Microsoft cannot crack VR headset that it was designing for the US army, at hand off venture to Anduril – Firstpost

Microsoft’s try to construct superior augmented actuality (AR) headsets for the US Military is shifting gears, with defence tech startup Anduril Industries stepping in to take the lead.  

The six-year-old venture, which has confronted a number of challenges, will see Microsoft transfer right into a extra supportive function, and concentrate on AI and cloud infrastructure. In the meantime Anduril will take cost of {hardware} improvement, software program enhancements, and manufacturing timelines.

If authorised by the Division of Protection, this expanded partnership might breathe new life into the Built-in Visible Augmentation System (IVAS) program, which has struggled with technical flaws and finances issues. Whereas Microsoft initially spearheaded the initiative with its modified HoloLens 2 headset, suggestions from troopers and authorities officers made it clear that the system wanted important enhancements.

A rocky street for Microsoft’s army AR headsets

Microsoft’s involvement within the IVAS program started in 2019, with the target to create headsets that will improve battlefield consciousness with AR overlays.  

The idea was promising—troopers might view digital maps, monitor squad areas, see weapon reticles, and use thermal imaging for night time imaginative and prescient. Nevertheless, real-world testing revealed critical flaws that prevented the headset from being combat-ready.

Among the many greatest points was movement illness, an issue well-known to VR customers. Troopers reported nausea, complications, and eyestrain after utilizing the system, making extended use impractical. Moreover, the headset was cumbersome, had a restricted area of view, and even emitted a glow—an apparent tactical drawback in stealth operations.  

These shortcomings led to Congress rejecting the Military’s request to buy 6,900 models in 2023, as an alternative allocating $40 million for Microsoft to enhance the design. Whereas the Military accepted the revised model later that yr, it has but to see battlefield deployment.

Anduril steps in to take over improvement

With Microsoft shifting its focus to AI and cloud computing for IVAS, Anduril Industries will now oversee the precise manufacturing and refinement of the headset. Based by Palmer Luckey, the creator of the Oculus Rift and a key determine in trendy VR, Anduril brings intensive experience in each defence know-how and prolonged actuality (XR) improvement.  

The corporate is finest recognized for its superior army programs, together with drone interceptors, surveillance towers, and even autonomous submarines. Given Luckey’s background in VR, the IVAS venture looks like a pure match for Anduril’s rising defence portfolio.

The Military stays cautiously optimistic concerning the newest IVAS prototypes however has made it clear that prices have to be considerably diminished. At its present worth of $80,000 per headset, the system is way from inexpensive for large-scale deployment. The US Military is presumably seeking to order as much as 121,000 models, however earlier than that occurs, the headset should go a rigorous fight take a look at later this yr.

A much bigger push for AI in army tech

Anduril’s rising function in army know-how goes past AR headsets. In December, the corporate partnered with OpenAI to combine AI fashions like GPT-4o into its defence programs. These AI-enhanced programs are anticipated to enhance battlefield decision-making, notably in drone defence and automatic surveillance.

For now, Microsoft’s retreat from direct {hardware} improvement on IVAS alerts a shift in technique, permitting a extra specialised defence contractor to refine the know-how. Whether or not Anduril can remedy the headset’s points and make it viable for actual fight use stays to be seen, however the partnership represents one other step in merging cutting-edge AI and AR know-how with trendy warfare.