Index to 1986 NASA Tech Briefs, volume 11, numbers 1-4

Short announcements of new technology derived from the R&D activities of NASA are presented. These briefs emphasize information considered likely to be transferrable across industrial, regional, or disciplinary lines and are issued to encourage commercial application. This index for 1986 Tech Briefs contains abstracts and four indexes: subject, personal author, originating center, and Tech Brief Number. The following areas are covered: electronic components and circuits, electronic systems, physical sciences, materials, life sciences, mechanics, machinery, fabrication technology, and mathematics and information sciences

A comparative study on the performance of neural networks in visual guidance and feedback applications

Vision-based systems increase the flexibility of industrial automation applications by providing non-touching sensory information for processing and feedback. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) help such conformities through prediction in overcoming nonlinear computational spaces. They transform multiple possibilities of outcomes or regions of uncertainty posed by the system components towards solution spaces. Trained networks impart a certain level of intelligence to robotic systems. This paper discusses two applications of machine vision. The 3 degrees of freedom (DOF) robotic assembly provides an accurate cutting of soft materials with visual guidance using pixel elimination. The 6-DOF robot combines visual guidance from a supervisory camera and visual feedback from an attached camera. Using a switching approach in the control strategy, pick and place applications are carried out. With the inclusion of ANN to make the strategies intelligent, both the systems performed better with regard to computational time and convergence. The networks make use of the extracted image features from the scene for different applications. Simulation and experimental results validate the proposed schemes and show the effectiveness of ANN in machine vision applications

Wildfire Early Detection System (WEDS)

With climate change causing an increase in temperature over the past several decades, wildfires have been burning hotter and moving quicker leaving a trail of destruction in their path. Detecting a wildfire early allows firefighters to respond efficiently and effectively to ensure containment. With the rise of advanced computer vision and algorithms, autonomous systems can be used to monitor and report any fire activity. Having multiple devices spread out across a large area will allow first responders to map out the fire location and track the fire. By utilizing smart technologies, property damage can be minimized and residents living in fire prone areas can be evacuated earlier. The wildfire early detection system (WEDS) is a low-powered, low-cost (in both manufacturing and maintenance), easily deployable unit that can be mass-produced. The goal is to produce large volumes of this product to cover as much acreage in forests as possible. In a given area, multiple devices would report to one control center. Ideally, users would deploy these units in dense forests as this is where fires are harder to control and detect. Onboard sensors and cameras will detect heat signatures, and smoke particles to determine if a wildfire is present. To keep long-lasting, LiPo batteries supported by solar cells are required to power it. Keeping these devices small and portable will allow for wider distribution, increasing the area covered

Index to 1984 NASA Tech Briefs, volume 9, numbers 1-4

Short announcements of new technology derived from the R&D activities of NASA are presented. These briefs emphasize information considered likely to be transferrable across industrial, regional, or disciplinary lines and are issued to encourage commercial application. This index for 1984 Tech B Briefs contains abstracts and four indexes: subject, personal author, originating center, and Tech Brief Number. The following areas are covered: electronic components and circuits, electronic systems, physical sciences, materials, life sciences, mechanics, machinery, fabrication technology, and mathematics and information sciences

A comparative study on the performance of neural networks in visual guidance and feedback applications

Vision-based systems increase the flexibility of industrial automation applications by providing non-touching sensory information for processing and feedback. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) help such conformities through prediction in overcoming nonlinear computational spaces. They transform multiple possibilities of outcomes or regions of uncertainty posed by the system components towards solution spaces. Trained networks impart a certain level of intelligence to robotic systems. This paper discusses two applications of machine vision. The 3 degrees of freedom (DOF) robotic assembly provides an accurate cutting of soft materials with visual guidance using pixel elimination. The 6-DOF robot combines visual guidance from a supervisory camera and visual feedback from an attached camera. Using a switching approach in the control strategy, pick and place applications are carried out. With the inclusion of ANN to make the strategies intelligent, both the systems performed better with regard to computational time and convergence. The networks make use of the extracted image features from the scene for different applications. Simulation and experimental results validate the proposed schemes and show the effectiveness of ANN in machine vision applications

Suited for spacewalking: A teacher's guide with activities

This publication is an activity guide for teachers on spacesuits and spacewalking. It uses the intensive interest many children have in space exploration as a launching point for hands-on-opportunities. The guide begins with brief discussions of the space environment, the history of space walking, the Space Shuttle spacesuit, and working in space. These are followed by a series of activities that enable children to explore the space environment as well as the science and technology behind the functions of spacesuits. The activities are not rated for specific grade levels because they can be adapted for students of many ages. The guide concludes with a brief glossary as well as references and resources

Electric Vehicle Battery Module Dismantling "Analysis and Evaluation of Robotic Dismantling Techniques for Irre- versible Fasteners, including Object Detection of Components."

