In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many firms have been adopting forms of mixed reality (MR) to foster safer working environments for employees.
Healthcare firms were some of the first on board, and the pandemic inevitably forced this sector to react quickly to the initial panic from the situation.
But before healthcare became focused on the emerging technology, military firms were also adopting and experimenting with the technology for years.
MR solutions facilitate quick and effective communication in incredibly busy environments, allowing hands-free paperless correspondences and training in military divisions such as the Air Force and Navy.
COVID-19 also forced the US Defence Department to work remotely, and augmented reality (AR) combined with MR presented an opportunity to continue such work without downtime.
Thirdeye’s MR Solutions
The US Army Pacific are in partnership with Thirdeye, an US-based headset developer with experience working with the American military and law enforcement.
Using their flagship X2 MR Glasses, Thirdeye is currently developing AR drone technology for military purposes, first responder units, and law enforcement.
The same smart glasses are also being distributed to US Army Pacific locations, including Hawaii, Alaska, Korea, Japan, and Guam.
The X2 MR Glasses have been developed as a reliable piece of hardware, which can withstand extreme heat and offer an incredibly long battery life. Weighing at just 9.8 ounces, they also contain many features, including a 1280 x 720 HD display, an app store, and GPS.
The ThirdEye Developer Kit is also on offer and lets developers create and test 3D applications. With the company’s guidance, in-house developers can create their own training and communication solutions.
Post Covid Expansion
MR has found a place to stay within the military long before the pandemic.
But COVID-19 triggered the military to focus on quickly integrating MR into workflows, and the experience military firms have with the technology suggests an easy adoption in the near future.
Thirdeye is continuing its relationships with US security firms by teaming with the Department of Homeland Security to create image recognition software. Rapid MR expansion in the US security sector will give onlookers an interesting case study to observe; as MR solutions expand with full speed.
