VR Dog Handler Training Set for I/ITSEC Demo
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Engineering & Computer Simulations (ECS) will demonstrate its Military Working Dog (MWD) Virtual Reality (VR) Casualty Care system, integrated with the HaptX G1 system, in Booth 1949 at I/ITSEC 2024.
The MWD simulation emphasizes preventive treatment, providing dog handler trainees with a realistic VR environment to recognize symptoms of heat stress in working canines by familiarizing them with a virtual K9 casualty. This virtual dog presents various behaviors consistent with different stages of heat stress, such as stumbling or vomiting, or its gums will change color, and its vital signs degrade as its condition worsens.
These symptoms prompt the trainee to take appropriate action using HaptX gloves before the dog’s condition escalates to a life-threatening stage. Such actions can include taking the dog’s temperature, fanning it with nearby debris, or pouring water on its body to lower its core temperature. The gloves provide the user with tactile and force feedback during the simulation to allow them to feel the virtual objects with which they interact.
“We designed this product to address training gaps that current K9 training products on the market don’t cover, and we’re excited to add further content to improve dog handler proficiency going forward,” said Shane Taber, ECS’ chief technology officer. “Everyone who has ever served in uniform knows what a high priority American military leaders place on troop welfare. Working dogs who support our warfighters in hostile, deployed environments deserve to receive the best care possible, and ECS is proud to be part of the solution that’s making that happen.”
The system’s hardware components include an HTC Vive VR headset and the HaptX G1, comprised of gloves and a control unit backpack. ECS developed this most recent iteration of its advanced haptics as a Phase III SBIR project, and it employs the latest technology available. ECS is also currently developing additional scenarios for future training and seeking partnerships for MWD’s evaluation, potential dual-use, and commercialization.
