From game to battlefield VR/AR technology to help military industry reborn

Despite ongoing challenges such as motion sickness in VR environments, the gap between the digital world and reality is shrinking rapidly. This evolution is not only transforming entertainment but also reshaping industries like military training, industrial design, and education.

Currently, multinational defense agencies are increasingly recognizing the potential of VR technology. It's being used to simulate complex scenarios for military operations, while also offering valuable tools for training and manufacturing. However, the needs of defense clients differ significantly from those of everyday consumers. Experts note that meeting the high-end visual demands required for military applications is no small task. Yet, it's undeniable that the defense industry still relies on innovations from the entertainment sector to push forward advanced solutions.

"Although we use commercial gaming technology, we can leverage it to develop more resources," said Simon Luck, director of BMT’s defense systems. "The entertainment industry generates up to $100 billion annually, and our defense budget cannot match that. Therefore, we must strategically and efficiently use game developers and 3D artists to apply their skills to our systems, bringing their creative solutions into our products."

BMT started exploring VR technology years ago, gaining inspiration from consumer-grade devices like the Oculus Rift. By integrating these technologies, they allow users to experience dangerous situations—such as handling explosives—without any real risk. This approach not only enhances safety but also improves learning outcomes through realistic simulation.

One of BMT’s latest projects is the QEC Navigation system, designed to help Royal Navy personnel navigate the massive Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier. With its vast structure, soldiers need precise knowledge of the ship’s layout to identify the fastest escape routes in emergencies. Training on actual carriers would be too costly, making the QEC system an ideal solution. Beyond training, it also helps instructors customize tasks based on individual performance, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness.

"At BMT, design innovation is always a key focus, but the most important aspect of design is understanding what we're creating, who the user is, and what their needs are," Luck explained. This philosophy aligns with the work of QinetiQ, whose xCITE system helps new employees quickly adapt to various job requirements.

"These technologies are essential for today’s generation," said Brain Dryburgh, head of QinetiQ. "Today’s youth learn differently than we did. They interact with touchscreens, mobile devices, and immersive experiences from a young age. Traditional methods like PowerPoint are being replaced by interactive and engaging platforms."

QinetiQ also developed a VR system that simulates real submarines, allowing users to wear VR headsets and interact with control panels. The results have been impressive, even convincing traditionalists that VR can offer highly accurate and effective training.

Known as "serious games," these application-oriented simulations are widely used in military, medical, industrial, and educational sectors. Gamification not only makes training more engaging but also helps learners discover goals through play. Even without clear objectives, trainees can explore and find ways to succeed. Additionally, these games can be accessed anytime, anywhere, breaking the barriers of traditional classrooms.

QinetiQ believes its strength lies in analyzing training needs and delivering cost-effective, targeted solutions. Instead of focusing on the most advanced systems, they prioritize practicality and efficiency. Their VR training system, used since the Afghan campaign, has become a leader in military training.

"We don’t aim for high-end graphics because they increase costs," Dryburgh said. "Our system runs on common devices like Android phones and Google Cardboard. We believe that over-advanced tech can sometimes hinder training results." He added, "Even with simple equipment, you can create a powerful immersive experience."

The company also emphasizes minimizing delays in multi-user VR environments, as any lag can affect decision-making during training. "The final product doesn't need to be identical to reality, but it must meet the user’s needs and provide sufficient resources to achieve the desired outcomes," Dryburgh explained.

Looking ahead, VR developers in the defense sector are eager to incorporate more advanced features. With the rapid development of VR and gaming tech, future soldier training will become more sophisticated. "HTC Vive is soon going wireless, and we plan to explore AR in the next one or two years," Luck said. "With a fully synchronized virtual platform, the cost and benefits of working in a virtual environment are truly remarkable."

BMT is also working on its "Digital Hygiene" concept—a virtual defense platform for designing, maintaining, and upgrading defense infrastructure. From conceptual designs of new warships to decommissioning processes, this technology allows engineers to simulate real-world conditions and identify potential issues early on.

Meanwhile, QinetiQ continues to expand its research, including efforts to reduce motion sickness in VR. "We’re always looking for ways to maximize VR’s potential," Dryburgh said. "Laptops and mobile devices are portable and powerful, and they can play a big role in the future of VR. We believe these technologies will soon be integrated into ships and other platforms. More exciting plans are coming soon."

This article was originally published by VR Net. Please cite VR Net and include a backlink.