Military Adopts Augmented Reality Technologies

Military Adopts Augmented Reality Technologies

augmented reality

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The Royal Canadian Navy has adopted the use of augmented reality (AR) technology for a variety of militarily uses.

The Royal Canadian Navy has partnered with Kognitiv Spark with hopes of using AR technology to improve maintenance and repairs on naval ships. The company intends to incorporate a number of technologies in its software solutions, including 3D content, artificial intelligence, internet of things (IoT) data, and AR.

As part of the partnership, Kognitiv Spark will develop AR software that the navy will later test. The software will utilize a Mixed Reality Remote Assistant Support (MIRRAS) system that will help technicians with improving maintenance and repairs aboard naval vessels.

Even though AR technology is in its relatively early stages, the potential for AR technology is nearly endless, in civilian and military applications. AR technology is already being utilized in military programs such as the OFFensive Swarm Enabled Tactics (OFFSET) Program, where AR is utilized to create an executable command terminal with visible decision presentation capabilities alongside responsive situational awareness capabilities. This technology has the potential to completely change the future of warfare, especially in urban combat areas.

Another AR system developed for the advancement of military technologies is the HUD 3.0. HUD 3.0 is a head-mounted display which helps soldiers aim and navigate better. Furthermore, it can be used as a training tool. The technology projects AR enemies that can be used to test the reaction of the soldier.

AR technology is also incredibly helpful with intelligence applications. An example of such is Immersive Wisdom, a company that offers an AR software platform for real time intelligence and multi-user geospatial collaboration. Sociable.co reports that the venture capital branch of the CIA made a significant investment in Immersive Wisdom.

Another possible applications for AR based technology are mission planning, intelligence analysis, real time situational awareness, among many other things. The technology can be useful as a center for virtual tactical and cyber operation planning.

The full extent of AR technologies has barely even been breached. Its use in military, intelligence, and even civilian applications is already widespread even though we still just barely managed to grasp its full potential.