Stitch3D Inc. — Department of Defense STTR Phase I: AF21A-TCSO1

Description

Candelytics is developing a proprietary LIDAR-based solution that enables the seamless collection, analysis and management of 3D data. Our company has signed a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the Naval Information Warfare Center - Pacific (NIWC-PAC) RESTORE laboratory - the leading research authority in the Navy on 3D scanning and documentation - to further develop the lab's patented LIDAR collection systems. Specifically, as a first step, Candelytics is building software that provides capabilities in 3D visualization, 3D-to-2D sketch, and differential analysis. Our company is also developing the digital infrastructure to store, tag, and curate 3D data in a digital repository. The repository will be leveraged to build advanced 3D tools powered by machine learning such as 3D search, 3D object recognition, and spatial awareness.   As the winners of the inaugural Defense Innovation Accelerator - a National Security Innovation Network program - Candelytics has showcased our technology to the U.S. Coast Guard via seven virtual demonstrations and two on-site demonstrations at Coast Guard Sectors San Diego and Miami, including participants from the DEA, CBP, and Tactical Law Enforcement (TACLET) teams. Over the course of more than 200 customer discovery interviews, Candelytics recognized that LIDAR 3D scanning could greatly benefit the Coast Guard's counterdrug operations, specifically with regards to digitally mapping vessels suspected of smuggling drugs and contraband. Candelytics' software allowed the Coast Guard to scan an 87-foot cutter in under 20 minutes and produce 3D digital artifacts that facilitated space analysis and void detection. What usually takes the Coast Guard two days to accomplish was completed in under two hours with significantly more accuracy, efficiency, and safety. Overall, the Coast Guard was highly impressed with Candelytics' technical solution to the counterdrug pain point, as evidenced with a score of 3.63 out of 4 in an exit survey that asked "will this technology improve At Sea Space Accountability operations".   The Coast Guard use case highlights just one of many pain points that can be resolved through advanced 3D spatial analysis. LIDAR hardware has developed to the point of mass commercialization, as evidenced by LIDAR scanners onboard the latest iPhone 12 pros and iPads. The coming revolution in 3D data analysis will fundamentally change the way humans interact with the physical world, whether that be mapping out buildings for insurance documentation, scanning vast areas to identify terrestrial signals for oil and gas industries, or locating specific objects in a debris field for intelligence collection and targeting. Candelytics is developing the digital infrastructure that will enable more intelligent and impactful employment of 3D data for dual-use commercial and government challenges.