This thesis examines a study of The Litium-Ion Battery (LIB) from a electric vehicle, and it’s recycling processes. A Battery Module (BM) from the LIB is shredded when considered an End-Of-Life product, and motivates for automated dismantling concepts to separate the components to save raw materials. From State-of-the-art (SoA) research projects and background theory, automatic module dis- mantling concepts have been evaluated for a Volkswagen E-Golf 2019 battery module. The presence of irreversible fasteners make the use off destructive dismantling techniques neces- sary. This study evaluates two different concepts to disconnect laser welds holding together the compressive plates made of steel. A hydraulic actuated concept is first investigated to separate the welded compressive plates within the casing. A FEM analysis with different configurations is performed to evaluate the most effective hydraulic solution when analysing the Von Mises stress. This solution is further compared with another automatic dismantling concept, namely milling. For the purpose of an automated milling concept, manipulators from ABB are assessed and the feasibility is verified based on results from manual milling operation. The proposed dismantling operation is made possible by developing a system architecture combining robotic control and computer vision. Open source software based on Robot Op- erating System (ROS) and MoveIt connect and control an ABB IRB4400 industrial robot whereas the computer vision setup involves a cutting edge 3D camera, Zivid, and object detection algorithm YOLOv5 best suited for this task. Adjustable acquisition settings in services from Zivid’s ROS driver are tested to accomplish the optimal capture configuration. Two datasets generated with RoboFlow were exported in the YOLOv5 PyTorch format. Custom object detection models with annotated components from the BM was trained and tested with image captures. All in all, this study demonstrates that the automatic dismantling of battery modules can be achieved even though they include irreversible fasteners. The proposed methods are verified on a specific battery module (Egolf 2019) but are flexible enough to be easily extended to a large variety of EV battery modules

SwarmFarm Robotics Dock and Refill Station

The SwarmBot 5 platform developed and operated by SwarmFarm Robotics, has multiple autonomous applications, spot spraying being the most common. Autonomous spot spraying is primarily employed to reduce operating costs, and negative impacts on soil and the environment. Typically even multiple autonomous passes result in reduced chemical usage, human interactions, and highly effective weed elimination, at less cost than a single blanket spray. Currently, the platform is refilled via manual handling of hoses/drums/nozzles etc. This process results in downtime where the platform is waiting for human interaction, and risks exposing personnel and the environment to hazards such as toxic chemicals. In an effort to properly meet the key intentions of the platform by reducing downtime, increasing operational efficiencies and further eliminating personnel interactions, the current limitations of the refuelling/refilling processes have necessitated the development of an autonomous solution. Several solutions exist for both automated fluid transfer and quick/simple manual connections, however there are no desirable or cost-effective solutions for the intended application. William Holcombe, a SwarmFarm employee, previously conducted his dissertation on this topic, with promising yet unsuccessful results. This project aims to develop a systematic solution that is capable of completely autonomously coupling with the SwarmBot 5 platform in order to refill with chemical solutions. A broad literature review encompassed all aspects of current processes and existing solutions, after which client and supervisor discussions yielded several preliminary coupling concepts. These concepts were analysed against set criteria, before finalist couplings were physically experimented with and/or modelled. Evaluation against key design criteria resulted in a coupling upon which a holistic autonomous refilling system was conceptually designed. A coupler for connecting to the SwarmBot 5 platform, was successfully prototyped and its performance evaliated. The design satisfied design parameters, and the complete system shows promise to meet client expectations of improved efficiencies, independencies and safety. Further experimentations will be conducted on board the SwarmBot 5 platform, with refinements to the design and manufacturing of the coupling system. Development of the complete system, and implementation into the software will also be necessary. The coupling developed is capable of reliably coupling with the platform, and a complete system is likely to greatly increase the efficiency of operations

Manned Space Programs Accident/Incident Summaries (1970 - 1971)

A compilation of 223 mishaps assembled from company and NASA records covering the Accident/Incident experience in 1970-1971 in the Manned Space Flight Programs is presented. It is the companion volume to NASA-CR-120998 which covered the years 1963-1969. The objectives of this summary is to make available to Government agencies and industrial firms the lessons learned from these mishaps. Each accident/incident summary has been reviewed by description, cause and recommended preventive action. The summaries have been categorized by the following ten systems: (1) Cryogenic; (2) Electrical; (3) Facility/GSE; (4) Fuel and Propellant; (5) Life Support; (6) Ordnance; (7) Pressure; (8) Propulsion; (9) Structural; and (10) Transport/Handling