Next-Gen Modular Wearable Computer Systems Being Developed for US Marine C

[Judi Lynn]

Next-Gen Modular Wearable Computer Systems Being Developed for US Marine Corps
Posted on Thursday, March 31 @ 04:26:09 PST by davidc


by David Crane
[e-mail]
Below is a press release that DefenseReview recently received from Symbionics, Inc. and Icuiti Corporation about U.S. Marine Corps contract they just won to develop modular wearable computer (MOWC) systems for Marine Corps infantry personnel. Symbionics and Icuiti are working with the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory (MCWL) in this endeavor. These integrated technologies are actually right up DefenseReview's alley, since DefRev's been interested in wearable computers/wearable computing for quite some time now. Defense Review has been following the work that's being done at the MIT Wearable Computing Lab, specifically their MIThril research platform for next-gen wearables. The MIT Wearable Computing Lab is part of the MIT Media Lab. We're actually big fans.

DefenseReview will be publishing an article (hopefully, very soon) on the modular wearable computing systems and technologies being developed by Symbionics, Inc. and Icuiti Corporation for the U.S. military, including TAC-EYE Digital Tactical Eyewear/Tactical Display System. In the meantime, here's the press release we received:...

"Symbionics Inc., and Icuiti Corporation announced today that the United States Marine Corps has awarded the two companies a contract to develop and deliver Modular Wearable Computers (MOWC) for use with the Corps' Unmanned Vehicle programs. The first phase of the MOWC is on track to be delivered in five months after integration, customization, and testing. The rugged MOWC will weigh less than five pounds, have an integrated SVGA rugged Head Mounted Display (HMD) using Icuiti's patented Quantum Optics(TM) technology, and will provide the user with hands free access to data and video from a variety of Unmanned Vehicle sources.

As the prime contractor, Symbionics will supply its commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) computer equipment. Icuiti will integrate its advanced technology HMD to form a ruggedized MOWC. Destined to become a life-saving and indispensable tool for the warfighter, the MOWC will interface directly with military unmanned vehicles and ground sensors enabling it to locate threats, such as an enemy over a hill or an improvised explosive devise, before the threat can take lives.
(snip/...)

http://www.defensereview.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=716

[LiberalEsto]

1. Next step: becoming the Borg

Cyborg soldiers, anyone?