BAA 01-42, ADDENDUM 1, SPECIAL FOCUS AREA:
BRAIN MACHINE INTERFACES.The Defense Sciences Office is interested in new proposals in BRAIN MACHINE INTERFACES. This new program represents a major thrust area for DSO that will comprise a multidisciplinary, multipronged approach with far reaching impact.
Brain Machine Interfaces: The brain takes inputs and generates outputs through the electrical activity of neurons. DARPA is interested in creating new technologies for augmenting human performance through the ability to non-invasively access these codes in the brain in real time and integrate them into peripheral device or system operations. We would like to invite white papers that are far reaching in their implications, innovative, and ambitious in their goals and implementation.
We encourage the submission of white papers that address one or more of the following areas:
Extraction of neural and force dynamic codes related to patterns of motor or sensory activity required for executing simple to complex motor or sensory activity (e.g. reaching, grasping, manipulating, running, walking, kicking, digging, hearing, seeing, tactile). Accessing sensory activity directly could result in the ability to monitor or transmit communications by the brain (visual, auditory, other). This will require the exploitation of new interfaces and algorithms for providing useful non-linear transformation, pattern extraction techniques, and the ability to test these in appropriate models or systems.
Determination of necessary force and sensory feedback (positional, postural, visual, acoustic, other) from a peripheral device or interface that will provide critical inputs required for closed loop control of a working device (robotic appendage or other peripheral control device or system). Such feedback could be both from peripheral systems or directly into appropriate brain regions.
New methods, processes, and instrumentation for accessing neural codes non-invasively at appropriate spatiotemporal resolution to provide closed loop control of a peripheral device. This could include both fundamental interactions of neural cells, tissue, and brain with energy profiles that could provide non-invasive access to codes (magnetics, light, other).
New materials and device design and fabrication that embody compliance and elastic principles and capture force dynamics that integrate with neural control commands. These include the use of dynamic materials and designs into working prototypes.
Demonstrations of plasticity from the neural system and from an integrated working device or system that result in real time control under relevant conditions of force perturbation and cluttered sensory environments from which tasks must be performed (e.g. recognizing and picking up a target and manipulating it).
Biomimetic implementation of controllers (with robotics or other devices and systems) that integrate neural sensory or motor control integrated with force dynamic and sensory feedback from a working device or system.
White papers may include any combinations of the above areas and we encourage the formation of interdisciplinary teams integrated toward solutions to these challenging problems. It is essential that the preparation of white papers include the following areas:
A clear statement of the envisioned utility of the proposed research and development. We are looking for revolutionary applications and goals that could be enabled if the proposed work is completed successfully. While distinct goals for the execution of the proposal are required, the vision presented may extend past the performance period.
A concise statement of the research challenges, approach, and potential anticipated solutions to the challenges that will be addressed. This should include explicit timelines for which progress toward the goals can be determined. Intermediate milestones of approximately 18 month periods with demonstrable metrics of performance must be included for the proposed work.
A cost estimation for resources required for the proposed timeline. This should include a clear description of the human resources needed as well as funding. A management plan that describes how the different disciplines represented on the team will be integrated is critical.
The white paper should consider phases of development as the challenges are met.
The first phase of the program could include dynamic control of simple and complex motor or sensory activity directly using neural codes integrated into a machine, device, or system. Simple actions considered might include using a robotic arm or leg to sense a target, reach for it and manipulate it, throw or kick an object at a target, or recognize a sensory input and responding to it (visual, acoustic) directly through input/output brain integration. More complex activity might include issues related to force or sensory perturbation in more complex environments.
While there is no formal date for submission of proposals, white papers sent within 30 days of the publication of this Addendum will be evaluated immediately upon receipt and you will be notified within 7 days if a full proposal will be requested. We expect to initiate new proposals expeditiously upon peer review, with the first wave of proposals being reviewed 60days after publication of this Addendum. White paper submissions may be made by attachment to an e-mail sent to dsobaa01-42@darpa.mil. Word 97 or higher is recommended, but not required. Embedded text and Postscript are also acceptable. The body of the e-mail must include name, mailing address, phone number, and fax of the proposer. (If proposers choose not to use e-mail, U.S. mail may be used. White papers will not be accepted by way of facsimile transmissions.). Please put the phrase BRAIN MACHINE INTERFACE in the title of the white paper.