Air Force selects Stratom to develop machine

LOUISVILLE, CO, April 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Stratom today announced its selection to develop an Autonomous Asset Tracking System — or AATS — utilizing artificial intelligence and machine learning for camera systems to accurately identify and track military logistics assets across various environments and modes of transport.

“Our innovative software stack leverages the latest advances in machine learning to detect and transcribe airplane tail numbers and determine which plane the tail number is associated with. Next, we’ll be able to communicate that information to databases and AGVs to autonomously refuel or load the aircraft,” said Elizabeth Gilmour, senior robotics perception engineer at Stratom. “By eliminating the complexities and uncertainties associated with traditional asset tracking systems, our streamlined, modification-free solution simplifies distributed operations while addressing imminent logistics challenges created by adopting the ‘Agile Combat Employment’ concept.”

Stratom’s initial phase of the Small Business Innovation Research project focuses on the software component, laying the groundwork for a suite of machine learning models that will process images to extract data such as asset type and identification numbers. With this approach, the leading developer of autonomous ground vehicles and robotic systems for commercial and defense applications eliminates the need for physical modifications to current assets, offering a cost-effective and highly scalable solution for logistics operations. In addition to automated asset tracking, the new technology simplifies the orchestration of logistics equipment for cargo, munitions and refueling on the flight line.

Initially envisioned as a system to help autonomous refueling and cargo-loading vehicles identify the correct aircraft, AATS has received interest from several groups for other potential applications. The text spotting could be used to uniquely identify not only airplanes but any asset with an identifying number, such as rail cars, trailers or pallets. Further, other customers have shown interest in using this capability to identify relevant text in a wide range of operating situations.

“Our vision with the AATS extends beyond current logistics challenges. Building on our existing machine learning capabilities in object detection and text recognition, we’re solving today’s problems and anticipating the future needs of a rapidly evolving global market,” said Mark Gordon, president and CEO of Stratom. “This unique solution sets the stage for our machine learning-powered system to seamlessly integrate into various sectors across military and commercial applications, providing unprecedented tracking accuracy and operational efficiency.”

With the AATS, Stratom is at the forefront of driving logistics and supply chain management efficiency, security and adaptability to future demands. For more information about how Stratom empowers customers to overcome their most difficult real-world challenges, visit stratom.com.

The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Air Force, the Department of Defense or the U.S. government.

About Stratom Inc

Stratom is a global leader in the development of unmanned ground vehicles and autonomous robotic systems that solve the most pressing real-world logistics and operational challenges for commercial and defense applications. Specializing in unmanned cargo movement, robotic refueling, robotic hazardous liquid transfer and autonomous mobile robots (AMR), the company’s military-proven tools, methods, technologies and strategic services solve the most difficult logistics and operational challenges. Whether in a safe, controlled settings or dynamic and challenging terrain, Stratom provides unique solutions to meet each customer’s specific needs. With its extensive expertise in R&D, engineering and system integration of autonomous technologies and solutions, Stratom, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, is the go-to expert for global corporations, local businesses and government institutions. For more information, visit www.stratom.com.

About AFRL 

The Air Force Research Laboratory is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace force. With a workforce of more than 12,500 across nine technology areas and 40 other operations across the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. For more information, visit afresearchlab.com.

About AFWERX 

As the innovation arm of the DAF and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory, AFWERX brings cutting-edge American ingenuity from small businesses and start-ups to address the most pressing challenges of the DAF. AFWERX employs approximately 370 military, civilian and contractor personnel at five hubs and sites executing an annual $1.4 billion budget. Since 2019, AFWERX has executed 6,028 new contracts worth more than $4 billion to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and drive faster technology transition to operational capability. For more information, visit: www.afwerx.com.