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Advanced Visualization System for Remote Robotic Operations--Physical Optics Corporation, 20600 Gramercy Place, Building 100, Torrance, CA  90501-1821; 310-320-3088
Dr. Andrew Kostrzewski, Principal Investigator
Mr. Gordon Drew, Business Official
DOE Grant No. DE-FG03-00ER83070
$99,995

The proposal addresses the need for development of robotic systems that will operate with a high degree of autonomy, with limited operator assistance.  Dismantlement and deactivation requires remote and automatic operations and/or significant improvement in the current DD facilities.  Physical Optics Corporation (POC) will develop a robotic system with a 3-D video (stereoscopic) feed from the system to the operator.  The highly compressed video data will be transmitted over a wireless data link to the operator, enabling him to remotely control DD operations and activities.  POC will demonstrate major components of the robotic system, including a new 3-D monitor,  camera platform and 128-256 kb/s communication link.  We will also integrate the system to demonstrate the feasibility of Advanced Real 3-D for DD activities. 

Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee:  The commercial benefits of the system include more robust and autonomous robot operation, high quality and low data rate wireless links that can be applied in law enforcement, medical remote treatment, teleconferencing and entertainment.