Air Force selects Wallaroo.AI for On-Orbit AI advancements
The initiative has seen support and collaboration between the Air Force Research Laboratory and AFWERX. Their goal is to refine the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) processes. By accelerating the proposal-to-award timelines, broadening the scope for potential small business applicants, and slashing unnecessary bureaucratic red tape, they aim to enhance the efficiency of contract execution.
Initiated in 2018, the Department of the Air Force introduced the Open Topic SBIR/STTR program, thus widening its innovation funding spectrum. Coming July 20, 2023, Wallaroo.AI will embark on its mission to conceive and offer advanced capabilities tailored to bolster the US national defense.
Vid Jain, the CEO of Wallaroo.AI, shed light on the importance of this partnership, "The ability to deploy, manage, and maintain ML models at the edge, on-orbit, especially in the challenging environs of space, is paramount to the evolution of the space industry. We are optimistic about becoming the go-to platform for ML in space. Our solutions aim to bring a new dimension to satellite operations like refueling and repairs and also help counter potential space hazards."
This collaboration will significantly benefit the US Space Force, which stands as the primary stakeholder in this pioneering project. Wallaroo's ongoing engagements with the Air Force Research Laboratory Space Vehicles Directorate (AFRL/RV) set the stage for deploying ML models with radiation-tolerant commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) integrated circuits. These advancements herald a new era, making the use of AI in space-centric tasks, such as robotic operations, satellite refueling, and protection against space debris, a tangible reality.
The synergy will also encompass the computer science department at New Mexico State University, reaffirming Wallaroo.AI's dedication to cooperative innovation and knowledge dissemination. On this collaborative spirit, Dr. Enrico Pontelli, Dean of the New Mexico State University College of Arts and Sciences, remarked, "Wallaroo has showcased their AI/ML Platform to our team. We are convinced that this platform, with its integrated architecture and our combined expertise, can redefine cloud and edge deployments, offering critical insights for space and military operations."
The trajectory of the space industry's growth has been noteworthy. With its valuation at $469 billion in 2021, as per Forbes, and a predicted worth of $1 trillion by 2030, according to McKinsey, the industry is on the cusp of significant developments. The deployment of AI at the edge, especially for space automation, is emerging as an essential factor. Wallaroo.AI's state-of-the-art ML tools are set to play an integral role in shaping this future. The company's selection among just 20 firms for the Phase II program underscores its commanding position in the sector.