08 Jan 25. Eyeviation, a pioneering startup specializing in Human-Aware Artificial Intelligence, proudly unveils VCAT (Virtual Cognitive-Aware Trainer), a transformative AI-powered virtual instructor redefining firearms training worldwide. With a bold promise to significantly improve trainees’ shooting capabilities in just 15 minutes, VCAT is already operational with selected Israeli Defence Forces units and security response teams.
Utilizing a proprietary cognitive analytics engine developed with algorithms originally designed for fighter jet pilot training and enriched by performance data from elite special forces operatives, VCAT processes eye-tracking and other sensory data from off-the-shelf VR/AR wearables to deliver personalized and adaptive training based on real-time motoric, visual, and cognitive insights. The platform leverages AI-driven insights to analyze movement patterns, providing immediate biofeedback and immersive 3D visualizations.
The system’s innovative design allows a single operator with basic shooting and operational knowledge to oversee up to five trainees simultaneously. This scalability transforms operators into effective shooting instructors, addressing key challenges in the industry, such as rising ammunition costs, a shortage of shooting lanes and professional instructors, and limited training hours.
VCAT offers unmatched cost-effectiveness with virtually no setup requirements, enabling efficient micro-training sessions that deliver measurable results anytime, anywhere. By significantly reducing costs associated with installation, logistics, and ammunition, VCAT redefines modern training efficiency.
In shooting ranges, VCAT provides ammunition-free warm-up and tactical preparation sessions, helping users effectively prepare for live-fire training. Next step is to feature personalized live-fire recommendations based on performance data to optimize skill development.
“VCAT represents a revolutionary approach to training technology and the human-machine relationship,” says Or Landwer, CEO of Eyeviation. “By decoding human cognitive behaviours and enabling the machine to understand the trainee, our system efficiently processes data to deliver ultra-personalized and adaptive training sessions in real-time.”
“Our vision is to create the world’s best autonomous firearms trainers—accessible to everyone and
designed to adapt in real-time to each trainee’s needs—delivering unmatched results efficiently and helping individuals reach their full potential faster than ever,” Landwer adds.
About Eyeviation
Eyeviation is an Israeli startup that leverages eye-tracking data and machine learning to create Human-Aware Virtual Instructors (AI) that redefine professional skills training within VR and AR environments.
07 Jan 25. Rheinmetall and Bohemia Interactive Simulations announce strategic partnership to enhance defense simulation technologies.
Rheinmetall, a leader in defense and security technologies and Bohemia Interactive Simulations (BISim), a wholly owned subsidiary of BAE Systems, and renowned provider of advanced simulation and training software solutions, announce the start of a strategic collaboration. This cooperation aims to promote the development of innovative simulation solutions that are crucial for modern combat training. The collaboration will take effect for the first time in the “Heavy Weapons Carrier” project by developing state-of-the-art gunnery and combat simulators for the training of the German Army’s Medium Forces through the integration of BISim’s VBS4 and Blue IG products.
In a world where the demands on military training methods are becoming increasingly complex, realistic and flexible simulation technologies are essential. By combining BISim’s expertise in the development of simulation technologies with Rheinmetall’s extensive know-how in military systems, a new level of training and simulation capabilities is created.
“This collaboration is an important step for Rheinmetall in further expanding our portfolio of training and simulation solutions,” explained Bartek Panasewicz, Head of System Technology Training Systems at Rheinmetall. “With the state-of-the-art software from Bohemia Interactive Simulations, we are able to offer our customers even more realistic and effectively customized solutions.”
BISim’s advanced platforms and solutions empower system integrators to tackle complex challenges in simulation and mission planning. They provide cutting-edge simulations for NATO, US, the German Bundeswehr, and allied militaries. The flexibility of BISim’s products allows Rheinmetall to create sophisticated simulators for various military vehicles, ensuring realistic training for the warfighter.
“BISim’s technology empowers the warfighter to operate with machine-like speed and unmatched confidence to enable decision dominance on the battlefield,” said Rahul Thakkar, president of BISim. “This strategic partnership with Rheinmetall gives customers the overmatch they need every time. As a team, we are pushing the limits of synthetic training with simulators, raising the bar on the quality and scale of the experience delivered to our customers.”
This strategic collaboration emphasizes the commitment of both companies to enhance the performance and effectiveness of modern simulation technologies. Customers worldwide can anticipate innovative, practical solutions designed to tackle the complexities of current and future combat environments, equipping them with the tools needed to achieve operational readiness and decision advantage on the battlefield.
