The U.S. Army has awarded substantial contracts totaling $354 million to two defense technology firms, Anduril and Rivet, to advance wearable virtual display systems for soldiers. Anduril received $159 million, while Rivet, a startup backed by Palantir, secured $195 million for its innovative approach to the Army’s Soldier Borne Mission Command (SBMC) program.
The SBMC initiative follows the Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS), which was limited to headsets. In contrast, SBMC aims to integrate additional devices, such as computers and wearable technology, like smartwatches, creating a more comprehensive command and control environment for soldiers in the field.
Future of Military Wearables
During a press briefing on March 11, 2024, Anduril’s founder, Palmer Luckey, expressed his belief that the future of military wearables may not rely solely on traditional contractors. He stated that there could be “dozens” of different headsets developed under the SBMC program, suggesting a shift toward commercial adaptations of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies rather than a single, standardized device.
Luckey emphasized the importance of creating systems tailored to specific soldier needs, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. “I don’t think that any one headset can be the headset that meets every need for every soldier in the Army,” he noted, pointing to the pitfalls of previous soldier augmentation systems. His experience as a pioneer in VR design, notably with the Oculus Rift, lends credibility to his assertions about the need for specialized devices that enhance user experience without causing discomfort.
Innovative Features from Rivet
Rivet is focusing on integrating advanced features into its prototype to improve battlefield communication and decision-making. According to CEO Dave Marra, the company’s design will incorporate a range of voice commands to facilitate interactions among logistics personnel and maintenance crews. “Natural language interactions are the most critical element to enable,” Marra stated, highlighting the need for intuitive control systems that require minimal training.
Both companies see the SBMC program as an essential proving ground for the Army’s Transformation-in-Contact strategy, which aims to swiftly field new technologies. Luckey reiterated the urgency of deploying functional systems in real combat scenarios. “We need to deliver a system that works, that can’t break, and that doesn’t put people in danger,” he said, emphasizing the necessity for reliability and comfort in wearable technology.
The Army’s commitment to integrating feedback from soldiers during the development process reflects a shift towards a more agile approach in military technology. This strategy aims to ensure that innovations are tested and refined in the field, allowing for immediate improvements based on user experience.
As Anduril and Rivet embark on this ambitious project, the military landscape may witness a significant transformation in how soldiers interact with technology, potentially enhancing operational effectiveness and safety on the battlefield.