The ONR has developed a pair of AR goggles that helps Marines in training - one in operation. (via ONR Navy)
Virtual reality is the next step forward when it comes to gaming, thanks to devices like the Oculus Rift, but the technology can also be used for more than just getting a high score. Recently, the Office of Naval Research (ONR) finished developing a pair of augmented reality goggles that simulate virtual and constructive combat scenarios. Marines got the chance to test out the device on a golf course in Quantico, Virginia this week. For the first time, the goggles were hooked up to a larger training system called Augmented Immersive Team Trainer (AITT). Representatives from the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps visited the Marine Corps Base Quantico to see the device for themselves.
Dr. Peter Squire, a program officer with ONR's Expeditionary Maneuver Warfare and Combating Terrorism Department spoke about the innovative device."The glasses are leading-edge and are really pushing the technology of optical see-throughs forward," Squire said. "But the glasses are just one component of the system. It's the AITT system itself that's revolutionary because it enables warfighters to turn any environment into a training ground."
The goggles have a larger field of vision than similar products, such as Google Glass, and the complete AITT experience has the ability to incorporate real-life weapon props, binoculars, and other physical equipment used in combat zones. The system aims to help Marines improve and increase their situational awareness, which will then help them make better decisions out on the field.
The AITT program is now in its fifth year and will up wrap fall training sessions with a large scale demonstration of the new technology at Quantico. The program will then move to the Marine Corps Program Manager for Training Systems for more testing and development. With the Marines taking advantage of this technology it will hopefully help Marines become more precise and fast acting when in the midst of combat.
Only look at the AR I could find. This is a picture of the simulation on the Maine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. (photo by Eve A. Baker - Staff writer, Quantico Sentry.)
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