An often-heard prediction is that augmented reality (AR) could one day become a central tool in our everyday work and play[1] – but it turns out that the technology might not be only suited for humans.
The US military has unveiled a new project in partnership with Seattle-based company Command Sight, to fit working dogs with AR goggles that would enable soldiers to give orders to the animal at a distance.
Military dogs intervene in tactical operations, patrol, detection and specialized searches. Oftentimes, they can find themselves scouting dangerous areas, looking for explosive devices or materials, for example.
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Soldiers typically guide the dogs in their mission through hand signals and laser pointers, meaning that the instructor has to be physically near the animal, sometimes within unsafe distance from a potential hazard.
Command Sight, which specializes in bridging human and animal communication, has developed AR devices that can be worn by the dogs, through which human handlers can provide visual clues to direct the animal to a specific spot. The goggles also let the soldier follow everything that the dog is seeing in real time.
Stephen Lee, senior scientist at the Army Research Office (ARO), which manages the initiative, said: "Augmented reality works differently for dogs than for humans. AR will be used to provide dogs with commands and cues; it's not for the dog to interact with it like a human does. This new technology offers us a critical tool to better communicate with military working dogs."
As scientists gather a better understanding of canine vision and cognition, the tool will improve, according to the US military, while keeping more human soldiers safe during risky operations.
