Introduction to Augmented Reality Glasses
The Office of Naval Research (ONR) is working on a project to develop augmented reality (AR) glasses for the military. These glasses are designed to assist Marines keep their gaze on the battlefield while still having the ability to monitor and analyze enemy waveforms, indicating web traffic, 2G/SMS, VHF/push-to-talk radio systems, and satellite communications.
How the AR Glasses Work
The AR glasses are modified versions of X-6 prototypes made by the San Francisco-based Osterhout Design Group (ODG). They allow SIGINT soldiers to observe quite a lot of enemy waveforms and facilitate commands and knowledge between atypical soldiers. The glasses have already been demonstrated at cyber-intelligence exercises in November, January, and March.
The Need for AR Glasses
The idea for the AR glasses emerged out of brainstorming between Marine modeling and simulation expert Major Christian Fitzpatrick and a signals intelligence instructor and staff sergeant named Nicholas Lannan. Lannan, who served two tours in Afghanistan, found he couldn’t monitor his Android device and hold a weapon at the identical time. The AR glasses are designed to unravel this problem by providing a heads-up display that enables Marines to maintain their eyes on the battlefield while still having the ability to access necessary information.
Challenges and Limitations
While the AR glasses show promise, they’re still several years from readiness for the sector. The glasses aren’t totally waterproof, might be hard to read when the Marine moves between brilliant sunlight and the shade of a constructing, and should not survive getting roughly handled. Additionally, the battery life is just 4-6 hours, and the glasses have a bulky design that might not be suitable for on a regular basis wear.
Testing and Development
The AR glasses have been tested in a simulated attack called “Exercise Bold Alligator,” involving 11,000 Marines in ships floating off the coast of North Carolina and the urban terrain training facility at Camp Lejeune. The exercise was designed to check the Marines’ ability to research different enemy electronic tactics and to practice using the AR glasses in a real-world scenario.
Public Perception
The public might not be ready for computerized glasses for on a regular basis wear. The backlash against the shape factor of Google Glass shows that individuals are usually not yet comfortable with the thought of wearing computerized glasses. However, ODG’s Jameson believes that there’s a big future in the company and industrial world for wearables incorporated right into a core job function.
Conclusion
The AR glasses developed by the ONR have the potential to revolutionize the best way Marines gather and analyze intelligence on the battlefield. While there are still challenges and limitations to be overcome, the technology shows promise and will grow to be a crucial tool for the military in the longer term. As the technology continues to develop and improve, it is probably going that we’ll see more widespread adoption of AR glasses within the military and beyond.
