployment. The Army sought an advanced buffer fabric that was high strength, low shrinkage, not susceptible to fungal growth, and Berry Amendment compliant. CTW Development created a core spun yarn that could be converted into a finished cotton-faced hybrid-construction fabric with high strength, essentially no shrinkage, and enhanced buffer properties. Successful parachute-drop testing during Phase II has resulted in interest from the U.S. Army and the Australian Army who are both purchasing parachute deployment sleeves of the hybrid fabric for advanced testing. Market leader Airborne Systems will be incorporating the innovative fabric into future systems.