Design Interactive, Inc. — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: A16-076

Description

Current medical response training for non-medical Soldiers is provided during introductory Combat Lifesaver (CLS) training courses.Due to the inhibitive cost of medical manikins, in many cases, the practical training that is provided to CLS trainees is limited to low fidelity manikins, leading them to be ill-prepared to provide care on a high-stress battlefield setting.To meet the need of providing realistic training during force-on-force training activities, Design Interactive proposes the development of MedAR, a modular medical augmented reality (AR) training platform. Under the proposed effort, a training needs analysis will be conducted to define the medical training gaps and critical skills that an AR training platform can support.A review of the current state of the art for critical AR training components (e.g. optical see through AR displays, wireless audio systems, haptic feedback devices, physiological state models, and speech and gesture input systems) will be conducted to drive the design of a modular framework that supports alternate and future technology integrations.Proof of concept demonstrations of core medical AR capability will be created to drive the prioritization of component development and commercialization opportunity discussions with key stakeholders and transition groups.