{"project":{"acronym":"","projectId":93765,"title":"Small Form Factor RFID Applicator","primaryTaxonomyNodes":[{"taxonomyNodeId":10625,"taxonomyRootId":8816,"parentNodeId":10623,"level":3,"code":"TX04.3.2","title":"Grappling Technologies","definition":"Grappling technologies capture, hold, and manipulate natural and human-made free-flying objects. Grappling systems that can operate in deep space environments enable capturing of orbiting sample caches for sample return missions, and increase vision and control system capabilities to handle larger structures for assembly of on-orbit spacecraft for future human exploration missions to near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) and planetary bodies.","exampleTechnologies":"Robots that can grapple objects and free-flying spacecraft using surface features, then berth them to the robot’s spacecraft through a rigidized interface; advanced ground control techniques; advanced vision and control systems for enhancing situational awareness and control of large objects","hasChildren":false,"hasInteriorContent":true}],"startTrl":2,"currentTrl":4,"endTrl":4,"benefits":"The development of the small form factor RFID label applicator is intended to be utilized for the purpose of small free flyer applications. Alternatively with minimal repackaging of the form factor the unit can be reconfigured as an end effector on a robotic arm assembly. For an alternate use case the RFID label applicator could easily utilize non RFID labels. These labels could contain printed information to help astronauts identify items or be used for science in the sense of placing visual cues such as fiducial markers often utilized by computer vision based systems. The NASA roadmap is focuses on future human space habitats and long duration space missions which require asset tracking and labeling. The small form factor RFID applicator can satisfy these future needs.
Additional application use cases beyond NASA missions consist of commercial level shipping and receiving, and manufacturing. Many large manufacturing entities operate on Just-in-Time (JIT) inventory architecture. This model only works with extensive asset tracking infrastructure which includes a large amount of automation and robotic systems. The core unit can be reconfigured to integrate into product picking robots or facilities with dynamic inventory which evolves through manufacturing processes. Another benefit to an item of this form factor is the use of placing labels or RFID information on hazardous products or in hazardous environments such as containers with biomedical or toxic contents.","description":"The proposed development of a small form factor Astrobee dedicated RFID label applicator will allow current and future free flying vehicles to place RFID labels assisting in logistics and asset tracking. Metis Technology Solutions proposes the development of an RFID label applicator designed to fulfill the Astrobee operational requirements, payload interface requirements, as well as satisfy JSC PSRP requirements for safety. The unit is designed to have a replaceable cartridge with 100 Alien Technologies ALN-9640 Higgs-3 RFID labels. Operationally the unit is first installed, Astrobee then propels and aligns the vehicle to the target asset/surface to be labeled once there a pitch maneuver aligns the label applicator with the assistance of integrated cameras. The unit then exerts a thrust force on the target as the applicator quickly applies the adhesive backed RFID label. A proof of concept early prototype shall be developed as a Phase I deliverable in conjunction with the findings report. The prototype is to demonstrate the extraction of the RFID label from the adhesive release liner, and transfer to a target surface with sufficient force to apply the label but minimize transient inputs to the Astrobee flight controller.","startYear":2017,"startMonth":6,"endYear":2017,"endMonth":12,"statusDescription":"Completed","principalInvestigators":[{"contactId":507065,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Jose","lastName":"Cortez","fullName":"Jose Cortez","fullNameInverted":"Cortez, Jose","primaryEmail":"jose.cortez@metis-tech.com","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"programDirectors":[{"contactId":206378,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Jason","lastName":"Kessler","fullName":"Jason L Kessler","fullNameInverted":"Kessler, Jason L","middleInitial":"L","primaryEmail":"jason.l.kessler@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"programExecutives":[{"contactId":215154,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Jennifer","lastName":"Gustetic","fullName":"Jennifer L Gustetic","fullNameInverted":"Gustetic, Jennifer L","middleInitial":"L","primaryEmail":"jennifer.l.gustetic@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"programManagers":[{"contactId":62051,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Carlos","lastName":"Torrez","fullName":"Carlos Torrez","fullNameInverted":"Torrez, Carlos","primaryEmail":"carlos.torrez@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"projectManagers":[{"contactId":242194,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Jose","lastName":"Benavides","fullName":"Jose