DARPA is currently developing a new augmented reality system to help the military to perform more complex tasks. This will combine sensors with AI and AR headsets to integrate with the users' current environment while using the device.
(Photo : Leon Neal/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 11: A promotional video is reflected in the goggles of a diving system on day two of the DSEI arms fair at ExCel on September 11, 2019 in London, England. The biennial Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) is the world's largest arms fair and is held in London's Docklands area.
Perceptually-Enabled Task Guidance
The Perceptually-enabled Task Guidance or PTG is the newest development of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). This system will be giving assistance to the military to perform more complex tasks.
Engadget reported that PTG will be using sensors to see and hear the users' perspective and environment, guided by AI-produced instructions in augmented reality as the devices combine and integrate the two technologies into one.
Through this new AR Goggles, soldiers and the military personnels would be able to enhance their skills during work, complete complicated tasks rapidly, and do the work much better.
DARPA abridged the focus of the device into three such as battlefield medicine, sustainment, and co-piloting. According to the released statement, these three would keep the people safe and healthy, would monitor the assigned people in the sky, ships, tanks etc., and would keep navigating to those who were assigned in helicopters.
Program Manager Dr. Bruce Draper described this technology as the next contribution to the do-it-yourself or DIY revolution. All three factors are considered important, but he stated that "They are just scratching the surface. There are so many military specialties that could be improved with this kind of help."
Draper example cookies as one of a complex physical task that can be done in so many ways. This process includes different objects that are solid liquids, and can change state, which is quite complex visually.
Also Read: DARPA Will Start Building X-Plane Without Moving Parts But With Unique Features
Microsoft HoloLens Goggles
By looking at the video, the personal demoing appears to be using Microsoft HoloLens. Recently, it was reported that Congress blocked the $400 million purchase of the US Military for Microsoft's HoloLens Goggles.
"Mission-affecting" impairments were found during the field tests, which were suffered by 70 soldiers in total. This includes headaches, eyestrain, and nausea during the three 72-hour scenarios simulating the conditions of the goggles.
The United States Army was supposed to purchase $400 million for 6,900 pairs of combat goggles. Congress instead approved $40 million in funding for the company to develop an improved version of the goggles that can enhance the experience of the military.
Despite the previous rejects and blocks from the government, Microsoft remains committed to working with the US Army to further develop Integrated Visual Augmentation System technology.
A spokesperson from the company stated, "The regular cadence of building and testing IVAS will help us refine and improve the technology to ensure it brings unparalleled protection and capabilities to America's Soldiers."
Related Article: NASA Teams Up with Pentagon's DARPA to Build an Advanced Nuclear Thermal Rocket
