Introduction to Augmented Reality within the Military
The U.S. Army is exploring using augmented reality (AR) to boost soldier training. At the Association of the U.S. Army’s Annual Meeting and Exposition, soldiers got the chance to check out AR technology that enables them to see computer-generated holograms of opposing forces of their real-world surroundings.
How Augmented Reality Works
Through special optics, soldiers can see their surroundings, comparable to people and objects, while also seeing virtual images of enemy forces. The AR technology uses business, off-the-shelf products, including software algorithms, gaming scenarios, sensors, and hardware, to create a sensible and immersive experience. The goal is to make the experience believable, with virtual objects and folks moving in real-time amongst real people.
Benefits of Augmented Reality
The use of AR technology has several advantages, including the power to coach indoors, outdoors, day or night, and in various scenarios, comparable to desert, mountain, or arctic conditions. It also allows soldiers to coach in complex environments which might be realistic and too dangerous or expensive to duplicate in live settings. Additionally, AR technology can simulate various kinds of scenarios, including nighttime, and may be used to coach soldiers within the use of varied weapons.
Cost and Development
A few years ago, this technology would have cost several hundred thousand dollars per soldier. However, the price has decreased significantly, to lower than $5,000 per soldier, with rather more capability than what was previously available. The key to reducing the price was to make use of business, off-the-shelf products and to develop certain components in-house.
Challenges and Future Developments
One of the most important challenges in developing AR technology is making the experience believable, which requires canceling out other pixels representing what’s really on the market in order that computer-generated images may be inserted or removed. The program is currently within the science and technology phase and is predicted to be in an operational training environment demonstration by the tip of fiscal yr 2020. Although the technology is currently being configured for dismounted soldiers, it could conceivably be transferred to ground vehicle and aviation crews in the long run.
Soldier Feedback and Testing
The feedback from soldiers testing the AR technology has been overwhelmingly positive. At the AUSA’s Annual Meeting and Exposition, soldiers were allowed to check out the technology and supply feedback. The goal is to get AR into the hands of each soldier within the maneuver force at a reasonable price, with the equipment being light enough and cozy enough for soldiers to wear without feeling encumbered.
Conclusion
The use of augmented reality technology has the potential to revolutionize the way in which soldiers train. With its ability to simulate complex and realistic environments, AR technology can provide soldiers with a more immersive and effective training experience. As the technology continues to develop and turn into more cost-effective, it is probably going that we are going to see its use turn into more widespread within the military. The potential advantages of AR technology make it an exciting and promising development in the sphere of military training.
