Advanced Real-Time Tracking (ART), a German firm specialising in infrared all-in-one hardware, has teamed up with cockpit training solutions company Vrgineers, a leading firm designing cockpit training solutions to deliver novel mixed reality (MR) pilot simulation technologies.

Marek Polcak, Chief Executive, Vrgineers, explained that the firm was “continuously working on removing the technological challenges of modern simulators.”

He cited issues such as front-facing camera position distances from a user’s eyes. To resolve the issue, the company would develop advanced algorithms for motion compensation. This aims to reduce shifts from virtual and physical scenes to make experiences more realistic.

The executive from the Prague and Las Vegas-based firm added,

“The durability and compact size of SMARTTRACK3/M, which was optimized for using in cockpits, allows us as training device integrator to make it a comprehensive part of a simulation, increasing convenience of its daily usage”

What is SMARTTRACK3/M?

ART has created the SMARTTRACK3/M system, which incorporates two infrared cameras for over five years of use without requiring servicing.

The new SMARTTRACK3/M tool aims to resolve complex issues with sight and motion alignment in cockpits to increase the efficacy of MR pilot simulation training.

The versatile six degrees of flight (6DoF) camera system offers full-scale data up to 240 hertz, calculating information on the SMARTTRACK3/M device. This offloads processing power from the central processing unit (CPU) to boost graphics processing and other functions.

It also offloads USB traffic from other high-resolution MR cameras by leveraging ethernet connectivity.

Andreas Werner, Business Development Manager for Simulations, ART, added,

“This is the application SMARTTRACK3/M was designed for. We have taken the proven hardware from the SMARTTRACK3 and adapted it to the limited space available. As a result, we have the precision and the reliability of a seasoned system in a form factor fitting to simulator cockpits”

Vrgineers also leverages its XTAL 3 MR headset to train pilots by providing numerous solutions for immersive cockpit training experiences.

Competing with Varjo’s Aero and XR-3 headsets, the XTAL 3 remains one of the world’s most innovative pilot-focused headsets. It comes with a massive specs sheet, including an 8K resolution, 180-degree field of view (FoV), and other features. Air Force pilots from across the globe assisted in the development of the top-spec device.

Other technical information on the headset includes a VR resolution of 3840 x 2160 per eye and 700-gramme weight before adding head straps. It also offers automatic interpupillary distance (IPD) adjustment from 60mm to 76mm and gaze analysis to heat map visualisation analytics.

XTAL-TESLASUIT Collaboration for MR Pilot Simulation

The news comes after XTAL struck a partnership with haptic body suit firm TESLASUIT to train pilots with full-scale immersive feedback. The deal will allow pilots to receive training modules with sensory feedback to simulate real-world challenges while in fighter jet dogfights.

TESLASUIT’s innovative solution taps XTAL’s 360-degree awareness technologies to boost muscle memory and train the mind in critical missions.

Multiple organisations have tapped the TESLASUIT’s capabilities, including London’s University of Greenwich. Law enforcement, military, and driving staff have joined the university’s Adaptive Virtual Reality Training (AVRT) programme. The comprehensive curricula train professionals in numerous high-pressure situations. This aims to boost learning and train muscle memory ahead of deployments to the workplace.