Microsoft is set to conduct another round of US military testing for its HoloLens-based combat goggles. The tech giant has informed BuyTechBlog that it will deliver an improved version of its Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) 1.2 devices to the Army by the end of July. The latest versions of the augmented reality goggles are reportedly “slimmer, lighter, and more balanced” than their predecessors, thus promising better comfort and performance for soldiers, as stated by Microsoft.
In a conversation with Bloomberg, the Army revealed that two squads will be put through a trial of 20 IVAS prototype goggles in late August. The primary focus will be to test their functionality under low-light conditions, their reliability, and their potential to induce discomfort or illness in soldiers. Previous tests last year revealed issues like nausea, headaches, and eye strain, alongside complaints regarding their size, restricted field of view, and the display’s nighttime glow that risked revealing a soldier’s location. Frequent malfunction of key features was also reported.
The aim of incorporating HoloLens tech is to enhance battlefield awareness. It allows infantry to be aware of each other’s positions, access crucial health data, and make use of less conspicuous night vision. This technology, if successful in the August trial, could improve coordination during assaults and provide early warnings of injuries or fatigue. If the test proves successful, the technology might be fielded within a few years. The Army is expected to award a contract for a second field study between July and September 2024, potentially leading to an operational combat test as early as April 2025. The IVAS system could be deployed a few months later.
However, the stakes for this test are high. The Army could invest as much as $21.9 billion over ten years for up to 121,000 IVAS units, but Congress previously halted additional orders of the earlier goggles in January after reports of problems surfaced. Instead, Congress provided Microsoft with $40 million to improve the hardware. The program could be scrapped if problems persist, resulting in the loss of a lucrative contract for Microsoft and potentially raising more questions about HoloLens itself. After allegations of misconduct led to the departure of lead developer Alex Kipman last year, and layoffs earlier this year significantly impacted the mixed reality division, the future of the HoloLens program hangs in the balance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about HoloLens combat goggles
What improvements have been made to the new HoloLens combat goggles provided by Microsoft?
The upgraded version of the Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) 1.2 devices delivered by Microsoft is reportedly slimmer, lighter, and more balanced than their predecessors, promising better comfort and enhanced performance for soldiers.
When is the testing of the new HoloLens combat goggles scheduled?
The testing of the new HoloLens combat goggles is scheduled for late August. Two squads will trial 20 IVAS prototype goggles to gauge their functionality under low-light conditions, reliability, and potential to induce discomfort or illness in soldiers.
What is the goal of incorporating HoloLens technology in the military?
The incorporation of HoloLens tech aims to enhance battlefield awareness. It allows infantry to be aware of each other’s positions, access crucial health data, and utilize less conspicuous night vision. This could improve coordination during assaults and provide early warnings of injuries or fatigue.
What are the potential implications if the HoloLens combat goggles do not pass the test?
If the HoloLens combat goggles fail the test, the Army may cancel the program. This would not only cost Microsoft a potential contract that could amount to as much as $21.9 billion over ten years for up to 121,000 IVAS units, but could also cast further doubt on the HoloLens project itself.
How has the HoloLens project been impacted recently?
The HoloLens project has faced some setbacks, with allegations of misconduct leading to the departure of lead developer Alex Kipman last year. Furthermore, layoffs earlier this year significantly affected the mixed reality division, further complicating the future of the project.
More about HoloLens combat goggles
- Microsoft’s HoloLens Project
- Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS)
- Microsoft’s Mixed Reality Division
- Alex Kipman and the HoloLens
5 comments
Microsoft is really pushing the boundaries here with HoloLens. Crossing fingers for the August test. I bet it’s gonna be a game changer.
Wow, the tech in these goggles sounds crazy. Can’t believe soldiers could see each other’s positions n stuff. Hope they sort out the problems tho!
hold on, $21.9 billion for up to 121,000 units? That’s a lot of cash. Microsoft better fix the nausea and headache issues pronto.
is this really what we need tho?? More tech in combat? Just saying, seems like a lot of cash could be spent elsewhere…
HoloLens is such an ambitious project, no wonder they’re facing setbacks. Still, if they nail this it’s going to revolutionize military operations.