NSC to evaluate effectiveness of UK military trainers' headsets
Contracted by the Centre for Defence Enterprise (CDE), the simulation, training and consultancy specialist is to research and demonstrate how the combination of portable sensors, cloud-based analytics and mobile digital displays can be used to relay immediate and actionable data to training staff.
In addition to processing positional statistics generated by GPS, the proposed prototype will track and monitor trainees’ physiological status using information captured by new-generation biometric technologies.
Beyond initial proof of concept, it will also have the capacity to make use of feeds from weapons-effect simulations and allow instructors to access historical training resources and records.
A key feature of NSC’s state-of-the-art system is an augmented reality display, which will see all relevant personnel data presented as an overlay on top of the user’s real-world view.
While this function will initially be demonstrated using a tablet-style console, the Surrey-based company anticipates ultimately switching to a lightweight heads-up display with an extended battery life.
Although the concept is being tailored to suit the needs of instructors, its cloud-based analytics platform could potentially deliver benefits beyond the tracking and reviewing of training objectives.
For example, knowing where personnel have operated and what task they have performed, will allow for a better understanding of the stresses placed on training facilities.
The cutting-edge research project represents the latest chapter in NSC’s long-standing association with the UK’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), which oversees the work of the Centre for Defence Enterprise – an organisation responsible for funding innovative research that could lead to a cost-effective capability advantage for UK Armed Forces and national security.
Jeremy Spurr, NSC’s Chief Executive, said: “As providers of specialist consultants and analysts, our company has lent its expertise to Dstl and its predecessors for more than 25 years, helping to research and develop battle-winning technologies.
“This work is a continuation of that relationship and will build on NSC’s proven track record of delivering R&D and managed services to military partners.
“A large number of our staff boast a Service background and we are confident this first-hand knowledge will assist us in the design and implementation stages of this task.”