Augmented Reality

Lessons from recent and current conflicts show that dispersal is critical to survival on the modern battlefield. This will likely see the deployment of smaller teams, isolated from central logistic support and operating at reach. Effective Equipment Support (ES) including rapid repair of equipment as far forward on the battlefield as possible, will be crucial in ensuring that these force elements retain the equipment availability to achieve their tasks under these conditions. This will be even more important in a peer-peer warfighting scenario where returning equipment to the fight will allow the UK to numerically match or outmatch our opponents. Traditional methods of ensuring that Subject Matter Expert (SME) knowledge can be used to provide the engineering solutions required for this, meant that a physical presence in a single location was need. This model is an inefficient way of employing experienced personnel as they are deployed in such a way that they can only support a single team and are often un/misused until a technical problem occurs. A new way to link SMEs to less experienced maintainers is needed to give the UK the edge on the battlefield of the future.

Augmented Reality (AR) is an emerging technology that can make that link and closely replicate an SME being co-located with a team forward. The ability to view the fault through the maintainer’s eyes, whilst projecting images, documents, and 3D models onto their reality, may even provide better support than the face-to-face option; while increasing the number of people the SME can support in a 24-hour period. The implementation of AR will reduce the cognitive burden on maintainers, accelerate the cascade of Knowledge, Skills and Experience (KSE), and drive SMEs up the value chain. AR can be a game changer in how we as a Corps operate.

If you have any experience in AR or are interested in supporting it, then I encourage you to reach out to one of the points of contact below and join the community of interest.

As the Augmented Reality lead for 104 Theatre Sustainment Brigade, 5 REME have had a very busy start to 2023. Operating with a very small team comprising of a very competent Cpl Barry and I we have hosted Comd 104X, Brigadier King, attended the 2023 Theatre Enabling Group Capability Demonstration in South Cerney, and conducted various unit visits to demonstrate our AR capability. Through the application of business cases, we have acquired a wide variety of equipment including HoloLens 2, and Oculus

Quest headsets. Of particular note is the Insta360 Pro 2, a 360degree 8K camera which we have put to great use and had fun experimenting with. We have submitted business cases for more software and hardware so that we can look to expand our team and its capabilities.

What the future looks like for us; Incorporation of the filming capabilities of the Insta360 with an AR headset – By using this technology combined we hope that any event of merit could be filmed using the camera. This footage would include recordings of the individual stands and then be played back utilising the VR headset so that any user could replay the event virtually and at their leisure.

Alternatively, in a training sense we could conduct courses if they don’t need to be in person or that would benefit from a virtual aspect. This is pertinent in any case that a lack of equipment or resources minimises the attendance or training output. Specifically, for 15 Fd Coy in 5 Bn REME and our work with power packs, it would be of great benefit to train newer members of the Company in a risk-free environment with the time to make mistakes.

Augmented Reality (AR) has been trialled at Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) with an initial view to expediating the qualification and competence of Air Engineering Technicians (AET). AR was brought to the attention of CHF by Cdr Weil as the Chief Air Engineer (CAE) for CHF along with some highly positive prospects that could be generated from integrating this emerging technology into very high readiness units. The gauntlet was subsequently laid down by Cdr Weil through the “X-Flight Challenge” in the hope that more efficient ways of conducting business may possibly be uncovered.

With the challenge in mind CHF have now been conducting trials on the use AR for more than 12 months. This has seen trials conducted on operations and exercises to identify the most efficient and effective utilities of AR. The trials conducted have seen positive responses from service personnel at all levels with supplementary ideas recommended for its further integration into defence, all of which will require slight refining before it can be considered worthy of front-line operations. However, its application for rear echelon support within the engineering and medical environment could have a significant impact on operational output now.

Future development of AR within defence is being shaped by trials that have been conducted at CHF and implemented by SERCO. Future AR trials at CHF are underway that will aim to evaluate the latest updates to the operating software (Kognative Spark) along with the HoloLens first adaptation in its use with the Virtus service helmet providing greater utility and assistance to forces deployed at the tip of the spear.

Before submitting an article you are requested to read the guidelines on the inside front cover 9