Development of an Exoskeleton Assistive Device that Augments Grip Strength for Seamless Mission Integration and Use in Military Casualty Transport Environment Scenarios
ID: DHA23C-003Type: Phase I
Overview

Topic

Development of an Exoskeleton Assistive Device that Augments Grip Strength for Seamless Mission Integration and Use in Military Casualty Transport Environment Scenarios

Agency

Department of DefenseN/A

Program

Type: STTRPhase: Phase IYear: 2023

Additional Information

https://www.defensesbirsttr.mil/
Timeline
  1. 1
    Release Aug 23, 2023 12:00 AM
  2. 2
    Open Sep 20, 2023 12:00 AM
  3. 3
    Next Submission Due Oct 18, 2023 12:00 AM
  4. 4
    Close Oct 18, 2023 12:00 AM
Description

The Department of Defense (DoD) is seeking proposals for the development of an exoskeleton assistive device that augments grip strength for seamless mission integration and use in military casualty transport environment scenarios. The objective is to develop, demonstrate, and deliver an exoskeleton device that enhances grip strength while using a litter in a military medical casualty transport environment without interfering with other mission requirements or medical transport device/equipment design and operation. The exoskeleton should be adjustable, durable, and easily integrated into the medical mission, while also allowing for the continuation of patient evaluations and typical medical procedures. The project will be conducted in two phases. Phase I involves developing device concepts and designs, performing a technical trade assessment, and delivering documentation on the two most promising concept designs. Phase II includes evaluating and refining the prototype design, delivering functional prototypes, and conducting human volunteer research to demonstrate the effectiveness of the exoskeleton in litter transport scenarios. The successful device will have applications in military casualty evacuation, search and rescue operations, and various industrial and commercial fields. The solicitation is currently closed, and more information can be found on the DoD SBIR website.

