Better highway barriers using NASA technology could save lives
2014-07-14
Highway safety barriers may become taller, softer and safer thanks to NASA-developed technology and a startup company that hopes to make them widely available.
The company, LifeNet Systems, Inc., represented by founder and CEO Mary Ohlfs and NASA Johnson Space Center Associate Director Melanie Saunders, recently signed a NASA patent license agreement formalizing the new relationship.
The project was the first of its kind to merge an existing patented NASA technology with an emerging commercial company using a new business development process initiated by Startup Quest, a Career Source Florida Network-based entrepreneurial training program funded by a U.S. Department of Labor Workforce Innovation Grant. LifeNet Systems was formed while Ohlfs attended training courses at Startup Quest.
“When my project mentor Mark Davidson presented the product and the potential applications to my group, it just felt right,” Ohlfs said, whose background is in Information Technology.
The LifeNet Systems product is based on technology developed by JSC inventor James Locke, M.D., and William Schneider, Ph.D., professor of engineering practice at the Texas A&M College of Engineering. The business hopes to create net roadway barriers to replace concrete and steel barriers.
LifeNet Systems barriers are taller and softer than existing barriers. Concrete and steel barriers can cause extensive vehicle damage and fatalities. LifeNet Systems barriers will stop a vehicle traveling 80 mph within eight feet safely and securely.
Saunders gave accolades to the LifeNet Systems team and said, “It’s great to see our technology investments show benefits here on Earth.”
NASA’s Kennedy and Johnson Space Centers played key roles in cultivating the Startup Quest project, providing tangible expertise and technologies. Ohlfs and her company worked with NASA inventors in the early stages of their business plan development.
The next step for Ohlfs and her LifeNet Systems team is to begin deployment of the barriers.
“We’re planning on going to South America and being operational in Colombia within the next 12 months, and will continue to work to attain certification for implementation on U.S. roadways,” Ohlfs said.
NASA has a record of success working with aerospace and non-aerospace industries, government and academia to solve technical problems and transfer technology to the commercial sector. NASA welcomes the opportunity to explore common interests, develop new relationships and share the knowledge, expertise and capabilities that our organization can provide.
Inventors, researchers and business owners are invited to explore our world-class expertise and capabilities, including unique engineering facilities; proven design, development, testing and operation of complex systems; integrated project management; safety and risk analysis; human habitability; and human health and performance. For additional information about partnering with NASA, visit:
› Johnson Space Center Partnership Gateway
› Video: Johnson Space Center Partnerships
› Licensing JSC Technologies
› Connect and Collaborate with NASA
The company, LifeNet Systems, Inc., represented by founder and CEO Mary Ohlfs and NASA Johnson Space Center Associate Director Melanie Saunders, recently signed a NASA patent license agreement formalizing the new relationship.
The project was the first of its kind to merge an existing patented NASA technology with an emerging commercial company using a new business development process initiated by Startup Quest, a Career Source Florida Network-based entrepreneurial training program funded by a U.S. Department of Labor Workforce Innovation Grant. LifeNet Systems was formed while Ohlfs attended training courses at Startup Quest.
“When my project mentor Mark Davidson presented the product and the potential applications to my group, it just felt right,” Ohlfs said, whose background is in Information Technology.
The LifeNet Systems product is based on technology developed by JSC inventor James Locke, M.D., and William Schneider, Ph.D., professor of engineering practice at the Texas A&M College of Engineering. The business hopes to create net roadway barriers to replace concrete and steel barriers.
LifeNet Systems barriers are taller and softer than existing barriers. Concrete and steel barriers can cause extensive vehicle damage and fatalities. LifeNet Systems barriers will stop a vehicle traveling 80 mph within eight feet safely and securely.
Saunders gave accolades to the LifeNet Systems team and said, “It’s great to see our technology investments show benefits here on Earth.”
NASA’s Kennedy and Johnson Space Centers played key roles in cultivating the Startup Quest project, providing tangible expertise and technologies. Ohlfs and her company worked with NASA inventors in the early stages of their business plan development.
The next step for Ohlfs and her LifeNet Systems team is to begin deployment of the barriers.
“We’re planning on going to South America and being operational in Colombia within the next 12 months, and will continue to work to attain certification for implementation on U.S. roadways,” Ohlfs said.
NASA has a record of success working with aerospace and non-aerospace industries, government and academia to solve technical problems and transfer technology to the commercial sector. NASA welcomes the opportunity to explore common interests, develop new relationships and share the knowledge, expertise and capabilities that our organization can provide.
Inventors, researchers and business owners are invited to explore our world-class expertise and capabilities, including unique engineering facilities; proven design, development, testing and operation of complex systems; integrated project management; safety and risk analysis; human habitability; and human health and performance. For additional information about partnering with NASA, visit:
› Johnson Space Center Partnership Gateway
› Video: Johnson Space Center Partnerships
› Licensing JSC Technologies
› Connect and Collaborate with NASA
Mary Ohlfs, CEO LifeNet Systems, Inc., signs NASA partnership documents while Mark Davidson, LifeNet Systems advisor, and Melanie Saunders, JSC associate director, observe.
Image Credit: NASA/Lauren Harnett
From left, Ohlfs is congratulated by Saunders after signing NASA partnership documents.
Image Credit: NASA/Lauren Harnett