According to a recent report by Venture Beat, the US Air Force is testing out Google Glass, and if the tests go to plan, Google Glass could be used by the military in the future.
A research team at Wright Paterson Air Force Base in Ohio is testing Google Glass. The group is called BATMAN, which stands for Battlefield Air Targeting Man-Aided, and they are working on software and apps specifically designed for Google Glass.
Potential Military Applications of Google Glass
The potential applications of Google Glass in the military are vast and varied. For instance, Google Glass could be used to provide real-time data to soldiers on the battlefield, enhancing situational awareness and decision-making capabilities. The heads-up display could show maps, enemy positions, and other critical information without requiring soldiers to look away from their surroundings. This hands-free access to information could be a game-changer in combat scenarios.
Moreover, Google Glass could be integrated with other military technologies such as drones and surveillance systems. Imagine a soldier receiving live video feeds from a drone directly into their Google Glass, allowing them to scout enemy positions without exposing themselves to danger. This kind of integration could significantly enhance the effectiveness of reconnaissance missions.
Previous Uses of Google Glass in Public Services
This is not the first time we have seen Google Glass used by the military and other services. Firefighters and police officers have also experimented with Google Glass. For example, firefighters could use Google Glass to access building layouts and hazardous material information while responding to emergencies. This could help them make more informed decisions and improve their response times.
Police officers could use Google Glass to run facial recognition software, identify suspects, and access criminal databases on the go. This could enhance their ability to solve crimes and improve public safety. The potential for Google Glass in public services is immense, and its adoption could lead to more efficient and effective operations.
It doesn’t appear that Google and the US Air Force are working together on the project, and the Air Force purchased two pairs of the Google Glass devices through Google’s Glass Explorer program. This independent approach allows the Air Force to customize the technology to meet their specific needs without being constrained by commercial interests.
The BATMAN team is likely exploring various software and app developments to maximize the utility of Google Glass in military operations. These could include custom apps for communication, navigation, and data analysis, tailored to the unique requirements of battlefield scenarios.
Source Venture Beat
Image Credit: U.S. Airforce
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