The research arm of the University of Dayton has won a $12.5 million Air Force contract, the Department of Defense said late Monday.
The University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) was awarded a $12,530,010 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for virtual, augmented, and mixed reality readiness, the DOD said.
This contract provides for the development of a variety external reality system to support Air Force activities such as spraying, coating, and robotics control, the department said.
AR or “augmented reality” uses software to make digital objects seem as though they are embedded in a user’s actual environment; a virtual perception created through the use of specialized glasses worn by the user, or through an app viewed on a smart phone, UDRI said in a statement Tuesday.
“Consumers have become familiar with augmented reality in gaming apps, such as Pokémon Go, and in online shopping, when they want to see how a bookshelf or a table might look in their own living room. We are expanding this technology to help users performing maintenance applications safely and effectively,” said psychologist Drew Bowers, group leader for human factors in UDRI’s sensor and software systems division.
UDRI said it has extensive expertise in developing extended reality tools — including virtual and augmented reality — along with artificial intelligence, machine learning and human-machine teaming technologies to support manufacturing, maintenance and more.
Work will be performed at Dayton, and is expected to be completed by Nov. 30, 2026.
This contract was a competitive acquisition, and one offer was received, the DOD said. .
Fiscal 2022 and 2023 research, development, test, and evaluation funds in the amount of $12,530,010 are being obligated at the time of award.
The contract came from the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright Patterson Air Force Base.
About the Author
