Microsoft equips the US army of augmented reality glasses HoloLens

The US military intends to order more than 100,000 combat versions of the HoloLens helmet in augmented reality from Microsoft for $ 480 million. The US military wants to increase their effectiveness in combat missions.

Microsoft received an order from the US military for augmented reality systems worth $ 480 million. According to the army, specially adapted HoloLens glbades must be used during combat and training operations. According to the US government, the new technology aims to increase the effectiveness of the force by improving the ability of each soldier to recognize and fight his enemies.

A Microsoft spokesman told Bloomberg that augmented reality should help provide troops with more and better information. The new project also aims to further strengthen the collaboration between the US Department of Defense and Microsoft. Previously, the AR systems were described by both US Nos. The army is used as well by the Israeli army, but only for practical purposes. The use in combat missions would be a novelty.

The combat version of HoloLens is to recognize concussions

The HoloLens prototypes of the army are very different from the civilian model. United States The Army asked during the initial tender that the desired hardware should include night vision and a thermal camera. In addition, glbades should be able to measure vital signs such as breathing and concentration and recognize concussions.

Microsoft must now ship 2500 devices within two years. If it works, the army wants to order a total of more than 100,000 HoloLens systems. In addition to Microsoft, Magic Leap, the start-up of the AR group, had applied for the project, in addition to conventional armaments such as Booz Allen Hamilton and Lockheed Martin.

However, Microsoft is criticizing internally its cooperation with the army. As part of the bidding for a military cloud project, employees posted a blog asking their employer not to apply. Chief Justice and President of Microsoft, Brad Smith, said employees with ethical problems are welcome to settle in safe areas for their business.