In addition to future NASA support, Barron Associates and the University of Washington will aggressively pursue private-sector application of technology derived from the tactile data entry system. We will patent and market innovative technology, for example integration of a MEMS accelerometer into a tactile system, integration of infrared tracking with tactile feedback, and development of unique tactile cues. These technologies have broad application for touch-enabled products. In recent years, haptic technology has made major inroads into the commercial sector. Companies such as the Immersion Corporation and Medical Simulation Corporation produce force feedback surgical simulations for a broad range of procedures. Sensable Technologies successfully markets force feedback displays for computer-aided design. Mako Surgical Corporation has integrated force feedback into robot-assisted orthopedic surgery. The proposed SBIR will position Barron Associates to transition critical technologies to these sectors, and others, as the market penetration of haptics continues to grow in the future.
Barron Associates has designed proposed Phase I efforts to support a roadmap to Phase II on-orbit demonstrations. Our vision for the tactile data entry system extends, well beyond Phase II, to integration into next-generation NASA EVA suit designs. We intend to make a compelling case for this new technology by demonstrating the benefits of the proposed system for increasing performance and user satisfaction. By weaving human spaceflight considerations and EVA use case scenarios directly into our design process, we will ensure NASA relevance while minimizing integration costs for the resulting designs. To facilitate transition, Barron Associates will work with NASA to identify a specific NASA projects and personnel involved that directly relate to this work.
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