From Battlefield Flop to Cargo Lifeline: The HoloLens’s Unexpected Second Act
The Microsoft HoloLens, once envisioned as a revolutionary tool for soldiers on the battlefield, is finding modern life in a decidedly less glamorous, but equally critical, role: inspecting military cargo. After a troubled journey with the U.S. Army’s Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) program, the augmented reality headsets are being repurposed to ensure the safe and efficient transport of equipment by air.
A Shift in Focus: Air Force and Army Team Up
The U.S. Air Force, responsible for ensuring military equipment is properly balanced for air transport, faced a logistical challenge. Getting qualified personnel to every location where cargo needs inspection wasn’t feasible. The solution? Leverage the HoloLens to connect experienced airmen with soldiers on the ground, allowing remote oversight of the loading process. Members of the 724th Air Mobility Squadron, based in Italy, are now collaborating with the Army’s 173rd Airborne Brigade to implement this system.
“We spent a year working with the manufacturer [Microsoft] and experimenting with different add-ons to figure out the right software and process we needed to get to where we are today,” said Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Sewejkis, 725th Air Mobility Squadron superintendent. The system is now streamlined, requiring only a HoloLens, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a laptop for remote connection.
The IVAS Saga: A Costly and Problematic Beginning
The current repurposing represents a significant shift from the initial ambition behind IVAS. In 2018, the Army awarded Microsoft a $480 million contract to develop the headset, aiming to provide soldiers with a heads-up display for training, reconnaissance, and combat. However, the program quickly ran into trouble. A Pentagon watchdog report revealed that the goggles caused “mission-affecting physical impairments,” including headaches, eyestrain, and nausea in many test subjects.
Despite continued investment, Congress slashed funding for the program in 2023, citing the persistent issues. Microsoft ultimately relinquished control of the initiative, passing it to Anduril, which then brought Meta into the mix. The Army has since relaunched the program under a new name, the Soldier Borne Mission Command (SBMC) program, with plans to develop an entirely new headset.
Microsoft’s Retreat and the Future of Military AR
Adding to the complexity, Microsoft discontinued development of the HoloLens in late 2024, with support for existing models scheduled to end in 2027. This decision casts a shadow over Microsoft’s future as a supplier of mixed reality technology to the military.
It remains unclear whether the HoloLens headsets currently used for cargo inspection are leftover IVAS units or were purchased specifically for this purpose. The Army and Air Force have not yet responded to inquiries regarding the source of the equipment.
The Potential of Remote AR Assistance
While the battlefield application of the HoloLens faced significant hurdles, the cargo inspection project highlights the potential of remote augmented reality assistance in logistical operations. This approach could be extended to other areas, such as maintenance, repair, and training, reducing the need for costly and time-consuming on-site deployments.
Pro Tip:
Remote AR assistance isn’t limited to the military. Industries like aerospace, manufacturing, and healthcare are increasingly adopting similar technologies to improve efficiency and reduce errors.
FAQ
Q: What is the Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS)?
A: IVAS was the U.S. Army’s attempt to create a mixed-reality headset based on Microsoft’s HoloLens technology, intended to enhance soldier capabilities on the battlefield.
Q: Why did the IVAS program fail?
A: Testing revealed that the headsets caused physical discomfort, including headaches, eyestrain, and nausea, among many soldiers.
Q: What is the HoloLens being used for now?
A: The HoloLens is currently being used by the U.S. Air Force and Army for remote cargo inspection, allowing airmen to remotely guide soldiers in properly securing equipment for air transport.
Q: Is Microsoft still involved in military AR projects?
A: Microsoft has discontinued development of the HoloLens, but existing headsets are still in use. The future of Microsoft’s involvement in military AR remains uncertain.
Did you know? The initial contract for the IVAS program was worth up to $21.9 billion over a decade.
Want to learn more about the evolving landscape of augmented reality? Explore our other articles on emerging technologies and military innovation.
