Congratulations to the METECS team on the version 2.0 release of the Digital Lunar Exploration Site Unreal Simulation Tool (or “DUST”). This leading-edge NASA application offers a high-fidelity lunar environment simulation with enhanced terrain accuracy, communication models, and measurement tools. Kudos to the METECS team members that contributed to this remarkable resource for precision site planning, in-depth mission analysis, and comprehensive lunar exploration support.
The METECS simulation and software teams traveled to Oklahoma to meet with the Ditch Witch and Subsite technology development groups. Together we are breaking ground on some new leading-edge ideas. We are thrilled to be a part of this process as trusted partners in thought leadership and innovative solutions.
A big shout-out to all our incredible interns at METECS! Your hard work, dedication, and fresh perspectives have made a remarkable impact on our company and customers. Thank you for your valuable contributions, and we can’t wait to see the bright future ahead of you. #NationalInternDay #METECSInterns
Exciting News! NASA’s humanoid robot is set to undergo testing in Australia, paving the way for groundbreaking advancements in space exploration and robotics.
This state-of-the-art robot will be put through its paces to evaluate its capabilities and potential applications in space missions. With its human-like dexterity and advanced technology, this robot has the potential to revolutionize the way we explore the cosmos.
Follow the link below to read the full article and learn more about this project that our METECS team had an opportunity to be a part of. Let’s cheer for the progress in space exploration and the amazing potential of humanoid robots!
The Osage Nation Language Department has taken a significant step towards preserving their Native American language for future generations with the release of their latest project, “Coyote and the Bear.” The children’s storybook, written in Osage orthography with English translation, has been brought to life with Augmented Reality (AR) functionality, making it an even more engaging and immersive experience for readers of all ages. By scanning the main pages of the book with a smartphone, users can activate custom 3D animations.
This traditional Wahzhazhe story, retold by Master Language teacher Dr. Herman “Mogri” Lookout, has been circulated for generations. The beautiful and playful illustrations by Osage artist Joe Don Brave add an extra layer of richness to the story, making it a must-read for all Osage Nation members and those interested in Native American folklore.
Partnering with METECS, the Osage Nation Language Department has also developed a mobile application that coincides with the physical book. Built with scalability in mind, this app will serve as a digital library for future Osage books, further advancing their mission of preserving the Osage language and culture.
The “Osage Books” app is currently available for download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play. By making this app accessible to everyone, the Osage Nation Language Department hopes to increase interest in the Osage language and culture while making it easier to access their valuable educational resources.
Overall, “Coyote and the Bear” and the “Osage Books” app represent a significant milestone in the Osage Nation’s efforts to preserve their language and culture for future generations. Through their continued dedication and collaboration with innovative partners like METECS, they are ensuring that their traditions will be passed down and cherished by generations to come.
METECS participated once again in the 43rd annual JSC FOD Chili Cook-Off. With automated assistance from our beloved mascot ChiliBot, the team bumped up to 12th place out of 37 in the chili competition, 2nd place in the Cornhole competition, and received praise for being a younger team that is pushing the boundaries on our showmanship abilities. A big thanks to all the Metecs employees that came out to make this happen. We couldn’t have done it without you. And a big thanks to all of our fans that voted for us for people’s choice! We can’t wait for next year!
METECS’ graphics and simulation engineers Lindsey Murrell and Nick Davis had the pleasure of contributing to Dr. Trevathan’s Serious Games class at the University of Houston at Clear Lake (UHCL). Nick told us, “It’s really fulfilling to listen to these young student’s questions and share real-world career experiences.”
Best wishes to Dr. Trevathan and the students at UHCL.
Our own Jack Kincaid along with NASA colleague Lee Bingham had the opportunity to speak at Unreal Fest back in October! Check out the article and video of their presentation, “NASA Lunar Terrain Visualization in Unreal Engine 5”.
The Robinson Elementary School (@CCISDSTEM) Robotics Club Teams, known as the “Robinson bRAiNGERS”, competed over the weekend in their 2nd @VexRobotics IQ Competition of the season. These students invested many hours into designing, building, programming, and practicing driving their robots. The students were judged based on their scores in the Slapshot 2022-20223 Game (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vF3I8FscrKo), along with their team interviews and engineering notebooks, which document how they progressed through the engineering design process.
Both Robinson teams did very well at this competition, especially in the skills challenges. One of the Robinson teams earned the highest score in the programming skills challenge and was awarded the “Think Award” which “recognizes the most effective and consistent use of coding techniques and programming design solutions to solve the game challenge”. The “Think Award” criteria also includes that the “autonomous programming is consistent and reliable” and the “team clearly explains their programming management process”.
METECS team member, Angela Reeves, has had the privilege of coaching these bright and talented students this season and METECS sponsored their team shirts. Congratulations Robinson bRAiNGERS!!!