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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 55 records · Page 3

Reliable fusion of control and sensing in intelligent machines

Although robotics research has produced a wealth of sophisticated control and sensing algorithms, very little research has been aimed at reliably combining these control and sensing strategies so that a specific task can be executed. To improve the reliability of robotic systems, analytic techniques are developed for calculating the probability that a particular combination of control and sensing algorithms will satisfy the required specifications. The probability can then be used to assess the reliability of the design. An entropy formulation is first used to quickly eliminate designs not capable of meeting the specifications. Next, a framework for analyzing reliability based on the first order second moment methods of structural engineering is proposed. To ensure performance over an interval of time, lower bounds on the reliability of meeting a set of quadratic specifications with a Gaussian discrete time invariant control system are derived. A case study analyzing visual positioning in robotic system is considered. The reliability of meeting timing and positioning specifications in the presence of camera pixel truncation, forward and inverse kinematic errors, and Gaussian joint measurement noise is determined. This information is used to select a visual sensing strategy, a kinematic algorithm, and a discrete compensator capable of accomplishing the desired task. Simulation results using PUMA 560 kinematic and dynamic characteristics are presented.

Mcinroy, John E.↗

Machine intelligence and robotics at Johnson Space Center, volume 2

Included in this second volume of a two volume set is the information on all of the projects, organized by Division in the manner familiar from our previous reports. It is intended, again, that the two volumes should be complementary to each other and that each volume should be able to stand alone as a report of the information that it contains.

Ferguson, Mary C.↗

Integrating Oil Debris and Vibration Measurements for Intelligent Machine Health Monitoring

A diagnostic tool for detecting damage to gears was developed. Two different measurement technologies, oil debris analysis and vibration were integrated into a health monitoring system for detecting surface fatigue pitting damage on gears. This integrated system showed improved detection and decision-making capabilities as compared to using individual measurement technologies. This diagnostic tool was developed and evaluated experimentally by collecting vibration and oil debris data from fatigue tests performed in the NASA Glenn Spur Gear Fatigue Rig. An oil debris sensor and the two vibration algorithms were adapted as the diagnostic tools. An inductance type oil debris sensor was selected for the oil analysis measurement technology. Gear damage data for this type of sensor was limited to data collected in the NASA Glenn test rigs. For this reason, this analysis included development of a parameter for detecting gear pitting damage using this type of sensor. The vibration data was used to calculate two previously available gear vibration diagnostic algorithms. The two vibration algorithms were selected based on their maturity and published success in detecting damage to gears. Oil debris and vibration features were then developed using fuzzy logic analysis techniques, then input into a multi sensor data fusion process. Results show combining the vibration and oil debris measurement technologies improves the detection of pitting damage on spur gears. As a result of this research, this new diagnostic tool has significantly improved detection of gear damage in the NASA Glenn Spur Gear Fatigue Rigs. This research also resulted in several other findings that will improve the development of future health monitoring systems. Oil debris analysis was found to be more reliable than vibration analysis for detecting pitting fatigue failure of gears and is capable of indicating damage progression. Also, some vibration algorithms are as sensitive to operational effects as they are to damage. Another finding was that clear threshold limits must be established for diagnostic tools. Based on additional experimental data obtained from the NASA Glenn Spiral Bevel Gear Fatigue Rig, the methodology developed in this study can be successfully implemented on other geared systems.

Dempsey, Paula J.↗

The Emergence and Impact of Intelligent Machines

The following issues are addressed in this essay: a) Models of Technology Trends: A discussion of why nanotechnology and related advanced technologies are inevitable. The underlying technologies are deeply integrated into our society and are advancing on many diverse fronts; and b) The Economic Imperatives of the Law of Accelerating Returns: The exponential advance of technology, including the accelerating miniaturization of technology, is driven by economic imperative, and, in turn, has a pervasive impact on the economy.