V Benavides","fullNameInverted":"Benavides, Jose V","middleInitial":"V","primaryEmail":"jose.v.benavides@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false},{"contactId":461333,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Theresa","lastName":"Stanley","fullName":"Theresa M Stanley","fullNameInverted":"Stanley, Theresa M","middleInitial":"M","primaryEmail":"theresa.m.stanley@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"website":"","libraryItems":[{"file":{"fileExtension":"pdf","fileId":304382,"fileName":"SBIR_2017_1_BC_Z5.01-8677","fileSize":513397,"objectId":300934,"objectType":{"lkuCodeId":889,"code":"LIBRARY_ITEMS","description":"Library Items","lkuCodeTypeId":182,"lkuCodeType":{"codeType":"OBJECT_TYPE","description":"Object Type"}},"objectTypeId":889,"fileSizeString":"501.4 KB"},"files":[{"fileExtension":"pdf","fileId":304382,"fileName":"SBIR_2017_1_BC_Z5.01-8677","fileSize":513397,"objectId":300934,"objectType":{"lkuCodeId":889,"code":"LIBRARY_ITEMS","description":"Library Items","lkuCodeTypeId":182,"lkuCodeType":{"codeType":"OBJECT_TYPE","description":"Object Type"}},"objectTypeId":889,"fileSizeString":"501.4 KB"}],"id":300934,"title":"Briefing Chart","description":"Small Form Factor RFID Applicator, Phase I Briefing Chart","libraryItemTypeId":1222,"projectId":93765,"primary":false,"publishedDateString":"","contentType":{"lkuCodeId":1222,"code":"DOCUMENT","description":"Document","lkuCodeTypeId":341,"lkuCodeType":{"codeType":"LIBRARY_ITEM_TYPE","description":"Library Item Type"}}},{"caption":"Small Form Factor RFID Applicator, Phase I Briefing Chart Image","file":{"fileExtension":"jpg","fileId":297109,"fileName":"SBIR_2017_1_BC_Z5.01-8677","fileSize":496692,"objectId":293640,"objectType":{"lkuCodeId":889,"code":"LIBRARY_ITEMS","description":"Library Items","lkuCodeTypeId":182,"lkuCodeType":{"codeType":"OBJECT_TYPE","description":"Object Type"}},"objectTypeId":889,"fileSizeString":"485.1 KB"},"files":[{"fileExtension":"jpg","fileId":297109,"fileName":"SBIR_2017_1_BC_Z5.01-8677","fileSize":496692,"objectId":293640,"objectType":{"lkuCodeId":889,"code":"LIBRARY_ITEMS","description":"Library Items","lkuCodeTypeId":182,"lkuCodeType":{"codeType":"OBJECT_TYPE","description":"Object Type"}},"objectTypeId":889,"fileSizeString":"485.1 KB"}],"id":293640,"title":"Briefing Chart Image","description":"Small Form Factor RFID Applicator, Phase I Briefing Chart Image","libraryItemTypeId":1095,"projectId":93765,"primary":true,"publishedDateString":"","contentType":{"lkuCodeId":1095,"code":"IMAGE","description":"Image","lkuCodeTypeId":341,"lkuCodeType":{"codeType":"LIBRARY_ITEM_TYPE","description":"Library Item Type"}}}],"transitions":[],"primaryImage":{"file":{"fileExtension":"jpg","fileId":297109,"fileSizeString":"0 Byte"},"id":293640,"description":"Small Form Factor RFID Applicator, Phase I Briefing Chart Image","projectId":93765,"publishedDateString":""},"responsibleMd":{"acronym":"STMD","canUserEdit":false,"city":"","external":false,"linkCount":0,"organizationId":4875,"organizationName":"Space Technology Mission Directorate","organizationType":"NASA_Mission_Directorate","naorganization":false,"organizationTypePretty":"NASA Mission Directorate"},"program":{"acronym":"SBIR/STTR","active":true,"description":"
The NASA SBIR and STTR programs fund the research, development, and demonstration of innovative technologies that fulfill NASA needs as described in the annual Solicitations and have significant potential for successful commercialization. If you are a small business concern (SBC) with 500 or fewer employees or a non-profit RI such as a university or a research laboratory with ties to an SBC, then NASA encourages you to learn more about the SBIR and STTR programs as a potential source of seed funding for the development of your innovations.
The SBIR and STTR programs have 3 phases:
The SBIR and STTR Phase I contracts last for 6 months with a maximum funding of $125,000, and Phase II contracts last for 24 months with a maximum funding of $750,000 - $1.5 million.
Opportunity for Continued Technology Development Post-Phase II:
The NASA SBIR/STTR Program currently has in place two initiatives for supporting its small business partners past the basic Phase I and Phase II elements of the program that emphasize opportunities for commercialization. Specifically, the NASA SBIR/STTR Program has the Phase II Enhancement (Phase II-E) and Phase II eXpanded (Phase II-X) contract options.
Please review the links below to obtain more information on the SBIR/STTR programs.
Provides an overview of the SBIR and STTR programs as implemented by NASA
Provides access to the annual SBIR/STTR Solicitations containing detailed information on the program eligibility requirements, proposal instructions and research topics and subtopics
Schedule and links for the SBIR/STTR solicitations and selection announcements
Federal and non-Federal sources of assistance for small business
Search our complete archive of awarded project abstracts to learn about what NASA has funded
Still have questions? Visit the program FAQs
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