Microsoft gewinnt einen HoloLens-Vertrag über 21 Milliarden US-Dollar für die US-Armee

Microsoft hat mit der US-Armee einen Vertrag im Wert von bis zu 21.88 Milliarden US-Dollar über die Lieferung von 120,000 maßgeschneiderten Hololens-Augmented Reality-Headsets unterzeichnet.

Der Deal kommt nach einem vorherigen Vertrag über 480 Millionen US-Dollar im Jahr 2018 zur Entwicklung von Prototypversionen für die Armee. CNBC Nachrichten reported. The IVAS (Integrated Visual Augmented System) concept used the headset's display to show map and thermal imaging systems, as well as the aim for a weapon.

Diese Vereinbarung wurde von Microsoft-Mitarbeitern in einer offenen Brief, in which staff said they "did not sign up to develop weapons, and we demand a say in how our work is used". These concerns were dismissed by Microsoft boss CEO Satya Nadella, and the contract went ahead.

Today's new deal means Microsoft will work to mass produce the IVAS prototype for widespread US Army usage.

"The IVAS aggregates multiple technologies into an architecture that allows the Soldier to Fight, Rehearse, and Train using a single platform," the US Army wrote in a Pressemitteilung.

"The suite of capabilities leverages existing high-resolution night, thermal, and Soldier-borne sensors integrated into a unified Heads Up Display to provide the improved situational awareness, target engagement, and informed decision-making necessary to achieve overmatch against current and future adversaries. The system also leverages augmented reality and machine learning to enable a life-like mixed reality training environment so the CCF can rehearse before engaging any adversaries."

Fang Pokémon in Mixed Reality, das ist nicht.