2023-04-26 20:55:27
The US Army will not use Microsoft smart glasses in its combat units until at least 2025, until the accessory proves its safety for the health of soldiers, reports Bloomberg. The first version of the system caused headaches, nausea, and eye fatigue in soldiers while wearing glasses.
Developed by Microsoft, the Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) is an analogue of a “head-up display” similar to that used in military pilots’ helmets. For the US Army, HoloLens “mixed reality” glasses were taken as the basis, which were finalized to suit the needs of the army.
Based on feedback, Microsoft has improved the accessory, made the glasses smaller, lighter and updated the software to improve reliability and reduce power consumption.
A batch of 20 hand-assembled advanced glasses will go to the US Army between July and September, after which the soldiers will begin testing new items. If the tests are successfully passed, mass deliveries of the updated IVAS system to the armed forces should begin in July 2025.
If the order is confirmed, the army will spend up to $21.9 billion over ten years to purchase 121 thousand devices, spare parts and support for them. The US military has already received 5,000 points of the first version and is expecting a batch of 5,000 more accessories in an upgraded version.
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