The Role of IoT and Augmented and Virtual Reality in the Defence Industry

Aerospace and Defense Review | Thursday, March 16, 2023

Defense effectiveness is seen to be largely dependent on technological superiority, and IoT and Augmented and Virtual Reality are fundamental in gaining access to the necessary cutting-edge technology.

FREMONT, CA: 51 per cent of OEMs today claim that the maximum innovation is done for military use and then adopted for commercial use. Therefore, with the advent of technologies such as artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, and the Internet of Things (IoT), humans may be on the verge of returning to their original model. These technologies are evolving at a much faster rate than the defence industry can keep up with, so it may be in the industry's best interests to adapt them for military use rather than try to lead the innovation.

Despite this, defence and aerospace OEMs are investing heavily in technological innovations such as smart systems and artificial intelligence, connected devices, supply chain applications, and additive manufacturing. 78 per cent of participants said their company would prioritise technological innovation over other types of innovation (materials, process, and user experience) over the next five years.

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Big Data and the Internet of Things

In the defence sector, strategy is everything, and without knowledge, a company can't possibly develop an effective strategy. One of the technological advancements that the sector can use is the Internet of Things (IoT), where split-second choices could have serious repercussions. The phrase is customised for the industry, just like in other sectors, and is occasionally referred to as the Internet of Military Things or the Internet of Battlefield Things. Having said that, there are plenty of opportunities. Data might come from anything, including soldiers, trucks, jet engines, and weapons (among other things). This information is crucial for creating a winning plan that makes all efforts more effective, secure, and manageable. Sensors embedded in a soldier's suit, helmet, and other equipment, for example, could collect biometric data, contextual information, and even information about the soldier's physical and mental state. Gathering all of this information can improve a soldier's chances of survival or lethality.

Edge computing appears to be the solution for quickly parsing through all of the data. When data is collected, analysed, and delivered closer to the devices, real-time insights become possible. These insights can help individuals make better decisions.

Augmented and Virtual Reality

After healthcare and manufacturing, the defence sector is most likely to be affected by the technology. To be precise, augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) are ideal illustrations of technology that have transitioned from commercial to military use. Gaming will be the most obvious application of AR/VR, but it's a perfect fit for an industry that relies heavily on simulations and training.

The development of headsets and game-based technology has made it possible for the defence sector to offer affordable but effective training and simulation programs. Governments can then use the most recent technology to create immersive, repeatable, and adaptable experiences like flight or combat training where they are needed, reducing overhead. AR/VR will benefit the defence sector's training purposes.

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