US Navy Set to Boost Maintenance Efficiency with Advanced AR Goggles by Year-End
Holochip, a California-based adaptive lens manufacturer, is finalising development on a new augmented reality (AR) headset designed to modernise Navy maintenance training and field support. The company’s latest innovation, the Holochip H50 AR goggles, is expected to be available by the end of 2025 and is part of the Augmented Reality Headset for Maintainers programme.
The goggles have been developed with funding and support from the Navy Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) initiatives. Now in its sixth year of development, the H50 headset is being refined further with improvements in electronics, software capabilities, and ergonomic design. These enhancements are aimed at optimising user comfort and technical functionality during hands-on naval operations.
The Holochip H50 AR goggles are designed to deliver hands-free access to a suite of digital tools. These include step-by-step work instructions, detailed 3D schematics, and real-time diagnostics. These features are expected to significantly enhance maintenance efficiency, reduce the likelihood of human error, and streamline the repair process across Navy operations.
Built to resemble standard flight deck safety goggles, the AR headset has been engineered to offer a familiar and non-intrusive fit for naval personnel. According to the company, the goggles do not obstruct the wearer’s natural field of vision, maintaining visual awareness while offering enhanced digital support. The headset prioritises comfort without compromising functionality, enabling extended use during critical maintenance tasks.
One of the key innovations within the H50 system is its AI-enabled gesture recognition technology. This feature allows maintainers to interact with virtual manuals through simple hand movements, manipulating digital content projected as a floating desktop within their field of view. This eliminates the need for physical manuals and ensures technicians can access the information they need while keeping their hands and eyes focused on the task at hand.
Additionally, the headset includes a “see what I see” function that supports real-time, remote collaboration. This capability enables users to connect with subject matter experts who can view the same visual information and provide immediate guidance. Such a feature is particularly valuable during complex repairs or training exercises, where live expert input can be crucial.
Further advancing its AR integration, Holochip has developed a custom simultaneous localisation and mapping (SLAM) system. This allows the placement of digital twins and 3D models into the wearer’s environment. By matching these digital assets precisely to real-world components, maintainers can access and overlay models in real time, ensuring greater accuracy during diagnostics and repairs.
In addition to its in-house technological developments, Holochip has recently announced a partnership with Israeli optics firm Lumus. The collaboration focuses on integrating Lumus’s waveguide technology into the physical display of the H50 goggles. This integration improves image brightness, resolution, and provides a wider field of view, ultimately enhancing the overall user experience.
The combination of AI-driven features, immersive real-time visuals, and remote collaboration tools positions the Holochip H50 AR goggles as a potential game-changer in the realm of Navy maintenance. As the Navy continues to embrace digital transformation, tools like these are expected to play a pivotal role in upskilling personnel and reducing downtime across operations.
