This workshop brings together members of the US flexible hybrid electronics (FHE) ecosystem from both commercial and government organizations, as well as DoD personnel with operational needs, to share information about how FHE will enhance warfighter capabilities.
FHE leads the next revolution in electronics; it is the technology that will enable much of the Internet of Things and a generation of electronics in novel forms and mediums. FHE enables the attachment of ultra-thin semiconductor/sensor devices to flexible, conformable, stretchable substrates, such as fabrics or aircraft wings, or to flexible systems such as soft robotic exoskeletons and prosthetics. These technologies can be leveraged to improve devices and components by reducing the footprint and volume, directly applying them to an item or substrate, and integrating devices into common current products.
In developing new products for these civilian, defense, and dual-use purposes, many of the manufacturing challenges are the same, but the differences are significant, including the new technology integration path. To address these varied challenges, NextFlex has developed a workshop to bring together both sides of the issues, to share and learn, so that the FHE community can actively develop targeted approaches to solving the most critical DoD needs.
Who Should Attend
Traditional and non-traditional defense contractors
US government staff with electronics operational needs
Program office engineering staff looking for new solutions and performers
FHE technology developers from commercial, academic, and government organizations
Designers and manufacturers of defense electronics
Members of the FHE community who want to better understand defense applications
Abstract This presentation will provide a broad overview of the Basic Research Office, its programs that enable flexible hybrid electronics for human performance, and the need for the Office to partner with the Manufacturing Innovation Institutes to create pathways for innovation in the research ecosystem.
Bio Dr. Bindu Nair is the Deputy Director of the Basic Research Office within the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD). In this role, she is responsible for oversight and coordination of the Department’s $2.2B investment in basic science. She previously served as the Deputy Director of OSD’s Human Performance, Training and Biosystems Directorate. Prior to OSD, Dr. Nair worked for the Department of the Army with oversight responsibilities over the science and technology program in power and energy. She has worked in the DoD laboratory system at Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center as well as in private industry at Foster Miller. Her research expertise is in the field of Material Science and Engineering including nanomaterials, polymers, and organic electronic materials. She has published primarily in membrane and materials development fields and holds patents in fuel cell technologies. She holds a B.Sc from the University of Florida (1995) and a Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2000) in Materials Science and Engineering.
1.1.2 “Military Operational Medicine Research Program (MOMRP) Overview” Military Operational Medicine Program
Bio Lieutenant Commander Steele is the Acting Director of the Military Operational Medicine Research Program at the US Army Medical Research and Materiel Command, FT Detrick, MD. LCDR Steele helps drive planning, programming and budgeting for research in the world’s leading laboratories to sustain performance and protect the health of warfighters under environmental extremes, inappropriate nutrition and physical fitness, sleep and circadian disruption, toxic chemical exposures, blast and physical injuries, and acute/chronic psychological stress.
Lieutenant Commander Steele received a Ph.D. from North Carolina State University (Raleigh, NC) in 2005, and subsequently accepted a commission as a Navy officer to support the Navy and Marine Corps Combat Team as a Chronobiologist. LCDR Steele, a Navy Research Physiologist, spearheaded work to promote submarine crew endurance and reduce unwarranted circadian rhythm disruption and sleep inefficiency at the Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory (Groton, CT) in 2006. LCDR Steele designed and executed at-sea research on submarines to demonstrate improved watchstanding schedules and developed a fatigue management awareness course for submarine officers. In 2009, Steele became an Assistant Professor at the Uniformed Services University (Bethesda, MD) where he directed a Military Applied Physiology course and led a field leadership exercise of 65 officers and enlisted cadre that exposed over 800 medical officers to operational challenges faced by warfighters.
In 2012, LCDR Steele reported to the Office of Naval Research (ONR) as a Program Officer in the Warfighter Performance Department (Code 34). He provided leadership and direct oversight for a $42M annual portfolio in Military Operational Medicine, Combat Casualty Care, and Medical Radiological Defense comprising 70 research groups at over 25 Department of Defense and civilian institutions. At ONR, LCDR Steele consolidated a program on warfighter health protection and performance sustainment under environmental stressors including hypoxia, thermal challenges, non-isobaric conditions, and quickly grew a “Circadian Sleep and Fatigue” program. This program drove basic and applied biomedical sciences in order to translate findings into useable information and functional products to support operational communities.
LCDR Steele served on organizing committee and session chair of two NSF-funded US-South American workshops on Neuroendocrinology to promote scientific discourse between the US and seven South American countries. He is an active, yearly participant in Sleep and Circadian Research Society meetings for Trainee workshops designed to emphasize the difficulties and importance of transitioning basic science to applications. In a Joint leadership role, Steele led a task area for Joint Program Committee-5 (Military Operational Medicine) on operational performance sustainment in extreme environments across the DoD. LCDR Steele also served as the Navy’s JPC-5 S&T representative to ensure the Navy Medical Research enterprise is represented and Navy/Marine Corps gaps were addressed in Defense Health Agency programs.
LCDR Steele’s operational background includes three years in the U.S. Army as an artilleryman and twelve years in the Army National Guard serving in Aviation, Armor and Engineering units as a non-commissioned officer in both Nuclear Biological & Chemical Operations and Military Intelligence. Steele has deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan and has supported Humanitarian Service operations in the state of North Carolina. LCDR Steele is the current Specialty Leader for the Navy’s Medical Service Corps Research Physiology community.
