US Navy eyes virtual reality application with Moback CRADA

The US Navy will be looking at ways to use augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) capabilities which could support training and fleet maintenance under a contract with a AR/VR platform developer.

Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division is collaborating with Moback, Inc. to research and investigate AR/VR capabilities to support naval training, maintenance, lifecycle engineering and product support.

Future integration of the technology is targeted for long-distance support of shipboard technology and combat weapons systems as well as improved training efforts for the fleet.

“I’m excited for this partnership,” said NSWC PHD commanding officer, Capt. Ray Acevedo. “Working on AR and VR capabilities is critical to our fleet support mission and will allow us to significantly increase the lethal capabilities of our Navy.”

Representatives of NSWC PHD and Moback, Inc., formalized partnership efforts through a cooperative research and development agreement (CRADA).

The CRADA is part of an on-going Naval Innovative Science and Engineering 219 augmented reality technology research project. The National Defense Authorization Act, Section 219 allows warfare centers and research laboratories to utilize funds invested in their organizations for industry and academic partnerships in research, engineering and technology development.

“Moback’s efforts with AR and VR is a good technological fit for the work that PHD does,” said Mark Jue, science and innovation technology lead at NSWC PHD. “This CRADA will help our workforce build technical relationships with industry to develop augmented and virtual reality capabilities that meet fleet requirements.”