The funding opportunity revolves around the development and integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies to enhance the operation of large, heavy ground combat vehicles. These vehicles, often weighing between 40 and 80 tons, pose significant challenges for drivers due to their limited direct line of sight and the complexity of maneuvering them in combat scenarios. The objective is to improve driver awareness and vehicle operation using AI and Machine Learning (ML) technologies, particularly for sensor augmentation. This effort aims to create a Driver Assist System for combat vehicles, similar to consumer devices such as Siri or Alexa, but tailored for high-stakes driving environments. The system will enhance vision and situational awareness for drivers by using AI for computer vision and object detection, contributing to both partial autonomy and, potentially, full autonomy in the future.

The funding is available through a prize competition under the xTechIgnite program. This program identifies small business concerns that meet the criteria for this topic. The winners of this competition are the only eligible candidates to submit a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) proposal under this topic. As such, all other submissions will not be evaluated. The topic supports the Army’s modernization priorities in areas such as advanced computing, software, and trusted AI and autonomy.

The phase structure for the funding opportunity is as follows: Phase I accepts Direct to Phase II proposals with a budget of up to $2,000,000 for a 24-month performance period. Applicants must provide documentation that demonstrates their capability to meet the technical and scientific merits of Phase I, including prototypes and success criteria. Phase II will focus on the development, integration, and demonstration of AI/ML technologies that improve the ability to maneuver and operate the vehicle in challenging environments. In Phase III, dual-use applications will be explored, emphasizing the commercial potential across sectors such as the automotive industry, law enforcement, and logistics. Examples of potential commercial applications include advanced driver assistance systems, obstacle detection, lane keeping, semi-autonomous driving, and real-time threat assessment.

Applicants must review the full xTechIgnite competition details, which can be found at the official website for more information about the competition and the specific eligibility requirements. Interested parties should also be aware that specific contact information is provided for any inquiries. Mark Smith is the designated point of contact (TPOC) for this grant and can be reached via email for any clarifications.