Development of Tactile and Haptic Systems for U.S. Infantry Navigation and Communication

In this paper we discuss plans initiated to develop and evaluate multisensory displays (i.e. visual, haptic, tactile) to support dismounted (i.e., not in vehicle) Soldier movement, communication, and targeting. Human factors studies of an array of military operational roles have shown significant demand for focal visual attention that diminishes the capacity for task-sharing and attention allocation, especially in the context of unexpected changes and events. If other sensory modalities can be effectively used in a military environment, the benefit could be significant in increasing survivability, information flow, and mission achievement. We discuss operational task demands and two efforts supported from a 2010 SBIR (Small Business Innovative Research) topic.