In this semester’s research project, I explored various facets of Extended Reality (XR). Today, let’s delve into a lesser-discussed but significant aspect: the role of XR in the military defense complex. Notably, the military sector is one of the leading investors and developers in this technology.
Training with Mixed Reality
Mixed Reality (MR), blending elements of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR), has revolutionized military training. Historically, MR applications like the Swiss tank-driving simulator from the 1970s laid the groundwork for today’s sophisticated systems.
One prominent example is the U.S. Army’s Synthetic Training Environment (STE). This advanced system merges virtual and augmented reality to simulate a wide range of scenarios, from urban warfare to counterinsurgency operations, thus providing immersive training experiences. The STE is a comprehensive platform integrating virtual, live, and collective training elements, designed to be portable and cost-effective. It includes the Reconfigurable Virtual Collective Trainer (RVCT), which offers training for various military vehicles and infantry units.
Mixed Reality in Combat
MR’s role extends beyond training to actual combat operations. It significantly enhances situational awareness by providing soldiers with real-time information through contextually relevant visualizations. This includes displaying crucial data like maps, navigation, and enemy locations seamlessly.
A key development in this area is the Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS), a collaborative effort between Microsoft and the U.S. Army. Based on Microsoft’s HoloLens technology, IVAS delivers advanced capabilities such as rapid target acquisition, enhanced situational awareness, and improved navigational tools. It integrates various technologies like thermal imagery, sensors, GPS, and night vision to give soldiers a comprehensive view of the battlefield. This technology is not only pivotal for training but also holds immense potential for real-world combat operations, allowing soldiers to plan and execute missions with enhanced precision and information.
Support Functions
MR’s applications in the military also extend to support functions. It can transform maintenance and repair processes by overlaying relevant instructions onto real-world objects, aiding technicians and mechanics in performing tasks more efficiently.
In medical support and telemedicine, MR can overlay digital content such as instructions and patient data, facilitating accurate and efficient medical procedures in challenging environments.
Conclusion
MR technology is a game-changer in military applications, enhancing various aspects of operations. While it offers immense benefits in training, situational awareness, and support functions, there are challenges to consider. For instance, overreliance on technology can lead to operational inefficiencies if not managed properly. The concept of „HUD-Cripple,“ prevalent among Navy aviators, highlights the risk of becoming overly dependent on technological aids to the extent that performance without them is significantly impaired.
Moreover, the use of MR in combat situations introduces ethical dilemmas around warfare conduct. The enhanced capabilities provided by MR could lead to debates about the fairness and humanitarian implications of using such advanced technology in conflicts. This necessitates a balance between technological advancement and adherence to international warfare norms and ethics.
The responsibility of XR designers and developers in this context is profound. They must not only focus on the technical and functional aspects of MR systems but also consider their broader societal implications. This includes ensuring that the technology is used responsibly and in accordance with ethical standards. Designers and developers need to collaborate closely with military experts, ethicists, and psychologists to understand the full spectrum of impacts their creations might have. Furthermore, there should be ongoing assessment and adjustment of these technologies to align with evolving ethical standards and societal values.
As we venture further into this technologically advanced era, the responsibility of XR professionals extends beyond innovation, encompassing the ethical stewardship of their creations in the complex domain of military applications.
Sources
- https://capsulesight.com/mixedreality/real-examples-and-use-cases-of-mixed-reality-in-military/#:~:text=MR
- https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/8550993
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S026322411930154Xhttps://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/Military-Review/English-Edition-Archives/May-June-2022/Kallberg/
- https://www.warfighterpodcast.com/blog/how-is-the-military-uses-mixed-reality-mr-for-training-and-operations/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcQifPHcMLE
