The United States Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) is funding researchers at Kent State University through the Pentagon’s Army’s Research Laboratory (ARL) program.
Working with DEVCOM’s research into biophysiological technologies, the researchers are creating a solution that uses virtual reality (VR) to identify neurological signals.
The US Army is approaching these advancements to further its own research into the dynamics and psychology of small groups deployed in extreme environments.
Kent State’s lab also aims to help the US Army prepare and train for modern military operations, namely at a time where the military increasingly relies on smaller special operations teams.
The lab mixes advanced VR and emerging biometric technologies, including three-dimensional eye tracking and omnidirectional treadmills.
The findings will give the US Army electrophysiological and physiological data to understand how small teams function and make decisions under extreme conditions.
Dr. Lisa Troyer, Program Manager, Social and Behavioural Sciences, ARL, commented:
“The immersive virtual reality system at Kent State University is developing more valid, impactful knowledge about how teams and individuals navigate dangerous environments”
Following the military funding, researchers at Kent State teamed up with Michigan-based MILO (owned by Arotech), who provides world-class firearms and use-of-force simulations, as well as further expansions into the XR space.
MILO are best know for their ‘Range’ line of products, but with “Milo Virtual”, the company brings its world-class training systems into a new dimension.
Focusing on police and military training solutions, MILO teamed up with Kent State to provide invaluable data to the Department of Defence.
Robert McCue, MILO’s General Manager, explains the partnership:
“Our ultimate goal is to advance the scientific understanding of behavior and decision-making under threat and, in so doing, reduce danger to our servicemen and women.”
Under the umbrella of MILO and the US Army, Kent State researchers have a lot of backing to advance research into small-team psychology as well as potentially expanding into VR training or healthcare functions to provide a wealth of data in the future.
