IAI's success in the electro-mechanical systems arena is due in part to the synergy of its multi-disciplinary technical staff whose research interests enable the integration of mechanical elements, sensors, actuators, and electronics to develop sophisticated systems that can provide optimized performance, enhanced precision, and greater reliability. IAI has pioneered and delivered state of the art solutions and innovative devices for a host of diverse applications including quality control, actuator development, robotic vehicles, and robotic physical therapy.
For over 10 years, IAI has been developing innovative exercise and physical therapy machines under funding from NASA and NIH. Funded by NASA, the MMID system is an astronaut exercise machine that received the 2000 Tibbetts Award. It was designed to help maintain and assess levels of aerobic and anaerobic physical activity in micro-gravity environments. The system is currently in use at NASA’s Anthropometry and Biomechanics Lab at JSC in Houston, Texas. A variant system — MACARM funded by NIH — was designed to be a robot-assisted rehabilitation and assessment device for stroke survivors.
IAI is a member of the CSC-led team that developed and deployed the Dedicated Commuter Lane system for DHS’ Customs and Border Patrol. This program provides a dedicated traffic lane for pre-enrolled trusted travelers to enter the United States by personal vehicle from Mexico and Canada. The system takes advantage of RFID technology to minimize the time required for the processing of trusted travelers by CBP. IAI designed, manufactured and sustained over 100 electronics subsystems deployed at border crossings as part of the DCL system.
More recently, working closely with ARO, DARPA, and OSD, IAI is developing technology for collaboration between teams of robots and human–robot teams. IAI’s Distributed Control Software provides a framework for rapid design, virtual and live test and evaluation of teaming and coordination algorithms, sensor technology across a variety of commercial platforms including the Pioneers, Amigobot, iCreates, and LAGR robots. DCF is an integral part of IAI ongoing efforts on DARPA LANdroids, Human-Robot teams and OSD UAST effort.
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