The US Navy’s classes begin to trial augmented reality and virtual reality technology for training. In the possibility that the trial’s successful, this advanced tech could eventually make its way to the deckplate level.
Specifically, Philip Pitts, an AR/VR research specialist with the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Division Keyport commented
Virtual reality training is well suited to training tasks that are dangerous, rarely performed or expensive to perform.
He continued that AR/VR enables those trained to interact with entire systems onboard vessels, submarines and aircraft, without the cost of building full-scale mock-ups.
This could result to saving millions of dollars and help ensure the training material is modern.
Additionally, AR/VR are helpful for operations as well. If ruggedized, it could be used to guide bomb-disposal vehicles in the field, or to inform repair operations under way.
However, Pitts stated that there are two challenges:
Firstly, making the devices hard enough to withstand a seagoing or shipyard environment.
Secondly, making the software secure enough to withstand hacking.
There’s a hefty investment in making sure our systems can meet the cyber security requirements in the fleet.
… Pitts addressed.
