The United States military began receiving 5000 sets of AR Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) headsets that can be used by infantry soldiers on the battlefield. IVAS uses Microsoft HoloLens technology to display various information to users while in the field.
Delivery of the IVAS for military use was previously delayed after issues emerged regarding its durability in use. After being repaired it will now be tested more thoroughly in the field. In addition to displaying mapping information, enemy locations, asset locations and communication systems, IVAS can also be used during training sessions. Virtual enemies can be displayed on the IVS to create more realistic training scenarios.
A total of 121,000 were ordered by the military to be introduced to infantrymen within a decade. This is not the only advanced technology project introduced. The U.S. Army is also testing the use of a load-reducing PowerWalk exoskeleton, a rifle scope system for accurate shooting, and a body-worn battery to supply power to carried devices.