1.1.3 “Health Readiness and Performance System Product Development Effort” U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity (USAMMDA)
Abstract The Health Readiness and Performance System, referred to as HRAPS, is proposed to be an integrated system of wearable sensors that monitors physiological, cognitive, musculoskeletal, and psychological data of an individual. These sensors and algorithms will provide Commanders with actionable information to improve performance and mitigate non-battle injuries during operations. Adequate assessment of health state information during operational scenarios will increase positive mission outcomes through a reduction in attrition and optimization of teaming scenarios.
Bio Mr. Steven Hawbecker graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, with a B.S. Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He received his Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Frostburg State University.
In 1990, Steve started with the U.S. Army at the Combat Systems Test Activity; tasked with planning, coordination, and conduct of complex research and developmental test projects. In 2000, Steve joined the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Agency (USAMMA), Technology Support Division. He was Team Lead for the Combat Support Equipment Assessment (CSEA), evaluating deployable medical treatment facilities equipment. In 2005, Steve became Division Chief for the Technology Support Division at USAMMA overseeing radiology and monitoring for Army institutional hospitals and equipment assessments for operational medical units. In 2007, Steve became Deputy, Materiel Acquisition Directorate, overseeing the acquisition of medical equipment and materiel for the Combat Support Medical Management Decision Execution Package (MDEP), transitioning to the Acting Project Manager for the Medical Devices Program Management Office overseeing Ancillary Care, Acute Care, Medical Scientific and Publications Divisions in 2008. Steve joined the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity (USAMMDA) in 2011 as Project Manager, Medical Support Systems. His duties currently entail advanced development/acquisition of systems for preventive medicine, operational medicine, combat casualty care/evacuation, and deployable medical treatment facility infrastructure.
Steve is a member in the U.S. Army Acquisition Corp, Level III certification in Systems, Planning, Research, and Development Engineering (SPRDE), Test and Evaluation Engineering, Science and Technology for Managers, and Program Management. He achieved Level II certification in Life Cycle Logistics and has obtained Project Management Professional certification.
1.1.4 “Wearable Technologies and Regulation of Devices” U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity, Office of Regulated Activities
Abstract A short regulatory tutorial on when wearable technologies may qualify as a medical device and how the US Food and Drug Administration currently regulates these types of technologies.
Bio A Regulatory Affairs Professional with the Federal Government since 2007, Ms. Borek came to the US Army Medical Materiel Development Activity (USAMMDA) at Fort Detrick, MD, in 2015 to lead the Medical Devices and Diagnostics Branch within the Office of Regulated Activities. Prior to coming to USAMMDA, Ms. Borek worked for the Department of Health and Human Services as a Supervisory Regulatory Affairs Specialist and the Quality Branch Chief within the Division of Regulatory and Quality Affairs at the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) in Washington DC. Earlier in her career, Ms. Borek held various roles at small companies in quality assurance, medical device reporting and complaint handling, clinical research, and research microbiology. Ms. Borek received her Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a Certificate in Regulatory Compliance from Hood College in Frederick, Maryland where she is currently a candidate for the Master of Science degree in Biomedical Science.
1.2.0 HIGHLIGHTED PROJECTS
1.2.1 “Conformal Exoskeletons and Flexible Electronics” Lockheed Martin
Abstract Exoskeletons are wearable robots that are designed to enhance a user’s natural abilities. While there is no “best of breed” established as far as exoskeleton mechanical architecture is concerned, there is a trend forming and it seems to be converging on a reoccurring concept. Over the last two decades, we’ve seen systems go from large, bulky, and cumbersome to a progressively lighter, thinner, and more conformal design. This presentation will discuss that history, and how conformal electronics fit into the future of exoskeleton applications.
Bio Gavin Barnes is the Lead Engineer for Lockheed Martin’s Exoskeleton Technologies program. He has a both a Bachelors and Masters of Science in Mechanical Engineering, focused on mechanical systems, as well as a Master’s in Business Administration, all of which earned at the University of Central Florida. He has been a member of Lockheed Martin’s Exoskeleton Technologies program since 2012, leading field trials and systems engineering tasks for HULC, a powered exoskeleton to support dismounted infantry with load carriage. In 2014, he was one of the co-inventors of the FORTIS, a passive, industrial exoskeleton. He has since led the development of subsequent generations of the FORTIS while building up the programs academic engagement to develop sophisticated new exoskeleton control architecture. This led to nine patent applications related to exoskeleton structures and control, currently under review with the US patent office. In addition to these efforts, he is currently defining the technical road for future unpowered and powered exoskeleton systems for Lockheed Martin, focusing on their newest powered exoskeleton, the ONYX.
1.2.2 “Hydration Sensor Patch for Human Performance Monitoring” GE Global Research Center; Soft Matter Materials Branch, Air Force Research Laboratory
Abstract Maintaining proper hydration is paramount for maximizing performance and minimizing health risks for laborers, warfighters, and athletes. Currently, there are no commercially available, high resolution solutions for accurate, non-invasive and continuous assessment of hydration in a wearable device format. Laboratory gold standards for hydration assessment are based on total body water and plasma osmolality under controlled conditions of stable and equilibrated body fluids. In practice, body mass losses are used as an indirect measure of fluid content, but continuous assessment of an individual’s body mass fluctuations in the field during a mission is unrealistic. Similarly, blood (or urine) osmolality measurements are invasive and require sophisticated equipment and training for analysis. In this talk, we will present our approach towards developing a fully wearable system composed of bio-impedance and sweat sensors for dynamic and non-invasive assessment of hydration. The presentation will also include recent results from field testing of these devices at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs and will highlight the critical role that early and frequent user engagement plays on enabling productive research and development activities for the warfighter.