Kurzweil, Raymond↗

NEPP Processor Enclave: Testing Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning

Computational device families are converging and multiple EEE components are required for a complete HPC subsystem. The components of this “processor enclave” are sensitive to radiation effects and therefore must be characterized for mission assurance. NEPP’s standardized approach to testing the Processor Enclave includes math, graphics, and AI and Machine Learning test vectors and device hardware capable of these applications.

Radiation testing↗

The Challenges of Human-Autonomy Teaming

Machine intelligence is improving rapidly based on advances in big data analytics, deep learning algorithms, networked operations, and continuing exponential growth in computing power (Moores Law). This growth in the power and applicability of increasingly intelligent systems will change the roles humans, shifting them to tasks where adaptive problem solving, reasoning and decision-making is required. This talk will address the challenges involved in engineering autonomous systems that function effectively with humans in aeronautics domains.

artificial intelligence↗

Disruptive Technologies and Their Putative Impacts Upon Society and Aerospace- Entering The Virtual Age

Developments in technology over the recent decades have been extraordinary. They include the IT, bio, nano, and now quantum and energetics technology arenas and their many combinatorial interactions and impacts. In the main, these are at the frontiers of the small and in a combinational, synergistic feeding frenzy with each other. They fall under the broad category of Disruptive Technologies and have greatly altered society. The outlook for the runout of these and other technology developments augers mid-term to later alterations in components of the human existence theorem, including the requirement to work for our living and our physiological makeup and longevity (Ref 1). The IT revolution began in the 1950s with the development of solid-state electronics. The biologics revolution began later in the 1960s and 1970s with DNA and genomics, and the nano revolution in the 1990s with self-forming nano systems and carbon nanotubes. Quantum technology is now developing rapidly, aided by enabling nano systems, and the energetics revolution is providing ever more efficient and less expensive renewable energy sources. The IT revolution has produced improvements of an astounding eleven orders of magnitude in computing speed since the late 1950s. As we shift from silicon to biological, optical, nano, molecular, and atomic computing, improvements of some 4 orders of magnitude are evidently possible from either optical or DNA computing [Refs 2and 3], then there are combinatorials. Then there is quantum computing, under development worldwide for an increasing number of applications and proffering phenomenal capabilities. The current fastest computers are considerably beyond human brain speed. Machine intelligence is developing well after decades of inadequate machine capability, now no longer the case, and a detour into expert systems. Researchers in machine intelligence are now pursuing deep learning approaches using neural nets, which are proving to be extremely useful. Some believe the frontier of potential human-level machine intelligence may be found in biomimetics and brain-emulation approaches. There is even a possibility of “emergence”—i.e., when the machine intelligence is complex enough that it “wakes up,” as when human intelligence emerged via evolution during the million-plus years of the hunter-gatherer epoch [ Ref 4]. In fact, some posit that human intelligence can be improved upon and is only a cul-de-sac of what is conceivable. The IT revolution has produced massive changes in human society and economics—from the Internet, enabling the rapid expansion of knowledgeability (and even what is knowable), to an increasingly pervasive trend of “tele-everything.” The extraordinary compilation, storage, and availability of truly massive amounts of information could, when combined with AI and under the mantra of “big data,” greatly improve many of our technical and commercial processes and their content including elucidating new heuristic governing laws.

Dennis M. Bushnell↗

Using Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to Enhance Mission Design and Operations of the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO)

One key aspect in the development of HWO is the early deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to enhance mission science and operations. Our subtask group is part of the HWO AI/ML working group and focuses on AI and ML for mission operations. Our task group seeks to educate other HWO working groups about AI and ML capabilities for mission operations, investigate how to bridge technology gaps, and enable new capabilities particularly in the areas of observational scheduling, instrument health monitoring, and downlink operations. We focus on mission tasking / scheduling both for mission analysis in development and operations. AI and ML for mission scheduling includes: tools to support proposal calls and review, ensuring fairness in calls for proposals, community peer reviews and ease workloads, as well as in-flight and ground software development (e.g., using natural language processing (NLP) to support process automation from requirements). AI and ML for the mission’s development and operations include 1) anomaly detection and prediction (from onboard and ground based tools) to monitor the spacecraft’s health, 2) ground-based automated scheduling for mission operations including long-term and short-term planning and maintenance, and 3) flight system flexible execution (as flight proven for Spitzer and JWST) to enable robust execution despite execution variations, and 4) data analysis for prioritization (e.g., real-time data evaluation leading to autonomous actions and adjustments, high-priority identification, onboard data compression, etc.). Incorporation of ML and AI will enable HWO to address the major science questions related to exoplanet characterization, general astrophysics, and solar system exploration and also extend the boundaries of space mission technologies.

