Advanced Mixed Reality Windshields to Enhance Military Vehicle Operations
Distance Technologies, a Finnish business, has developed a game-changing invention that can transform any transparent surface into a mixed reality (MR) display. The business, which emerged from stealth last year, has now teamed with Patria, a well-known military contractor, to incorporate this technology into armoured vehicles.
For Patria’s six-wheel-drive armoured personnel carrier, the partnership plans to develop a heads-up display (HUD). This cutting-edge technology is designed to provide terrain mapping photos, 3D tactical data, and AI-generated military insights right on the windscreen of the car.
As a result, the technology provides improved sight in adverse circumstances like darkness, dense fog, or smoke-filled battlefields.
Distance Technologies’ MR technology is anticipated to transform the way military personnel engage with real-time data in combat settings. The technique removes the need for additional screens or large headsets by presenting critical information right on the windscreen.
In addition to its effectiveness, the system keeps a low profile by limiting light leakage that may reveal vehicle whereabouts. This capability is anticipated to enhance military units’ stealth capabilities during tactical operations.
According to Distance Technologies’ CEO and co-founder, the unique technology intends to empower drivers with “super sensory skills,” hence improving decision-making and operating efficiency.
The MR system’s capacity to display mission-critical data onto the windscreen is intended to increase speed, accuracy, and confidence in high-pressure warfare settings. Unlike standard head-up displays, which display static or predetermined data, this technology leverages powerful eye-tracking capabilities to dynamically offer pertinent information in real time based on the driver’s line of sight.
At the heart of Distance Technologies’ approach is contextual AI, a sophisticated kind of artificial intelligence that reads environmental circumstances and responds appropriately. This clever integration enables the system to provide exact visual cues that respond to quickly changing situations.
The company’s patented light field optics technology is an important part of this invention. This functionality integrates the MR display with conventional LCD panels, transforming transparent surfaces into interactive MR windows. The technology has a wide range of uses, including cars, fighter planes, and armoured military vehicles.
The company claims that its method can provide “unlimited” pixel depth, guaranteeing that projected graphics seem realistic and integrate flawlessly with the physical surroundings. This method offers a lifelike experience that closely approaches natural eyesight.
Urho Konttori, the former CTO of Varjo, an XR company in Helsinki, launched Distance Technologies. After leaving Varjo in early 2023, Konttori pursued other companies that built on his experience in extended reality (XR) technology.
Distance Technologies takes a unique approach, designing glasses-free MR systems rather than depending on dedicated headsets. This method attempts to deliver a more adaptable solution that is appropriate for industries such as automotive, aerospace, and military.
In July 2023, the business raised $2.7 million in pre-seed funding. By October of the same year, the business had raised an additional $11.1 million, spearheaded by Google Ventures. With sufficient funding, the company has moved its attention to real-world testing of its MR technology.
Distance Technologies and Patria’s partnership is part of the government-backed eALLIANCE programme, a Finnish endeavour to promote innovation in the civil and defence sectors. The initiative intends to assist firms such as Distance Technologies in creating sophisticated technologies to satisfy evolving military needs.
This alliance comes at a time when Europe is increasing its security spending in response to evolving geopolitical forces. Germany recently authorised a €500 billion ($545 billion) fund for defence and infrastructure, underscoring the continent’s rising emphasis on military readiness.
Distance Technologies’ collaboration with Patria positions their MR windscreen invention as a useful tool for improving combat awareness and military vehicle performance. The company’s glasses-free MR system is a promising leap in defence technology, with potential applications spanning several military and civilian fields.
