The US Army is advancing its simulation capabilities by incorporating haptics technology into its Synthetic Training Environment Live Training Systems (STE LTS), aiming to close the gap between digital training environments and real-life combat scenarios.
Haptics involves the use of wearable feedback devices that deliver physical sensations—such as vibrations, resistance, and pressure—to simulate tactile experiences. In a training context, this allows soldiers to feel weapon recoil, impact forces, and other combat effects without actual physical danger.
By implementing this technology into the STE LTS, the Army intends to make virtual exercises significantly more immersive and realistic. The upgraded system will simulate sensations like gunfire recoil, bodily resistance during actions, and the impact of projectiles, thus providing soldiers with enhanced sensory feedback. Additionally, the Army is exploring future enhancements such as simulated explosion effects to further enrich the training realism.