This work is supported by NextFlex, NBMC and AFRL and is a collaborative effort between GE Global Research, AFRL, UES, Dublin City University, University of Connecticut, University of Massachusetts, American Semiconductors Inc., and University of Arizona.
Bios NextFlex Fellow Dr. Azar Alizadeh is a senior material scientist at GE Global Research where she develops materials and processes for applications such as health-monitoring sensors, non-icing surfaces, nano-enabled media storage, and optoelectronic devices. She holds a PhD in physics and has extensive experience in the field of nano-bio-manufacturing and has led numerous cross-functional teams during her tenure at GE Global Research, including the NBMC “Wearable device for dynamic assessment of hydration status;” the US Army “A wearable physiological monitoring system for assessment of hemodynamic state;” and the AFRL study of “Sensor systems for warfighter health and performance monitoring and augmentation.” She also serves as a co-lead on the NextFlex Human Health Monitoring Systems Technical Working Group. Dr. Alizadeh has 45 peer reviewed publications and 13 US patents/patent applications.
Dr. Jeremy W. Ward is currently a Research Scientist and Program Manager within the Materials and Manufacturing Directorate of the United States Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). He earned his B.A. in Physics and Mathematics from Simpson College in Indianola, IA, in 2010, and his Ph.D. in Physics from Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC, in 2015. While earning both his B.A. and Ph.D., Jeremy also served as a crew chief for both F-16 and C-130 airframes in the United States Air National Guard. After completing his Ph.D., Jeremy worked on staff within the United States Senate as a Science and Technology Policy Fellow, a position supported by the Materials Research Society (MRS) and the Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (TMS). In 2016, Jeremy accepted a position as a Research Scientist for UES, Inc. in Dayton, OH, where he performed research in the area of flexible and conformal electronics. In 2017 Jeremy accepted a position with the Air Force Research Laboratory, where he is leading materials and manufacturing R&D programs towards addressing USAF needs in the area of Airmen Performance Monitoring and Aeromedical Monitoring.
1.2.3 “PHYSIO: A Smart Garment Platform for Advanced Physiological Monitoring” Soft Matter Materials Branch, Air Force Research Laboratory; and Human Systems Integration
Abstract The environment in which the Airmen of today are operating in is becoming increasingly more demanding and requires increased awareness into their real-time health state and performance status. One such demand on today’s pilots includes both operational and training missions that can affect their physiological state.
Recently, the Air Force Research Lab has partnered with Human Systems Integration, Inc. and DuPont to enable continuous physiological monitoring in the cockpit environment using PHYSIO. The goal for the development team is to create a smart garment platform that can monitor high-fidelity ECG, SpO2, respiration, and core body temperature in a USAF aircraft environment.
In this talk, we will present our approach towards developing this capability using of a combination of traditional, flexible, and stretchable electronic materials. We will highlight specific integration concepts and present preliminary data on specific modules of the system. Finally, we will present future opportunities for integration of novel FHE concepts for improved form, fit, and functionality of PHYSIO.
Bios Mr. Brian Farrell is the president and founder of HSI. He received B.S. and M.S. degrees, in Applied Physics & Electronics, from the National University of Ireland, Galway. His experience includes requirements development, concept development, user interfacing and systems architecture and he has over 25 years’ experience in technology and product development and transition in military, federal and commercial markets.. He has lead the development and transition of several wearable electronic products such as a warfighter situational awareness (SA) platform (TacPAN), a physiological and outdoor location tracking system (TrainTrak) and an electronic textile-based electrical/optical cable platform. Mr. Farrell is inventor/co-inventor on over 12 US and international patents.
Dr. Jeremy W. Ward is currently a Research Scientist and Program Manager within the Materials and Manufacturing Directorate of the United States Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). He earned his B.A. in Physics and Mathematics from Simpson College in Indianola, IA, in 2010, and his Ph.D. in Physics from Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC, in 2015. While earning both his B.A. and Ph.D., Jeremy also served as a crew chief for both F-16 and C-130 airframes in the United States Air National Guard. After completing his Ph.D., Jeremy worked on staff within the United States Senate as a Science and Technology Policy Fellow, a position supported by the Materials Research Society (MRS) and the Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (TMS). In 2016, Jeremy accepted a position as a Research Scientist for UES, Inc. in Dayton, OH, where he performed research in the area of flexible and conformal electronics. In 2017 Jeremy accepted a position with the Air Force Research Laboratory, where he is leading materials and manufacturing R&D programs towards addressing USAF needs in the area of Airmen Performance Monitoring and Aeromedical Monitoring.
1.2.4 “Vital Signs and Electromyography Monitoring Capability for the Warfighter (TALOS Baselayer)” Flex
Abstract Flex is a design to global delivery technology company specializing in large volume manufacturing and delivering ‘Sketch to Scale’ products to a diverse customer base. With the advent of the Government Design and Innovation Center based in Silicon Valley, Flex is looking to expand and apply its vast experience in design and manufacture of technology products to the Government and Defense sector.
