A month after the US Army finally sent a go-signal for Microsoft Corp to deliver its first batch of Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) goggles, soldiers testing the wearable tech reported that wearing the headsets caused nausea and headaches.
A Tech Times report from Sept. 2 tells us that some 5,000 tech-laded headsets have been cleared to be delivered to the troops. This is after high officials of the armed forces previously put the delivery on hold over "concern about the device's performance."
Surfacing HoloLens Issues
The Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) goggles in question are built with mixed-reality technology similar to the HoloLens, including thermal imagery, sensors, night vision, and more.
Microsoft described how troops could use the IVAS to plan and execute military operations in any given situation. The goggles are also designed to improve the soldier's situational awareness, effectively turning him into a superhuman. But it looks like this is not the case, as recent reports claim that the device has been failing quality checks so far.
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In their most recent field test, US soldiers using Microsoft Corp.'s new goggles reported experiencing "mission-affecting physical impairments" like headaches, eyestrain, and vomiting. This is from a Bloomberg report detailing a summary of the field exercise compiled by the Pentagon's testing office.
Based on the most recent Engadget report, the tests are a part of a program called "Soldier Touch Point" that aids the army in gathering real-world feedback and aids Microsoft in improving the specialized HoloLens equipment. In theory, the headsets will give infantry essential battlefield data and night vision.
More than 80% of people who complained of discomfort reportedly started to feel their symptoms less than three hours after donning the specially adapted HoloLens glasses from Microsoft. The system itself continues to fail far too frequently at performing crucial tasks, according to officials.
Failed 4 Out of 6 Evaluation Events
In a recent "operational demo," the device failed four out of six evaluation events, according to a Microsoft employee speaking with Insider. Additionally, the wearer's location could be revealed by the device's glow from the display, which was visible from hundreds of meters away. If these are not addressed soon, all of the headset's gaudy features could be rendered useless.
Despite all of these unfavorable results, the reliability of the most recent model has enhanced unit movement coordination and navigation. Despite this improvement, some reports indicate that soldier acceptance is still low.
With the $22 billion agreement from 2021, Microsoft Corp. will be able to provide the army with more than 120,000 IVAS units. If all options are exercised, the army expects to spend the amount over a decade on Microsoft's combat goggles, spare parts, and support services.
The US military may already send soldiers equipped with augmented reality to its operations in the coming years. The device, however, was initially intended to be used for advanced training, according to officials.
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