Mark Moussa↗

Optimizing Air Traffic - Integrating Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Flight Path Planning and 3D Airspace Visualization for Air Traffic Control

Air Traffic Control (ATC) systems are vital components of the National Airspace System (NAS). ATC, Airport Traffic Control Towers (ATCT), and Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) are responsible for directing all flights departing from and arriving at airports, managing our nation’s airspace, preventing potential accidents, and ensuring that every flight is accounted for. However, these systems often face challenges in effectively monitoring the skies. Issues such as poor communication between operators, difficulty in performing operations, and the constant need for vigilance frequently burden ATC operators. Additionally, the projected increase in air traffic in the coming years will only exacerbate the stress associated with this role. To address these issues, we propose a system that assists ATC operators in situations such as handovers, emergencies, and routing aircraft to avoid weather hazards. Our solution includes an Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)-based Flight Pathways Planning System (FPPS) designed to find the fastest and most optimal routes for aircraft, taking into account weather conditions, restricted terrain, and Extended-Range Twin-Engine Operational Performance Standards (ETOPS) ratings. The proposed Predictive Weather Planning Model, included in FPPS, adjusts routes based on real-time and forecasted weather conditions. Additionally, our NVIDIA Omniverse 3D Visualization System offers a highly interactive environment for better visualization and a clear view of the airspace. By incorporating these systems, the roles of ATC, ATCT, and TRACON operators will become more manageable and less stressful, equipping them to efficiently handle the growing density of airspace.

Regina Ayoubi↗

Pathways of evolution for man and machine

A simplified model of the future is introduced in order to examine the relations between man, machine, and extraterrestrial intelligence. The observed lack of extraterrestrials on earth is used as a boundary condition for the model. Two exobiological conclusions are obtained: (1) advanced extraterrestrials exist but are difficult to observe or to distinguish from natural phenomena, (2) lower level, man-like extraterrestrials, which are potentially observable, are rare in the Universe because they are rapidly replaced in the evolutinary sequence by the intelligent machines which they create. The decline of man is inferred and may take place as soon as 100 years from now or as long as 100,000 years from the present time. Thus, we are a short-lived species, having a life expectancy of only a million years. A note is appended on the rationale and methods of the search for extraterrestrial intelligence in light of the above calculations. The Tau Ceti and Epsilon Eridani systems present favourable opportunities for a radio-search experiment in 1987 and 1988, respectively.

Mclaughlin, W. I.↗

Modularity in robotic systems

Most robotic systems today are designed one at a time, at a high cost of time and money. This wasteful approach has been necessary because the industry has not established a foundation for the continued evolution of intelligent machines. The next generation of robots will have to be generic, versatile machines capable of absorbing new technology rapidly and economically. This approach is demonstrated in the success of the personal computer, which can be upgraded or expanded with new software and hardware at virtually every level. Modularity is perceived as a major opportunity to reduce the 6 to 7 year design cycle time now required for new robotic manipulators, greatly increasing the breadth and speed of diffusion of robotic systems in manufacturing. Modularity and its crucial role in the next generation of intelligent machines are the focus of interest. The main advantages that modularity provides are examined; types of modules needed to create a generic robot are discussed. Structural modules designed by the robotics group at the University of Texas at Austin are examined to demonstrate the advantages of modular design.

Tesar, Delbert↗