Recently Flex has been engaged with the USSOCOM’s TALOS project to develop the Baselayer system for TALOS. The goal for the Flex team has been to develop a platform capable of obtaining vital signs indicators including ECG, PPG, heart rate, respiration, skin temperature, blood oxygen, and trending blood pressure. Additionally, the Baselayer performs the detection and capture of electromyography data (muscle tissue electrical activity) for various locations on the body.
One challenging aspect of integrating these bio-sensors into a textile garment is electrical connectivity between sensors, signal acquisition circuits and the compute units. Using a new and innovative technology of printed electronics, the Flex team has been able to design a platform that creates a network of conductors and dry electrodes through an entire full body unitard that has no impact on comfort or range of motion to the warfighter. All the data gathered from the Baselayer is then post processed by compute units to derive the analytics necessary for monitoring the health and motion of the warfighter to optimize their performance and effectiveness.
Bios Anthony joined the Flex Silicon Valley Government Design and Innovation Center as the Director of Design Program Management in the summer of 2017. Prior to joining the Flex Silicon Valley location, Anthony spent seven years in a diversity of roles at the Flex Plano Design Center focusing on the design, test and validation of consumer, industrial, and defense products. Anthony started in mechanical engineering, then quickly moved to technical project management where he served as a Technical Project Manager, Manager of Programs, and finally Site Leader. Throughout his experience in Flex, Anthony has managed a variety of design product development projects and diverse engineering teams including mechanical, electrical, and firmware engineering resources. Anthony has currently been tasked with leading the Government Design & Innovation Center focusing on the TALOS program delivery, building the organization, and supporting new business opportunities.
Prior to Flex, Anthony graduated with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University with a focus in Computer Aided Design and Mathematics. After graduation, Anthony spent four years as a structural designer of aircraft integration modifications for L-3 Communications – Mission Integrated Division focusing on the RC-135 Rivet Joint platform.
Mudhafar joined in mid-2017 the Flex’s Silicon Valley Innovation Center (Government Group) as Head of Electrical Engineering Department. Previously he was a technical manager at Fitbit where was responsible for their NFC (Ionic mart watch), wireless charging, and a sleep tracking IoT solution. Before Fitbit, he was a technical leader at various companies from startups like Earlens (innovative hearing aid) and Enphase Energy (solar energy) to large corporates like TE Connectivity (Tyco) and Nokia (Alcatel), where he started his industrial career.
Mudhafar is a Bell Lab Fellow. He obtained a PhD in EE from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in 1996. He also obtained an SM/MBA in Engineering Management and System Design from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 2007. He has several technical publications in IEEE as well as several patents in areas including smart connectivity, packet networks, wireless data and power, and energy.
Abstract Health and Usage Monitoring Systems (HUMS) have been fielded in the rotorcraft industry for over twenty years. Most HUMS systems consist of a data acquisition/processing unit that collects vibration data from a suite of accelerometers for monitoring drive system components. HUMS maturation and lessons learned from widespread deployment over the last ten years have led to significant benefits during the industry’s journey to transform to a Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM) paradigm with the objective to reduce maintenance burden. As HUMS system capability expands to include all aircraft systems/subsystems (rotor, airframe, electrical, etc.), new light weight, low cost, and highly reliable technologies are required. Development of next-generation HUMS will be required to achieve the U.S. Army’s Zero Maintenance objectives for Future Vertical Lift (FVL) aircraft. The subject briefing will highlight features for next-generation HUMS that may be enabled by NextFlex technology development.
Bio Mark has 35 years of experience in advanced rotorcraft R&D objectives. Since joining Sikorsky in 2004, Mark has been the Tech Lead Engineer responsible for Aircraft Health Management R&D. Mark was also Chief of the Mechanical Diagnostics & Aircraft Health Management (a.k.a. HUMS) Group for three years from 2004-2007. Prior to joining Sikorsky, Mark worked 22 years at United Technologies Research Center (UTRC), where prior to his transition served as the Sikorsky Program Manager from 2001-2004 with responsibility for all UTRC rotorcraft R&D programs conducted in support of Sikorsky. In 2015, Mark was named as the Tech Fellow for Aircraft Health Management and continues to be responsible for several R&D contracts, including Army AATD Capability-Based Operations Sustainment Technology – Aviation (COST-A), ONR/NAVAIR Integrated Hybrid Structural Management System (IHSMS), Army Fatigue Life Management (FLM), and FAA Usage-Based Maintenance (UBM) programs.
2.2 “Fabrication Challenges for Soldier Active Eyewear” Natick Soldier Research Development and Engineering Center
Abstract The general trend in Soldier vision protection is toward the integration of active light management technologies. Major fabrication challenges have been encountered in attempting to build prototypes with acceptable quality for initial testing with humans. Maintaining high optical quality is essential — including distortion and haze. The eyewear must also be mechanically robust. Active light management technologies tend to have layered geometries where layer thickness and uniformity is of critical importance. Specifically, liquid crystal based concepts typically require a uniform gap of less than 10µm. Additionally, for some applications, light sensors should be incorporated onto the lens surface or eyewear frame. Lens geometry can be either cylindrical or complex curvature, with the latter presenting the more difficult fabrication challenges. It has been considered that flexible display fabrication technology may provide some opportunities relevant to Soldier active eyewear. The presentation will provide an overview of some of the light management technologies that are currently being considered and some of the technical fabrication difficulties that have been encountered.
