Several armies are already using Microsoft Hololens for training. Now, the whole thing is going to the next level as the US Army plans to use Microsoft Hololens in combat missions. In this regard, they’ve already awarded Microsoft a $480 million contract to supply the necessary headset numbers for both training and combat missions.
According to a Bloomberg report, which cited the US government, the goal would be to “increase lethality by enhancing the ability to detect, decide and engage before the enemy.” Microsoft, Magic Leap, and other non-military suppliers got the support of the US Army in the development of reliable solutions which could be used in combat mission and serve the before-mentioned goal set by the US government.
The US Army wanted for a device that permits for night vision, measures vital signs and breathing, improve the hearing while protecting the ears from loud noises such as explosions, and monitor signs of concussions. Microsoft Hololens fit perfectly.
US Army Plans To Use Microsoft Hololens In Combat Missions
“Augmented reality technology will provide troops with more and better information to make decisions. This new work extends our longstanding, trusted relationship with the Department of Defense to this new area,” stated Microsoft for Bloomberg.
Microsoft has never intended to sell Hololens headset as a commercial device. Microsoft Hololens, however, was popular among companies for training, marketing, manufacturing, and other tasks. ISS astronauts also used Hololens training and troubleshooting chores.
The US Army plans to buy about 100,000 Microsoft Hololens headsets for the price of approximately $4,800 per piece which is lower than a cost of $5,000 per unit Microsoft asks from companies but still higher than that of $3,000 set for developers.
“We’ve appreciated that no military in the world wants to wake up to discover that machines have started a war. But we can’t expect these new developments to be addressed wisely if the people in the tech sector who know the most about technology withdraw from the conversation,” said Microsoft’s President and Chief Legal Officer Brad Smith.
