CHARLES RIVER ANALYTICS, INC. — Department of Defense SBIR Phase II: AF192-D001

Description

The demand for highly-skilled technicians to build and maintain next-generation communications equipment is out pacing the Air Force capacity to train its workforce due to limited training equipment and resources. Instructors need intelligent, virtual, and portable training solutions to augment current training. This capability enables students to learn complex and potentially dangerous procedures without the cost or danger of live equipment. Charles River Analytics, in partnership with DiSTI Corporation, brings a proven commercial solution to this challenge: a framework for developing intelligent virtual training systems for dangerous procedures suitable to address a wide range of learning objectives and challenges. We propose to extend this capability to develop Weaver, a new tablet-based, intelligent virtual trainer (IVT) product that incorporates realistic stressors and related feedback. Weavers adaptively guides students through high-risk scenarios. To prove the effectiveness of Weaver, we will develop a prototype addressing requirements identified by the 364th Training Squadron (TRS) for an IVT that trains installation and maintenance procedures for antenna equipment using vehicular booms—procedures that are currently demonstrated by instructors, rather than performed hands-on by students. Weaver will extend our commercial solution with environmental stressors and feedback for effective training, and it will provide new tablet-based, outside-the-classroom training.