U.S. Army conducts testing of haptic feedback in synthetic training environments

The U.S. Army Acquisition Support Center (USAASC) is actively evaluating the integration of haptic feedback systems to enhance training programs by increasing realism within synthetic environments.

 

These technologies, when integrated with virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI), are expected to allow Soldiers to experience the physical sensations of battlefield scenarios that would otherwise be difficult or unsafe to replicate in live exercises.

 

Haptics introduce touch-based responses to digital simulations replicating sensations like weapon recoil, explosive impact and physical interaction with equipment. This technology reinforces learning and helps prepare Soldiers for the cognitive and physical stress of missions.

 

“Haptic technology in combination with immersive VR/AR technologies and artificial intelligence form a critical architecture element within emerging Army training systems,” said Marwane Bahbaz, chief technology officer at the Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation (PEO STRI). “Simulations using virtual reality and haptic capabilities drastically increase immersion and improve retention and learning in training exercises.”

 

These training systems are designed to supplement field exercises and serve as an alternative when constraints limit access to ranges, vehicles or personnel. Haptics can help simulate scenarios involving systems that are hazardous or cost-prohibitive to train with frequently in live settings.

 

A central component of this effort is the Synthetic Training Environment or STE, which unifies live, virtual, constructive and gaming training into a cohesive platform. Within the STE, the Live Training System (LTS) supports cross-domain training across land, sea, air, space and cyber and includes efforts to test haptic technologies.

 

“The vision of the Army’s Synthetic Training Environment is to revolutionize Army training by merging live, virtual, constructive (LVC) and gaming platforms into an interoperable training experience that provides real-life immersion for combat training,” Bahbaz said.

 

Current development is focused on integrating haptics into weapon training. Early systems replicate the effects of indirect fire and shoulder-launched munitions. These are being evaluated through Soldier Touch Points, which are prototype testing events held at Army installations including Fort Cavazos, Fort Irwin, Fort Polk, Fort Bragg and Fort Wainwright. Soldiers try out the technology and provide direct feedback on its utility and realism.

 

Mark Dasher, product lead for the Synthetic Training Environment Live Training Systems (STE LTS), said current simulation systems primarily rely on audio signals to convey battlefield feedback during exercises. These audio alerts notify Soldiers of near misses and injury assessments, but they also unintentionally warn nearby opposing forces, which can detract from the realism of the training.

 

“The current Live Tactical Engagement Simulation Systems use audio alters for near miss and assessment, which also provides an alert to nearby opposing Soldiers,” said Mark Dasher, product lead for STE LTS. “Use of haptics will provide a silent alert when battlefield effects occur. Additionally, tactical haptics will introduce new training capabilities such as loading ‘training round’ into a 155 mm howitzer.”

 

Bahbaz said the Army expects to procure the initial indirect fire system in fiscal year 2025 with Combat Training Center fielding to begin in fiscal year 2026. Additional development will follow for dismounted infantry and close combat scenarios.

 

In parallel, Army researchers are exploring how AI and machine learning can make training more adaptive. These capabilities would simulate enemy behavior, monitor Soldier actions and adjust exercises in real time, enabling more efficient and responsive training without requiring large controller staffs.

 

During live force-on-force training, Dasher said the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) will be a key focus area for live prototyping efforts at many levels. These technologies aim to enhance training realism by creating dynamic, adaptive scenarios that respond to Soldier actions in real time.

 

“We believe that AI/ML will provide a continuous evaluation of Soldier and unit actions, enabling better unit training strategies,” Dasher said. “In the future, AI/ML will support small-unit training without the need of trainers, exercise control, OPFOR (Opposing Forces) or external enablers.”

 

Bahbaz said emerging technologies are also being developed to replace line-of-sight systems such as the Instrumentable-Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System (I-MILES). These include computer vision, object detection and wearable devices that replicate the physical impact of enemy fire or injury through touch and vibration.

 

Some of the prototypes tested in Soldier Touch Points include wrist-worn devices that signal simulated casualties and vest inserts that deliver force feedback when a Soldier is hit. These tools aim to increase realism while remaining compact and easy to deploy.

 

International cooperation has been a key part of the haptics development process. Bahbaz noted the U.S. Army is working closely with other services and with allies in the Five Eyes community: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States. These collaborations aim to improve coalition training and system compatibility.

 

Development efforts are guided by Soldier feedback and focused on practicality. PEO STRI is designing devices that are durable, wearable and operable in day-to-day environments without the need for specialized infrastructure.

 

“A critical resource is time for units to train, especially at the lower level (e.g., squad or platoon). Through the insertion of new technology, STE LTS is creating training devices that are both easy to use and realistic,” Dasher said. “The benefit of these enhancements and new additions is allowing units to do realistic training, anywhere and at any time.”

 

Two primary systems are advancing in parallel. The first replicates indirect fire effects and guided missile training and is on track for limited production in 2025. The second targets direct fire, small arms and individual Soldier engagement, with broader fielding expected later in the decade. Both systems integrate AI to adapt scenarios based on Soldier performance.

 

Bahbaz said the Army’s objective is to deliver immersive experiences that prepare units for multi-domain operations. By pairing haptics with AI, training can simulate not just what happens but how and why it happens.