[Chemy JMHT]

IN BRIEF

• LimpidArmor's CRS is integrated with cameras outside a tank to give the wearer a 360-degree view of both optical and thermal systems without exposing them to additional risk.
• From improving military operations to helping NASA prepare to explore Mars, VR/AR tech is being used in an ever-growing number of industries.

SAFER IN BATTLE

Currently, the primary market for most virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) systems is gaming, and for good reason — gamers are used to sitting behind screens and virtual readouts. Other industries are rapidly finding their own uses for VR/AR tech, however, and one of those is the military. Now, a Ukrainian company, LimpidArmor, has developed a Microsoft HoloLens-based helmet for tank commanders.

The Circular Review System (CRS) is essentially a combat helmet equipped with a HoloLens. The system is integrated with cameras outside the tank, giving commanders 360-degree visibility to both optical and thermal systems without exposing them to risk. The CRS can be used to identify friends and foes, designate targets, and feed other information on the battlefield directly to the commander.

LimpidArmor is still developing their system and plans to include more features, like the ability to control the armaments of the tanks. They also hope to integrate feeds from drones and other aerial vehicles.



TO SPACE AND BEYOND

After the CRS was demonstrated at the Arms and Security show in Kiev, the Ukrainian military decided it would like to test it, but they aren’t the only ones interested in HoloLens. As Bloomberg reports, the Israeli military has bought two systems as well, supposedly for battlefield training.

While this current HoloLens development is in the military, the device is getting interest from a variety of sectors and industries, primarily for training purposes. Japan Airlines uses the system to train engineers in the study of the jet engine, and medical students are using it to study the human body. NASA is using the system to plan and blueprint its next Mars rover, rendering its designs and full-scale replicas in AR.

The HoloLens is even being used to repair elevators, so clearly no industry or application is out of reach for the virtual world.

Source: Augmented War: New Combat Helmets Are Equipped With Microsoft's HoloLens

[pkcable]

Interesting in concept, BUT they need to improve durability and wearability (is that a word) to make it suitable for combat. I have/had the same concerns for fire/emergency responder applications, that I expressed in a similar thread. Cost will be a factor also especially for smaller police or fire departments ore governments. Obviously less so for a big military machine like the US Military. But Podunk, Arkansas volunteer fire department might have a tough time budgeting for AR techologies.

[Chemy JMHT]

Well also isn't it weird it looks like everybody is getting Hololens these days?

Is Microsoft giving these things for free and producing it massively?

I was also thinking about the price, just starting with the 3000 for the Hololens, the needs of wifi, because it will be just additional weight if not connected.

[iThunderbirt]

Well then...I guess some prefer to play COD Modern Warfare in real life...

Now if only they could come out with a paintball edition :P

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[EgoAnt]

I'm not sure how this makes me feel, to be honest. On the one hand I knew it was inevitable that AR would be used by the military, but on the other hand I am a bit disgusted that the world we live in requires technology like this.

[pkcable]

Well also isn't it weird it looks like everybody is getting Hololens these days?

Is Microsoft giving these things for free and producing it massively?

I was also thinking about the price, just starting with the 3000 for the Hololens, the needs of wifi, because it will be just additional weight if not connected.

Oh you can bet they are giving out freebies to potential big gov't partners, and industry partners!

Well then...I guess some prefer to play COD Modern Warfare in real life...

Now if only they could come out with a paintball edition :P

Posted via the VRHeads App for Android

For sure these things can and will be used for training, simulations and planning if NOT in actual combat situations.

[Chemy JMHT]

I'm not sure how this makes me feel, to be honest. On the one hand I knew it was inevitable that AR would be used by the military, but on the other hand I am a bit disgusted that the world we live in requires technology like this.

I though about it while I was reading it, I don't want this technology on this, but for those who complain of porn on VR/AR, this is worse I guess.

I loved when I saw NASA training their astronauts here (Earth) and there (ISS) with the Hololens and some VR HMD (Oculus Rift, but I'm sure they have like all the brands and models).

I will love a future where the unique law enforcement and life protector we need will be the firefighters.

[EgoAnt]

I will love a future where the unique law enforcement and life protector we need will be the firefighters.

Thank you for your cooperation.