Microsoft is continuing its partnership with the US military to test its improved combat goggles, based on the HoloLens technology. The tech giant has confirmed that it will deliver the updated Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) 1.2 devices to the Army by the end of July. These new augmented reality models are described as being slimmer, lighter, and more balanced, which is expected to enhance comfort and improve soldiers’ performance on the battlefield.
According to Bloomberg, two squads from the Army will test 20 prototype IVAS goggles in late August. The tests will focus on evaluating the low-light functionality, reliability, and the potential adverse effects that the goggles may have on soldiers, such as nausea or eye strain. Previous testing revealed complaints from some users experiencing discomfort and problems with the device’s bulk, narrow field of view, and a display glow that could potentially give away a soldier’s presence at night. In addition, some key features of the previous version failed relatively frequently.
The goal of the HoloLens technology is to enhance battlefield awareness for infantry troops. With the IVAS goggles, soldiers can have real-time visualization of each other’s positions, access vital health statistics, and benefit from less conspicuous night vision capabilities. This improved awareness enables better coordination during assaults and helps identify signs of injury or fatigue among troops. If the August tests prove successful, the technology could potentially be deployed in the field within a few years. The Army plans to award a contract between July and September 2024 for a second field study, and hopes to move on to an operational combat test as early as April 2025, followed by potential deployment of IVAS in the field.
However, there is considerable pressure riding on the success of these tests. Although the Army is prepared to invest up to $21.9 billion over the next decade for up to 121,000 IVAS units, Congress has already blocked further orders of the earlier version of these goggles in January of this year, due to reported issues. Instead, Congress allocated $40 million to Microsoft for the purpose of reworking the hardware. If the current version of the goggles still faces significant problems, the Army reserves the right to cancel the program. This could have severe repercussions not only for Microsoft, as it would lose a lucrative contract, but also for the overall credibility of the HoloLens technology. Furthermore, the HoloLens team faced internal challenges with the loss of lead developer Alex Kipman last year following misconduct allegations, as well as layoffs earlier this year that significantly impacted the mixed reality division.
In conclusion, Microsoft’s collaboration with the US military to develop advanced combat goggles based on HoloLens technology is progressing. The company is delivering improved IVAS 1.2 devices to the Army, which are expected to be slimmer, lighter, and more balanced than their predecessors, providing enhanced comfort and performance for soldiers. Testing of the prototype goggles in August will determine their low-light functionality, reliability, and potential adverse effects on soldiers. The success of these tests will have significant implications for the future deployment of IVAS technology in the field. However, with Congress blocking further orders of the previous version of the goggles earlier this year, Microsoft faces pressure to address any outstanding issues. Ultimately, the outcome of these tests will shape the potential future of HoloLens technology in military applications.
