Robotic Fiber Optic Connector Cleaner Navy SBIR FY2009.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2009.1 Topic No.: N091-040 Topic Title: Robotic Fiber Optic Connector Cleaner Proposal No.: N091-040-1062 Firm: Energid Technologies 124 Mount Auburn Street Suite 200 North Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138 Contact: James English Phone: (617) 401-7090 Web Site: www.energid.com Abstract: Energid Technologies proposes a robotic fiber optic cleaner that will perform better and faster than current methods. The cleaner will quickly remove contaminants from any number of termini in a MIL-STD-38999 style connector, using a small manipulative device to clean, algorithmically inspect, and reclean if necessary. It will work with both the male and female sides of each terminus, with multimode and single-mode fibers. Multiple key technologies are brought to this effort. The first is a cleaning process based on time-proven techniques and designed for automatic application. The second is an innovative robotic design, a mechanical system that will implement the cleaning process robotically. The third is powerful control software. Energid will leverage its Actin software toolkit for controlling the mechanical system and building the human interface. The fourth key technology is advanced machine vision. Energid will leverage its Selectin machine vision toolkit for inspecting termini to enable repeatable, reliable cleaning performance and also provide secondary benefit by identifying termini with fractures and other defects. The proposed system will work rapidly, give better cleaning results, reduce the risk of foreign object damage, and also detect needed repairs. It will increase the usability and reliability of Navy aircraft. Benefits: Energid will pursue two primary commercialization paths: 1) productization of the result and sale to the Navy and its contractors and 2) sale of small-scale cleaning systems in other fields. We will market the system to DoD and civilian fiber optic equipment suppliers and communications equipment service companies in the US and abroad. We will also leverage the technology developed in this project to develop and market cleaning tools for medical and dental equipment. In addition, this project will provide secondary commercialization opportunities for Energid because the fine manipulation and automated visual inspection components developed will enhance Energid's current toolkits for robot control and visual object detection. Return