SBIR-STTR Award

Technology to Assist with Lifting, Moving, and Holding 0 to 40 Pounds
Award last edited on: 1/13/2020

Sponsored Program
SBIR
Awarding Agency
DOD : AF
Total Award Amount
$899,956
Award Phase
2
Solicitation Topic Code
AF183-019
Principal Investigator
Loagn Van Englehoven

Company Information

US Bionics Inc (AKA: U. S. Bionics)

2806 Ashby Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94705
   (510) 332-7058
   N/A
   www.usbionics.com
Location: Single
Congr. District: 13
County: Alameda

Phase I

Contract Number: FA8222-19-P-0012
Start Date: 3/20/2019    Completed: 3/20/2020
Phase I year
2019
Phase I Amount
$150,000
The objective of this proposal is to develop a solution that reduces the risk of injury in worker manipulating medium weight tools in cramped spaces. US Bionics is currently developing products which are the fundamental building blocks to achieve the objectives of this proposal. We believe the modifying the existing technology and incorporating new technologies/concepts into our framework will result producing the most agile and effective solutions to help workers. OBJECTIVESDevelop a higher support capacity version of shoulderX that includes locking abilityDevelop a tool holder module capable of supporting up to 40 lbsInvestigate scapular motion module to increase shoulderX range of motionDevelop tool holder end effectors capable of connecting to the required toolsEnsure technologies meet the Air Force specific requirements for battery system, fume emission, safety, vision, and biomechanical feedback.Modify shoulderX, backX, and legX technologies and define a certification pathway for safety harness and fire-retardant versionsModify technologies to better support Air Force confined space operations.Confirm technologies to not inhibit cable drag operations and investigate methods of augmentation for horizontal forces.Create user manualsExoskeleton,backX,legX,shoulderX,Injury Reduction,suitX,Bionics,tool manipulation

Phase II

Contract Number: FA8222-21-C-0001
Start Date: 4/1/2021    Completed: 4/1/2023
Phase II year
2021
Phase II Amount
$749,956
The objective of this proposal is to develop a modular exoskeleton to support Air Force workers while manipulating tools up to 40 lbs. in cramped spaces. The modules may be configured to provide optimized assistance across selected body regions for a variety of common workplace postures. The support characteristics of each module may be tuned to the task requirements and worker preferences. US Bionics is currently developing products with are the fundamental building blocks to achieve the objectives of this proposal. We believe that modifying the existing technology and incorporating new concepts in to our framework will produce an agile and effective solution to help workers in Air Force specific applications.