Bio Mr. Brian Kimball received his B.S. at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). He received his M.S. in the area of radiometric ellipsometry as a Wyman-Gordon Foundation Fellow, at the Center for Holographic Studies and Laser Technology at WPI. Mr. Kimball has led a basic research effort exploring the optical properties of nano-structured arrays for which he was recognized as a 2005 winner of the Nanotech Briefs Nano-50 Award. He has twice been the recipient of the Department of the Army Research and Development Achievement Award. He has authored over 90 publications. Brian Kimball is currently an NSRDEC Project Officer leading the Soldier Vision Protection and Enhancement applied research project.
Disclaimer: The views presented are those of the speaker and do not necessarily represent the views of DoD or its Components.
2.3 “Integration of Flexible Hybrid Electronics to Increase the Effectiveness of Monitoring Munitions Assets to Address the U.S. Army Modernization Priorities” U.S. Army RDECOM ARDEC
Abstract The U.S. Army has unveiled its Modernization Priorities, and shifted Science & Technology research and development to advance the focus areas. Flexible hybrid electronics have the potential to impact systems across these focus areas, while aid in the development of enhanced weapon systems and technologies for the Warfighter. These new weapon systems, munitions, and technologies must continue to function and succeed in extreme environments, and thus the importance of monitoring their exposure and health during storage, operation, and transportation environments. This brief will explain the Army’s new Modernization Priorities and focus on the importance of munitions asset health monitoring and management. Specific examples of FHE development and integration for munitions asset monitoring, current DOD Munitions requirements, and areas of need and collaboration will be presented.
Bio Giuseppe L. Di Benedetto, Ph.D. is a Chemical Engineer in the Advanced Materials Technology Branch (AMTB) of the U.S. Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command (RDECOM) Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC). Dr. Di Benedetto graduated with honors and completed a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Chemical Engineering at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) in May 2002. He graduated and completed a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Chemical Engineering at NJIT in January 2009. Soon after, he joined U.S. Army RDECOM-ARDEC at Picatinny Arsenal, NJ, USA, in June 2009.
During his 8.5 years at U.S. Army RDECOM ARDEC in the AMTB, Dr. Di Benedetto has served as the Technical Lead and/or the Technical Point of Contact for many materials emphasized research and development projects. These projects range from the areas of power and energy, printed materials and electronics, additive manufacturing, material characterization, material degradation, and reliability. This work has resulted in publications in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings, and paper and poster presentations at national and international conferences. He also closely collaborated with industry, universities, and other government agencies on research programs and projects.
2.4 John Hotmer, UTC AerospaceSystems
3:00PM SESSION 3: ANTENNAS AND WIRELESS COMMUNICATION
SESSION CHAIR: Joseph Kunze; President and CEO, SI2 Technologies, Inc.
Abstract Current Radar, Electronic Warfare (EW), and Directed Energy (DE) systems use multiple materials to package the Gallium Nitride (GaN) and Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit (MMIC) devices within the Transmit/Receive (T/R) Modules. These materials create barriers for heat transfer from the high thermal densities created by the high power densities within the MMIC. At the forefront of this dilemma is the system’s ability to maintain lower operating temperature of the core GaN and GaAs MMIC devices. To maximize heat transfer from the MMIC to the cooling fluid, the MMIC must be in direct contact with the cooling fluid. In order to realize this, the packaging technique of the T/R Module must be able to keep the MMIC back-side surface exposed so that it may have intimate contact to cooling fluid. Additive and semi-additive manufacturing developed for Flexible Hybrid Electronics (FHE) is a process approach that may facilitate direct cooling fluid contact to the MMIC back-side.
Bio Matthew Walsh is the Science & Technology Chief Engineer within the Radar Technologies Division at Naval Surface Warfare Center – Crane. He provides technical support to the new solid state Radar and EW systems being developed by the Navy, Marine Corps, and Missile Defense Agency. Matt has been in the electronics industry since 1988 with many of those years in industry developing radar sensors and harsh environment electronics for automotive and commercial vehicles. He has 13 published papers, 8 patents and 4 defensive publications in the automotive world, and 5 patents with the Navy.
3.2 “Radome is an Antenna” Navy PEO C4I, PMW/A-170
Abstract The talk focuses on obtaining inexpensive shipboard antenna solutions for the U.S. Navy that are capable of operating over Low Earth Orbit and Medium Earth Orbit satellite constellations. These new antenna solutions would leverage existing SATCOM antenna radomes by using additive manufacturing to make the radome also become an antenna.
Bio Dr. Kurt Fiscko is the Technical Director of PMW/A-170 in the Navy Program Executive Office for Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I). In this role he oversees an integrated architecture of 19 programs that provide communications and positioning, navigation, and timing services to Navy forces deployed globally. His group is responsible for procuring communications and navigation systems for new ship construction as well as managing the annual Program Objective Memorandum (POM) input to OPNAV that determines out-year budget priorities.
Following a 20-year Army career in Research, Development, and Acquisition, he held positions as the vice-president of a defense services firm and senior systems engineer at SAIC before joining the government in 2006. Subsequent to completing his doctorate in Aeronautical Engineering at Stanford, he served as a program manager in both the Army Space Program Office and the National Reconnaissance Office, before being assigned as Commander of the Army Science and Technology Center in Tokyo, Japan.
Kurt Fiscko is DAWIA Level III certified and is a recipient of the Bronze Star medal from action in Operation Desert Storm. He has authored 13 publications on subjects ranging from Navy communications network stability to hypersonic shock structure of reentry flow. He resides in San Diego with his wife and daughter.
