Troubled Army IVAS mixed reality goggles to undergo big changes

Some type of "mixed reality" goggles are probably the wave of the future for combat operations, but the Army's troubled Integrated Visual Augmentation System or IVAS apparently has quite a ways to go in its development cycle.

IVAS began development in 2018 with the intent to provide a wearable goggle that overlays data and information on the soldier's field of few. This could be targeting data, waypoints, or whatever other information that leaders want their troops to see. Microsoft became the prime contractor for the system, but there was a series of delays in fielding it for testing.

In subsequent years, multiple updated versions of the IVAS underwent field testing in various climates by both mounted and dismounted Infantrymen. In user feedback, soldiers reported that the IVAS caused, "mission-affecting physical impairments" during testing, including eye strain and nausea. After years of development, it seemed that IVAS needed more than just some minor upgrades.

Breaking Defense now reports that the Department of Defense is going to allow other companies to bid on the future of the IVAS program, potentially replacing Microsoft as the prime contractor.

Companies looking to bid on the IVAS contract include, "Anduril, L3Harris, Palantir, and the American arms of Elbit Systems and BAE Systems," Breaking Defense reported . However, Microsoft doesn't sound quite ready to let the contract go.

“Microsoft fully intends and is prepared to compete for IVAS Next,” a Microsoft spokesperson told Breaking Defense. “We remain committed to delivering the industry’s best capabilities for our warfighters.”