The Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC) recently demonstrated its new augmented reality technology at the Association of the U.S. Army Annual Meeting and Exposition.
ECBC’s augmented reality technology utilizes a head-mounted display to enable users to see virtual images for use as a training tool.
“This technology is highly useful in any situation in which people need to learn how to use an unfamiliar technology, particularly if we can use symbol and image recognition to cross the language barrier for specialty equipment,” Sabrina Rawlings Seiple, chemical engineer at ECBC, said. “We also see a role for it in our STEM outreach program. Army scientists and engineers can use it to excite and engage students while teaching them sophisticated lessons about technology and leadership.”
Rawlings Seiple said that the technology could be miniaturized to the point where it could be placed in existing equipment and be used as a training guide for soldiers in the field.
“You can take any piece of equipment, no matter how large or complex, view it as if it were physically in front of you,” Rawlings Seiple said. “Including technical information within virtual models can enable advanced maintenance, training and logistics support.”
The Edgewood Chemical Biological Center is the U.S. Army’s principal research and development center for chemical and biological defense technology, engineering and field operations.