From Research to Mission-Readiness

The Georgia Tech Research Institute (Booth 804) leverages its 2,200 researchers and $400 million annual operating budget to transform first-order research prototypes into mission-ready capabilities for analysts and warfighters.

“We take technology that’s developed as a prototype, an 80-90 percent solution, and work with [the client] to get that last 10-20 percent,” said Eric Truitt, chief of space and intelligence programs. “With our large body of researchers, we’re comfortable transitioning research into real capabilities.”

With regard to geospatial technologies, GTRI is heavily invested in deep learning techniques focused on processing data from multiple sensors in real time, both on collection vehicles and in background environments. This is particularly beneficial for warfighters who may work with unconventional data.

At GEOINT 2018, GTRI will show off designs for a new, space-based radar antenna—part of a small sat synthetic aperture radar system in development this year. The organization will also display data from a miniaturized, real-time airborne LiDAR system, as well as an acoustics-based geo-positioning capability referred to as an “acoustic array,” that can geospatially locate sound. These aren’t products slated to hit the market soon—rather, they’re examples of how GTRI applies research to create new capabilities and solve problems for clients of all types.

“Because of our contracting ability, we’re a good partner for both government and commercial entities. Our research isn’t limited in either space—we have the flexibility to work with our sponsors in whatever ways best fit their needs,” Truitt said.

GTRI’s status as a University Affiliated Research Center means federal agencies and military operations can trust the organization as a mission-first teammate capable of delivering compatible, rugged solutions for use in the field.

Headline Image: GTRI’s BRDL real-time airborne bathymetric LiDAR processes EO and LiDAR into high-resolution 3D point clouds in real time. GTRI is working to miniaturize this capability to fit UAVs and small sats.