Augmented reality concept from BAE Systems aims for wearability and robustness

The defence company is using its heritage in AR to close a gap that exists between bulky and unadaptable systems used by the military and commercially available equivalents that tend to be large and fragile.

To this end, BAE Systems has used DSEI 2017 to unveil a wearable, AR concept that uses its patented waveguide technology to provide optical performance and efficiency in a miniaturised, ruggedised package.

Scheduled for qualification and validation in 2019, the product will be worn like a pair of glasses and use free-space tracking technology to display guidance, targeting, and mission information to the user, along with sensor video.

Prior to that, BAE is engaging with customers to gain feedback that will inform the design and capabilities of the final product.

Addressing the media at DSEI, Rob Merryweather, director of Strategic Growth at BAE Systems’ Electronic Systems, said the technology brings together three key technology threads: display, a tracking solution that understands where a person is located, and imaging technologies that enhance the performance of the human eye.