The US Army is planning to deploy advanced mixed reality goggles for its soldiers by 2025, according to a recent report by Gizmochina. The goggles, which are based on Microsoft’s HoloLens technology, will provide soldiers with enhanced situational awareness, thermal imaging, laser rangefinding, and communication capabilities.
Microsoft’s HoloLens Technology Powers the IVAS Goggles
The mixed reality goggles, known as the Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS), are the result of a collaboration between Microsoft and the US Army. The IVAS goggles use Microsoft’s HoloLens technology, which is a head-mounted device that projects holographic images onto the user’s field of view. The HoloLens technology allows users to interact with virtual and augmented reality applications, such as games, education, and entertainment.
The IVAS goggles, however, are designed for combat situations, and feature a number of features that are tailored for the battlefield. These features include:
- A heads-up display that can project information such as maps, enemy positions, and friendly forces directly onto the soldier’s field of view.
- A thermal imaging camera that can be used to see in low-light conditions.
- A laser rangefinder that can be used to measure distances to targets.
- A communication system that allows soldiers to stay in touch with each other and with command headquarters.
The IVAS goggles aim to improve the safety and effectiveness of soldiers in combat by providing them with real-time data and intelligence.
The US Army Awards Microsoft with Another Order of IVAS Goggles
The US Army has been testing and developing the IVAS goggles for several years, and has awarded Microsoft with multiple contracts worth billions of dollars. The most recent order from the Army was announced on September 15, 2023, and is worth $125 million. This order will allow Microsoft to continue development of the IVAS goggles and bring them closer to deployment.
The new order from the Army comes after Microsoft had sent the Army a batch of 20 updated prototype headsets in late July, which were tested by two squads of soldiers in August. The soldiers responded positively to the improvements in the design of the headsets, which had previously caused headaches, nausea, and eyestrain in testing. The new headsets had demonstrated improvements in reliability, low light sensor performance, and form factor.
The US Army plans to begin fielding the IVAS goggles to soldiers in 2025. The Army intends to spend as much as $21.9 billion on the project, which is considered as the future of warfare.
The Mixed Reality Goggles Could Give the US Army an Edge over Its Adversaries
The mixed reality goggles could give the US Army an edge over its adversaries by enhancing its situational awareness and decision making. The goggles could also reduce the cognitive load on soldiers by providing them with relevant information at a glance. The goggles could also increase the accuracy and speed of targeting and firing weapons.
The mixed reality goggles could also enable new forms of training and simulation for soldiers. The goggles could create realistic scenarios that mimic real-world environments and situations. The goggles could also provide feedback and assessment for soldiers’ performance and skills.
The mixed reality goggles are part of a broader effort by the US Army to modernize its equipment and capabilities. The Army is also investing in other technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, drones, and hypersonic weapons. The Army hopes that these technologies will help it maintain its dominance and deterrence in an increasingly complex and competitive world.