About BISim
Founded in 2001, Bohemia Interactive Simulations (BISim), a wholly-owned subsidiary of BAE Systems, Inc., is a global software company at the forefront of simulation and training solutions for defense and civilian organizations.
Globally, many hundreds of thousands of military personnel are trained every year using BISim’s high-fidelity VBS software products. More than 60 NATO and NATO-friendly countries, and over 300 integrators/prime contractors use VBS technology, many making significant funding commitments to extend VBS product capabilities. BISim’s customers include the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, the UK MOD, Canadian Armed Forces, French Army, Bundeswehr, Swedish Armed Forces, Australian Defence Force, New Zealand Defence Force and many major system integrators.
About Rheinmetall:
Based in Düsseldorf, Rheinmetall AG is an internationally operating technology corporation. Founded in 1889, the company is a leading systems supplier for the defence industry and, at the same time, a driver of forward-looking technological and industrial innovations in civil markets. With around 31,000 employees at 171 sites worldwide, the company, listed on the DAX40 since March 2023, generated sales of €7.2bn in the 2023 business year.
Rheinmetall Electronics supplies mission equipment as well as training solutions to armed forces, government agencies and civil customers. The company offers a comprehensive range of products and services for armed forces, civil security forces and industry partners. In close cooperation with the customer, Rheinmetall Electronics designs, develops and produces high-end products and integrates complex system solutions.
As systems become ever more complex, the armed forces expect cost-effective training solutions throughout the entire lifecycle of the original systems. Rheinmetall offers tailored solutions for the target-oriented training of soldiers, ranging from fundamental e-learning to sophisticated simulators and complex training centres.
As one of the world’s largest suppliers of systems and equipment for all branches of the military, Rheinmetall is a competent partner for the innovative use of advanced training technology in the field of live, constructive and virtual simulation.
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03 Jan 25. Thousands of British troops to lead major NATO exercise in Eastern Europe. Thousands of UK personnel will continue to deploy to Europe in the next two months to spearhead a major NATO exercise.
• UK leading contribution with over 2600 personnel and 730 vehicles deploying to NATO’s eastern flank.
• First deployment under new NATO Allied Reaction Force.
• Deployment demonstrates UK’s unshakeable commitment to NATO and European Security.
Thousands of UK personnel will continue to deploy to Europe in the next two months to spearhead a major NATO exercise.
Leading from the front, the UK is providing the largest contribution of forces with over 2600 personnel, and 730 vehicles deploying to NATO’s eastern flank.
Throughout January and February 2025, NATO will conduct Exercise Steadfast Dart 25 to practice the deployment of the new Allied Reaction Force, which can rapidly reinforce NATO’s eastern flank. These important exercises will showcase the Alliance’s readiness, capability, and commitment to defend every inch of NATO territory.
The UK’s 1st Division will be in command of all of NATO’s land forces in the exercise, continuing Britain’s proud tradition of leadership in NATO and demonstrating this government’s unshakeable commitment to the Alliance.
The exercises will see the UK Armed Forces join thousands of personnel from ten NATO Allies, operating across Romania and Bulgaria coinciding with the anniversary of Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard MP, said: “This Government wants the UK to be NATO’s leading European nation. Exercise Steadfast Dart demonstrates our unshakeable commitment to NATO and highlights the UK key leadership role in the Alliance. As we approach the three-year anniversary of Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine, we must continue to strengthen our collective defences together to deter Putin effectively. Keeping the country safe is the Government’s first priority, and an integral part of its Plan for Change. The work of the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force, is critical to the security and stability of the UK, supporting all of the Government’s five missions in its plan. This exercise will help to improve co-ordination and cooperation between NATO Allies, particularly in the early phases of deployment.?The ability of NATO to rapidly deploy is reliant on nations being able to seamlessly operate alongside each other. Having a high-readiness forces that can operate across land, air, and sea to respond to emerging threats is a critical component of NATO’s defensive plans. The new Allied Reaction Force will not only support the Alliance’s defence in times of crisis but strengthen deterrence against our adversaries – including Russia. It will ensure that forces from across the NATO alliance can come together at shorter notice that has ever been possible before.
730 vehicles including Foxhound and Jackals will deploy by road, air, and sea to Eastern Europe where they will conduct two exercises before returning to the UK at the end of February.” (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)