The US Army is looking to bridge the gap between virtual training and real-world combat by integrating haptics technology into its Synthetic Training Environment Live Training Systems (STE LTS).
Haptics tech involves the use of “wearable” devices that can transmit vibrations and forces to simulate the sense of touch, bringing a level of realism to training simulations without the hazards and risks of live combat training.
The integration of haptics into STE LTS will introduce physical feedback, such as gun recoil, resistance, and simulated bullet impacts, making virtual training more immersive. The army is also exploring ways to incorporate explosion effects in the future.
According to Chief Technology Officer Marwane Bahbaz, simulations using virtual reality and haptic capabilities “drastically increase immersion and improve retention and learning in training exercises.”
He added that physical feedback can show soldiers the real-world consequences of their decisions, highlighting whether certain tactical choices would succeed or fail.
Inside the Synthetic Training Environment
The Synthetic Training Environment (STE) blends virtual and augmented reality to create immersive scenarios across a range of terrains, giving soldiers access to large-scale environments that are hard to replicate in live exercises.
Initiated in 2017, the STE is currently used in a limited capacity by the US Arrmy, with full system development still ongoing.
To expand what it can do, the army is also weaving in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning for real-time feedback, smarter simulations, and better analysis of training performance.
The haptics tech will eventually plug into this AI-enabled platform, helping create a training environment that mirrors both the look and feel of real combat.
The system is currently in development, with production expected in 2027 and deployment slated for 2028.
