ECBC unveils augmented reality training technology at Annual Army Expo

The U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC) recently demonstrated state-of-the-art augmented reality technology at the Association of the U.S. Army Annual Meeting and Exposition.
 
"We are using emerging technology, such as this commercially developed product by Microsoft, called the HoloLens," ECBC Interactive Software Designer Don Lail said. "It's different than virtual reality, which we also use as a training tool. Augmented reality allows interaction with the physical environment, and does not cause a loss of orientation experienced by many virtual reality users."
 
At the expo, attendees were able to experience the augmented reality technology, which gave them detailed assembly instructions for a bio-detector, with virtual images and instructions being integrated onto the physical model.

Lial commented that the training uses for augmented reality are nearly limitless.
 
"This technology is highly useful in any situation in which people need to learn how to use an unfamiliar technology, particularly if we can use symbol and image recognition to cross the language barrier for specialty equipment," ECBC Chemical Engineer Sabrina Seiple said. "We also see a role for it in our STEM Outreach program. Army scientists and engineers can use it to excite and engage students while teaching them sophisticated lessons about technology and leadership."