3.3 “Soldier-borne Sensors and Power Enabled by Novel Materials, Modeling, and Microantennas” NSRDEC
Bio As a research physicist at US Army Natick Soldier Research, Development, and Engineering Center (NSRDEC), Dr. Richard Osgood leads basic and applied research involving nanomaterials, optical materials, lightweight solar cells, optoelectronics, nonlinear optics, and fibers for the Soldier and his/her equipment (including Expeditionary Maneuver). He is also acting lead of the Optical and Electromagnetic Materials Team. He received his PhD in Applied Physics from Stanford University in 1996, and has been at NSRDEC for more than 11 years. He has authored over fifty publications in the area of electromagnetic interactions with materials, and holds several US patents. Dr. Osgood serves on several panels reviewing government and FFRDC programs, policies, and long-range planning, participates in advisory groups such as the Interagency Advanced Power Group, reviews articles for scientific and engineering journals, and is a member of IEEE and MRS.
Bio Dr. Robert A. Smith is a Boeing Technical Fellow with more than 20 years of experience with the Boeing Company and a NextFlex Consortium Fellow. Prior to Boeing he has ten years of experience with Navy programs and as an Electrical Engineer for the Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Boosters. In his current role with the Advanced Electromechanical Technologies (AET) organization of Boeing Research and Technology, his research focus areas are optical and radio frequency remote sensing, millimeter wave sensing technology, RFID, component fabrication utilizing additive and subtractive technology for SWAP constrained platforms and advancing Flexible Hybrid Electronic (FHE) devices for Asset Tracking and Health Monitoring applications. Robert has been the program manager and principal investigator for multiple advanced technology research projects and multiple remote sensing government contracts for Boeing Defense Systems including missile defense, international space station, satellite systems and commercial space ventures. He has 12 patents including two foreign patents and was the recipient of a Boeing Special Invention award in 2010.
Bio Joseph J Maurer is a Senior Principal Engineer at Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems. Joseph joined Raytheon in August 2015 focusing on research and development programs in advanced electronics, thermal management, and heterogeneous integration. His work at Raytheon encompasses initial idea development, engineering across multiple disciplines, and program management. Prior to joining Raytheon, Joseph spent nearly 7 years at Booz Allen Hamilton as a consultant to the Defense Research Projects Agency (DARPA), specifically DARPA’s Microsystems Technology Office (MTO). His work there included programs in advanced thermal management, millimeter wave electronics, and III-V devices such as GaN, InP, and SiGe. Joseph holds M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Virginia in Chemical Engineering and a B.S. degree from Brown University, also in Chemical Engineering. He has authored or co-authored over 15 publications and presentations and is a Senior Member of the IEEE.
Bio Andrew Kwas graduated from the University of Michigan in 1980 with a Masters degree in Aerospace Engineering. He has 38 years with TRW/NGC working in advanced projects specializing in logistics, astrophysics projects and weapon system developments. In Mr. Kwas’ role as a Tech Fellow and Systems Engineering Architect, reporting to our Sector Corporate Technology Officer, he supports NASA, AFRL, NRO, DARPA, SMDC, ORSO, USMC, and the Navy in high tech programs. Mr. Kwas is on the Technical Advisory Board for Virginia Tech, U of Michigan, Georgia Tech and U of New Mexico. He is considered one of the prominent additive manufacturing (AM) experts in the country and has produced numerous papers in AM, advanced satellite technology, in-space manufacturing using advanced additive manufacturing techniques, unique logistics solutions, and miniaturization of spacecraft components. Mr. Kwas is an appointed Research Scholar at the University of New Mexico.
Bio Research Scientist in the Advanced Manufacturing Group and Materials Laboratory at LM-Owego NY.
BS ME Penn State Univ.; MS Matl Sci. Univ. of VA; Pursuing PhD Matl Sci., Binghamton Univ.
Currently holds twelve patents with two pending
Responsible for new product designs, R&D, manufacturing support, quality assurance, failure analysis, reliability testing and materials consulting. Chartered to develop new and emerging technology for RMS next generation electronic platforms.
Current Research Activities:
3D conformal multi-layer circuitry over complex surfaces
Direct-write printed electronics using additive manufacturing methods
Printed 3D RF microwave circuit elements and antennas
3D-IC & 2.5D-IC chip stacking for system-in-package (SIP) applications
Anti-Tamper volume protection and sensors for electronic hardware
PWB stacked solid-Cu micro-via and embedded resistor technology
Bio Michael Doctor currently serves as Director of Systems Engineering to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, Testing and Evaluation (DASN (RDT&E)). In this position he collaborates with the Naval Systems Command Chief Engineers to develop and implement systems engineering policy, and partners with other services and non-government entities to foster effective growth and performance of technical capability within the Naval enterprise.
He received his Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich. in 1984, and Master of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering from the University at Alabama in Huntsville, Ala. in 2012.
Mr. Doctor started his career in 1984 at the Naval Surface Weapons Center in White Oak, Md., where he worked as a Mechanical Engineer on surface ship countermeasures, became qualified and certified for explosives ordnance systems, and performed assignments in the Hypervelocity Wind Tunnel. After reassignment to Panama City, Fla. in 1994, Mr. Doctor served as Acting Branch Head for mine systems and Task Leader for surf zone technology concept development including early work with unmanned vehicles.