Files
No associated files provided.
Similar Opportunities
DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual - Medical Payloads for Army Robotic Platforms
Active
Department of Defense
The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the development of medical payloads for Army robotic platforms. The objective is to create a modular medical mission payload that can carry heavy, climate-controlled containers to resupply blood and perform casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) with attachability to ground and air robotic/autonomous platforms. Currently, blood delivery, medical resupply, and CASEVAC are conducted by convoys of crewed vehicles, which can be limited in reaching the front line. The goal is to develop a medical multi-mission, modular payload that can be employed by robotic ground and air platforms. The payloads should comply with Safe Ride Standards for casualty evacuation using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), Robotics and Autonomous Systems, Ground (RAS-G), and modular payload design standards (Mod Payload). They should also be climate-controlled, collapsible, and capable of maintaining blood temperature between one and 10 degrees centigrade. The proposal should consider cost, and only Direct to Phase II (DP2) proposals will be accepted. The project duration includes Phase I, where a preliminary design of the payload should be formulated, Phase II, where the design is refined and a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5-6 system is created, and Phase III, which focuses on commercialization objectives. The solicitation is open until March 31, 2025. For more information, visit the [SBIR topic link](https://www.sbir.gov/node/2484469) or the [solicitation agency URL](https://www.defensesbirsttr.mil/SBIR-STTR/Opportunities/).
DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual - Dynamic Synthetic Tissues for Medical Simulation and Training
Active
Department of Defense
The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the development of dynamic synthetic tissues for medical simulation and training. The objective is to create material-based solutions that can accurately demonstrate prolonged casualty care, nursing care, and trauma scenarios by dynamically changing the patient state based on the care being provided. The synthetic tissue materials should be capable of emulating real medical complications and demonstrate changes in appearance over time, providing learners with the correct sensory cues for treatment. The targeted material response areas include color change, texture change, swelling/edema, liquid secretion, smell production, and temperature control. The project will be conducted in two phases. Phase I will focus on the feasibility of developing synthetic materials capable of dynamic change over time. The proposer will demonstrate a functional prototype incorporating at least two of the objective capabilities mentioned above. Phase II will build upon the Phase I findings and prototype, aiming to develop a well-defined prototype that meets the requirements of the topic and can be made commercially viable. The Phase II prototype should include tissues surrounding the wounded area and demonstrate at least three of the identified requirements. The project duration for Phase II is two years, with a funding amount of $1.1 million. The end-state of the project is to provide training tools for combat medic schoolhouses, nursing providers, and surgical training providers. The transition and commercialization process in Phase III will involve building additional wounds and surrounding tissues based on feedback and results from Phase II. Overall, this solicitation seeks innovative research and development in the field of dynamic synthetic tissues for medical simulation and training, with the goal of improving training immersion, realism, and soldier buy-in while enabling new training scenarios in prolonged casualty care.
DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual - Advanced Information Technology to Improve Mobility, Interoperability, and Survivability of Expeditionary Medical Command, Control, Communications, and Computers (Direct to Phase II)
Active
Department of Defense
The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for advanced information technology to improve mobility, interoperability, and survivability of Expeditionary Medical Command, Control, Communications, and Computers (Direct to Phase II). The objective is to develop expeditionary and interoperable information technology (IT) to enable health care delivery, medical command and control, medical logistics, and patient movement in austere and contested environments. The technology should bridge the gaps between expeditionary medical units, brick-and-mortar medical facilities, and other healthcare providers, offering robust communications and computer IT packages to implement standards at all levels of care. The solutions should be mobile and rugged, ensuring uninterrupted and secure healthcare delivery within medical units and throughout the continuum. The project will have a Phase I feasibility study, followed by Phase II design refinement and prototype development. The final phase will focus on deployment and optimization of the technology in an operational environment. The potential applications of this technology include organizations requiring distributed operations or operations in austere environments, such as NATO forces, disaster relief efforts, and mobile clinics. Industries struggling with stovepipe systems or disparate/non-existent standards could also benefit from this technology. The project is open for proposals until March 31, 2025. For more information, visit the [solicitation link](https://www.sbir.gov/node/2601965).
DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual - Advanced Information Technology to Improve Mobility, Interoperability, and Survivability of Expeditionary Medical Command, Control, Communications, and Computers (Direct to Phase II)
Active
Department of Defense
The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for advanced information technology to improve mobility, interoperability, and survivability of the Expeditionary Medical Command, Control, Communications, and Computers (Direct to Phase II). The objective is to develop expeditionary and interoperable IT solutions for healthcare delivery, medical command and control, medical logistics, and patient movement in austere and contested environments. The solutions should bridge the gaps between expeditionary medical units, brick-and-mortar medical facilities, and other healthcare providers. The focus is on developing mobile and rugged command, control, communications, and computer (C4) IT solutions that enable interoperability across all medical and administrative functions and domains. The solutions should implement joint/industry communications and health IT standards, meet cybersecurity requirements, and be resilient, scalable, and extensible. The project will have a Phase I and Phase II, with Phase II including design refinement, prototype development, and testing. The deliverables include one prototype, design and plans, progress reports, and a final report. The Phase III will focus on deploying the C4IT capability in an operational environment and optimizing the design for commercial viability. Potential commercial applications include organizations requiring distributed operations, disaster relief efforts, and industries struggling with disparate systems and growing user bases. The project is open for proposals until March 31, 2025. For more information, visit the solicitation agency's website [here](https://www.defensesbirsttr.mil/SBIR-STTR/Opportunities/).
DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual - Small Unmanned Ground Robotic Systems
Active
Department of Defense
The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the development of a cyber-hardened small unmanned ground robotic system. The system should be capable of being operated using both a vendor-developed .apk TAK GOV software controller and a Tomahawk Robotics Grip S20 universal controller. It should integrate the best C2/data link components and be operable with Silvus Technologies and Persistent Systems radios. The system should be designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) purposes and be able to operate in all-weather conditions within rural and urban environments. The system should have a minimum battery life of 60-90 minutes and a ground control station line-of-sight range capability of 100 meters. The integrated sensors should be able to identify moving armed personnel at specified distances. The system should also have cyber survivability attributes and be capable of carrying various payloads. The Phase I of the project involves conducting a feasibility study to assess the options that satisfy the requirements. The Phase II includes developing, installing, and demonstrating a prototype system. The system has potential applications in a broad range of military operations, enhancing operational situational awareness, reducing cognitive and physical workload, and reducing risk to the user. The project is open for proposals until March 31, 2025. For more information, visit the [solicitation link](https://www.defensesbirsttr.mil/SBIR-STTR/Opportunities/).