Federal Labs Outpace Big Tech in XR Defence Solutions
Recent developments in mixed reality (MR) for military applications have attracted significant attention as Meta’s founder forges a partnership with Anduril Industries to produce next-generation headsets for the US Department of Defense. The collaboration is expected to yield wearable devices that enhance a service member’s auditory and visual perception while integrating with artificial-intelligence systems to manage weaponry. Anduril has emphasised that its MR helmets, headsets, and glasses will allow troops to detect unmanned aerial systems at considerable distances and reveal concealed adversaries without compromising mobility or safety.
Across the defence technology sector, several major players have already introduced extended reality (XR) solutions designed to improve combat readiness. Microsoft’s HoloLens platform is being adapted by Northrop Grumman into headsets for tactical awareness exercises, while BlackBox VR has developed immersive medical training programmes that simulate battlefield injuries. These efforts form part of a rapidly expanding market, projected to reach approximately $100 billion, as companies vie to supply AR, MR, and virtual reality (VR) systems to the armed forces.
The principal advantage of XR technologies lies in their capacity to reproduce realistic environments and scenarios, enabling soldiers to rehearse complex missions in controlled settings. By traversing virtual terrains and engaging with dynamic elements, trainees can refine decision-making skills under pressure and build confidence prior to deployment. Some platforms adjust the difficulty level automatically in response to user performance, introducing more demanding challenges as proficiency increases. In addition, VR modules support medical drills and maintenance routines, facilitating practice of critical procedures such as trauma care or vehicle repairs without risk to personnel or equipment.
While commercial enterprises race to satisfy the US Department of Defense’s requirements, innovations originating within federal laboratories continue to inform private sector offerings. The DoD has long pursued XR research for both combat and civilian uses, transferring its inventions to industry partners via TechLink. This non-profit organisation has brokered over 2,000 licence agreements between defence laboratories and companies seeking to commercialise advanced AR, MR, and VR technologies at no cost.
One notable example emerging from the Naval Postgraduate School is a mixed reality quality assurance system that blends real-world tasks with digital overlays to evaluate human performance in production and maintenance contexts. Embedded sensors in headsets or goggles track a user’s body movements, while complementary measurement devices establish precise target positions for components or tools. The system compares actual actions against predefined workflow steps, such as verifying the correct application of torque to a specific fastener, and delivers immediate feedback. This approach not only streamlines training by offering objective assessments but also enhances quality control by confirming that each task is completed accurately.
Applications extend to maintenance and repair of aircraft, vehicles, and weapons systems, where exact torque specifications and precise installations are critical. The MR solution can verify whether a bolt has been tightened to the required specification and ensure that technicians inspect the correct parts. By eliminating guesswork from essential repairs, the technology promises to reduce mechanical failures resulting from maintenance errors.
The same methodology supports training and certification of service members in high-stakes environments. Whether practising missile handling, avionics diagnostics, or battlefield surgery, learners receive real-time evaluation devoid of instructor bias and gain clarity on which steps require improvement. Potential deployments include confined or complex settings such as submarines or aircraft carriers, where objective performance data aids both instruction and safety.
Researchers have also leveraged MR for human factor investigations, employing gaze tracking and task-flow analysis to understand cognitive load and error rates. Insights gleaned from these studies inform the design of equipment interfaces and operational procedures, seeking to minimise distraction and enhance performance under stress.
A second innovation available through TechLink originates from the US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Analysis Center. Its Dynamic Infographics (DIG) manager integrates explainable-AI algorithms with heads-up displays, augmented reality visors, and other wearable gear to present critical data without diverting attention from the mission. The system filters sensor feeds and AI-generated outputs to produce concise, layered insights for users, ranging from what is happening and why it matters to recommended next steps.
For instance, a pilot may view weather metrics, including temperature, humidity, and wind conditions, projected into a corner of the heads-up display. These real-time updates prevent the need to glance away from flight instruments or the external environment while enabling rapid assessment of current and forecasted weather along planned routes. The DIG manager automatically designs layouts and compiles components based on available sensor inputs, supporting multi-tier decision-making and reducing cognitive burden.
Such advancements are poised to reshape human-machine teaming, predictive operations, and context-aware wearables as armed forces and industry partners integrate increasingly autonomous, data-rich systems. Organisations interested in bringing these DoD-originated XR technologies to market can explore more than 6,000 available options in TechLink’s online technology marketplace. For 25 years, TechLink has offered free guidance to qualified companies navigating the defence-lab to commercial-licence process, ensuring that innovative solutions developed in the public sector find new applications in both military and civilian domains.