From 1997-1998, Mr. Doctor served as the Office of Naval Research Science and Technology Advisor to Commander, Naval Special Warfare Command in San Diego, Calif. In 2001, Mr. Doctor was selected Branch Head for Concept Development and Rapid Prototyping in support of Naval Special Warfare and Explosives and Ordnance Disposal undersea systems. He also served as Technical Advisor for an Advanced Capability Technology Demonstration, as Project Leader for a Joint US/UK Cooperative Research and Development Pilot Program, as Project Leader for a Technology Transition Initiative, and as Project Leader for a Coalition Warfare Program.
From 2016-17, Mr. Doctor served as Science and Technology Analyst to the Director of Expeditionary Warfare, OPNAV N95, in Washington, DC. In this role he was principal advisor for establishment, performance and transition of technology efforts for Amphibious Warfare, the Naval Expeditionary Combat Enterprise, Explosives and Ordnance Disposal, Mine Warfare, and Naval Special Warfare service support.
Mr. Doctor received the Superior Civilian Service Award in 1999. He is a member of the Defense Acquisition Workforce certified Level III in Systems, Planning Research Development and Engineering (Systems Engineering) and Level I in Program Management.
8:25am Overview of DoD Needs and Requirements and the NextFlex FHE Roadmap
A working session to identify opportunities, challenges, and priorities to support anticipated defense and other government needs in three NextFlex Technical Platform Demonstrator/application areas. NextFlex members and government partners will lay a foundation for roadmapping and potential collaborative funded project efforts.
Azar Alizadeh, GE Global Research
Scott Anderson, Lockheed Martin
Kenneth Blecker, ARDEC
Melinda Eaton, USAMMDA
Eric Forsythe, ARL
Mark Gordon, MFG Strategy
Alice Hatfield, Lockheed Martin
Craig Herndon, NSWC
Daniel Hines, LPS
Dave Kalinske, Flex
Joseph Kunze, SI2 Technologies, Inc.
Benjamin Leever, AFRL
Claire Lepont, UMass Lowell
Bryan Mitsdarffer, NSWC
Brian Olson, NSWC
Wayde Schmidt, UTRC
Geoffrey Slipher, ARL
Robert Smith, Boeing
Roger Smith, NSWC
Jeff Stuart, Lockheed Martin
Christian Whitchurch, DTRA
James Zunino, ARDEC
Sponsored by: 
This workshop brings together members of the US flexible hybrid electronics (FHE) ecosystem from both commercial and government organizations, as well as DoD personnel with operational needs, to share information about how FHE will enhance warfighter capabilities.
Abstract Coming soon.
Abstract The Health Readiness and Performance System, referred to as HRAPS, is proposed to be an integrated system of wearable sensors that monitors physiological, cognitive, musculoskeletal, and psychological data of an individual. These sensors and algorithms will provide Commanders with actionable information to improve performance and mitigate non-battle injuries during operations. Adequate assessment of health state information during operational scenarios will increase positive mission outcomes through a reduction in attrition and optimization of teaming scenarios.
Abstract A short regulatory tutorial on when wearable technologies may qualify as a medical device and how the US Food and Drug Administration currently regulates these types of technologies.
Abstract Exoskeletons are wearable robots that are designed to enhance a user’s natural abilities. While there is no “best of breed” established as far as exoskeleton mechanical architecture is concerned, there is a trend forming and it seems to be converging on a reoccurring concept. Over the last two decades, we’ve seen systems go from large, bulky, and cumbersome to a progressively lighter, thinner, and more conformal design. This presentation will discuss that history, and how conformal electronics fit into the future of exoskeleton applications.
Abstract Maintaining proper hydration is paramount for maximizing performance and minimizing health risks for laborers, warfighters, and athletes. Currently, there are no commercially available, high resolution solutions for accurate, non-invasive and continuous assessment of hydration in a wearable device format. Laboratory gold standards for hydration assessment are based on total body water and plasma osmolality under controlled conditions of stable and equilibrated body fluids. In practice, body mass losses are used as an indirect measure of fluid content, but continuous assessment of an individual’s body mass fluctuations in the field during a mission is unrealistic. Similarly, blood (or urine) osmolality measurements are invasive and require sophisticated equipment and training for analysis. In this talk, we will present our approach towards developing a fully wearable system composed of bio-impedance and sweat sensors for dynamic and non-invasive assessment of hydration. The presentation will also include recent results from field testing of these devices at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs and will highlight the critical role that early and frequent user engagement plays on enabling productive research and development activities for the warfighter.
Abstract Flex is a design to global delivery technology company specializing in large volume manufacturing and delivering ‘Sketch to Scale’ products to a diverse customer base. With the advent of the Government Design and Innovation Center based in Silicon Valley, Flex is looking to expand and apply its vast experience in design and manufacture of technology products to the Government and Defense sector.
Abstract Health and Usage Monitoring Systems (HUMS) have been fielded in the rotorcraft industry for over twenty years. Most HUMS systems consist of a data acquisition/processing unit that collects vibration data from a suite of accelerometers for monitoring drive system components. HUMS maturation and lessons learned from widespread deployment over the last ten years have led to significant benefits during the industry’s journey to transform to a Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM) paradigm with the objective to reduce maintenance burden. As HUMS system capability expands to include all aircraft systems/subsystems (rotor, airframe, electrical, etc.), new light weight, low cost, and highly reliable technologies are required. Development of next-generation HUMS will be required to achieve the U.S. Army’s Zero Maintenance objectives for Future Vertical Lift (FVL) aircraft. The subject briefing will highlight features for next-generation HUMS that may be enabled by NextFlex technology development.
