DARPA’s Defense Sciences Office is seeking innovative proposals in the technical area of physics and nonlinear control of inertial measurement units (IMUs) appropriate for tactical and unmanned missions.
Proposals are sought for the research and development of novel inertial sensors based on physics such as, but not limited to, electromagnetically levitated proof masses, non-linear resonators, and high-velocity tethered microsystems.
PINPOINT will challenge the research community to overcome the decade-long performance plateau of micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) IMUs by exploring revolutionary sensor architectures that operate in highly nonlinear regimes.
A central theme of this program is the tight co-design of the physical sensor package with advanced, real-time adaptive control systems necessary to stabilize and harness these complex dynamics.
The objective of PINPOINT is to develop new physics and nonlinear control methodologies to deliver proof-of-concept six-degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) IMUs meeting the requirements of DoW-relevant missions. Additionally, in order to enable a new generation of low SWaP gyroscopes and accelerometers to meet pressing current and future defense needs, PINPOINT performers will be required to report validated physical simulation models, design rules, and explored parameter spaces compiled in the form of a comprehensive Design Guide and a Prototype Design Kit (PDK). The PDK will specify the simulated, usable design space and projected performance of the selected technology platform, such that the delivered sensors can be redesigned as IMU use-case scenarios evolve over time.
Proposals are sought for Phase 1 only of PINPONT at this time:
Phase 1 – 24 months – demonstration of the mathematical rigour and results of advanced non-linear and dynamic state estimators; laboratory testing of foundational inertial-sensor and IMU performance using bench-top evaluations.
Final designs will be validated through operational field-testing. It is then anticipated a 24-month Phase 2 will involve packaging and environmental ruggedisation.
Abstract proposals are due 27 August 2026.
Document
BAA – PINPOINT – HR001126S0016-Amendment-01
