The U.S. military has received the first batch of IVAS augmented-reality glasses built on Microsoft’s HoloLens headset, according to TechSpot.
The Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) combines high-resolution night vision, thermal and wearable sensors for soldiers. Information is displayed on the helmet visor.
The headset uses augmented reality and artificial intelligence based on Microsoft Azure cloud services to create a realistic mixed-reality training environment for soldiers.
According to Douglas Bush, the assistant secretary of defense for acquisitions, the first batch comprises 5,000 units. The equipment is valued at $373 million. The Army plans to purchase a total of 120,000 devices.
Before ramping up purchases, the department intends to evaluate the headsets’ effectiveness.
“Based on the results, the Department of Defense will adjust the deployment plan to allow time to address deficiencies and to assign units focused on training activities,” said Pentagon spokesperson Jamal Beck.
Microsoft and the U.S. Department of Defense signed the contract to supply HoloLens-based mixed-reality headsets in 2018. The value of the agreement was $480 million.
In 2019, Microsoft employees expressed dissatisfaction with the deal in an open letter to the company’s leadership, prompting CEO Satya Nadella to respond.
“We have made a principled decision not to hide technology from democratic institutions that protect the freedoms we enjoy,” said the company’s chief.
Nadella noted that the company has been transparent about the decision and announced ongoing dialogue with employees.
In March 2021, Microsoft won a U.S. Department of Defense contract to supply 120,000 HoloLens-based augmented-reality headsets. The 10-year deal was valued at $21.9 billion.
In May 2022, the Pentagon said it planned to cut spending on HoloLens headsets in half. Military officials said the initial estimate reflected the “worst-case cost.”
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