Abstract The general trend in Soldier vision protection is toward the integration of active light management technologies. Major fabrication challenges have been encountered in attempting to build prototypes with acceptable quality for initial testing with humans. Maintaining high optical quality is essential — including distortion and haze. The eyewear must also be mechanically robust. Active light management technologies tend to have layered geometries where layer thickness and uniformity is of critical importance. Specifically, liquid crystal based concepts typically require a uniform gap of less than 10µm. Additionally, for some applications, light sensors should be incorporated onto the lens surface or eyewear frame. Lens geometry can be either cylindrical or complex curvature, with the latter presenting the more difficult fabrication challenges. It has been considered that flexible display fabrication technology may provide some opportunities relevant to Soldier active eyewear. The presentation will provide an overview of some of the light management technologies that are currently being considered and some of the technical fabrication difficulties that have been encountered.
Abstract The U.S. Army has unveiled its Modernization Priorities, and shifted Science & Technology research and development to advance the focus areas. Flexible hybrid electronics have the potential to impact systems across these focus areas, while aid in the development of enhanced weapon systems and technologies for the Warfighter. These new weapon systems, munitions, and technologies must continue to function and succeed in extreme environments, and thus the importance of monitoring their exposure and health during storage, operation, and transportation environments. This brief will explain the Army’s new Modernization Priorities and focus on the importance of munitions asset health monitoring and management. Specific examples of FHE development and integration for munitions asset monitoring, current DOD Munitions requirements, and areas of need and collaboration will be presented.
Abstract Current Radar, Electronic Warfare (EW), and Directed Energy (DE) systems use multiple materials to package the Gallium Nitride (GaN) and Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit (MMIC) devices within the Transmit/Receive (T/R) Modules. These materials create barriers for heat transfer from the high thermal densities created by the high power densities within the MMIC. At the forefront of this dilemma is the system’s ability to maintain lower operating temperature of the core GaN and GaAs MMIC devices. To maximize heat transfer from the MMIC to the cooling fluid, the MMIC must be in direct contact with the cooling fluid. In order to realize this, the packaging technique of the T/R Module must be able to keep the MMIC back-side surface exposed so that it may have intimate contact to cooling fluid. Additive and semi-additive manufacturing developed for Flexible Hybrid Electronics (FHE) is a process approach that may facilitate direct cooling fluid contact to the MMIC back-side.
Bio Dr. Robert A. Smith is a Boeing Technical Fellow with more than 20 years of experience with the Boeing Company and a NextFlex Consortium Fellow. Prior to Boeing he has ten years of experience with Navy programs and as an Electrical Engineer for the Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Boosters. In his current role with the Advanced Electromechanical Technologies (AET) organization of Boeing Research and Technology, his research focus areas are optical and radio frequency remote sensing, millimeter wave sensing technology, RFID, component fabrication utilizing additive and subtractive technology for SWAP constrained platforms and advancing Flexible Hybrid Electronic (FHE) devices for Asset Tracking and Health Monitoring applications. Robert has been the program manager and principal investigator for multiple advanced technology research projects and multiple remote sensing government contracts for Boeing Defense Systems including missile defense, international space station, satellite systems and commercial space ventures. He has 12 patents including two foreign patents and was the recipient of a Boeing Special Invention award in 2010.
Bio Joseph J Maurer is a Senior Principal Engineer at Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems. Joseph joined Raytheon in August 2015 focusing on research and development programs in advanced electronics, thermal management, and heterogeneous integration. His work at Raytheon encompasses initial idea development, engineering across multiple disciplines, and program management. Prior to joining Raytheon, Joseph spent nearly 7 years at Booz Allen Hamilton as a consultant to the Defense Research Projects Agency (DARPA), specifically DARPA’s Microsystems Technology Office (MTO). His work there included programs in advanced thermal management, millimeter wave electronics, and III-V devices such as GaN, InP, and SiGe. Joseph holds M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Virginia in Chemical Engineering and a B.S. degree from Brown University, also in Chemical Engineering. He has authored or co-authored over 15 publications and presentations and is a Senior Member of the IEEE.
Bio Andrew Kwas graduated from the University of Michigan in 1980 with a Masters degree in Aerospace Engineering. He has 38 years with TRW/NGC working in advanced projects specializing in logistics, astrophysics projects and weapon system developments. In Mr. Kwas’ role as a Tech Fellow and Systems Engineering Architect, reporting to our Sector Corporate Technology Officer, he supports NASA, AFRL, NRO, DARPA, SMDC, ORSO, USMC, and the Navy in high tech programs. Mr. Kwas is on the Technical Advisory Board for Virginia Tech, U of Michigan, Georgia Tech and U of New Mexico. He is considered one of the prominent additive manufacturing (AM) experts in the country and has produced numerous papers in AM, advanced satellite technology, in-space manufacturing using advanced additive manufacturing techniques, unique logistics solutions, and miniaturization of spacecraft components. Mr. Kwas is an appointed Research Scholar at the University of New Mexico.
Bio Research Scientist in the Advanced Manufacturing Group and Materials Laboratory at LM-Owego NY.
Bio Michael Doctor currently serves as Director of Systems Engineering to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, Testing and Evaluation (DASN (RDT&E)). In this position he collaborates with the Naval Systems Command Chief Engineers to develop and implement systems engineering policy, and partners with other services and non-government entities to foster effective growth and performance of technical capability within the Naval enterprise.