Autoloader: Cargo Handling Software for Navy and Marine Aircraft

Managing cargo loading for U.S. Navy and Marine Corps aircraft is a challenging task, requiring an understanding of elements such as aircraft limitations, aircraft center of gravity, cargo space dimensions, and tie-down procedures to name a few. These loading requirements specified in each aircraft's lengthy Cargo Loading Guide (CLG). To address the problem of efficiently and effectively stowing cargo, the U.S. Navy has proposed the development of an Android app that assists aircrew in completing their loadmaster duties. This paper describes the AutoLoader app, which performs calculations and provides feedback to help achieve efficient and effective cargo loading. Three specific capabilities are highlighted. The first creates 3D models for novel cargo using Augmented Reality. The second allows the user to develop scenarios that include 3D models of aircraft, cargo, and tie-down patterns, and then analyzes the tie-downs according to CLG-defined rules. The third uses genetic algorithms to automatically search for and efficient and effective tie-down patterns for a scenario. The primary contribution of this work is describing how existing tools from augmented reality, computer games, and artificial intelligence are brought together to rapidly prototype an end-to-end solution in this challenging domain.