Saab intros augmented reality training tool for military

Called "We: Are," the tool is built on augmented reality for smart phones and tablets and was introduced Monday at the I/ITSEC simulation and training event in Orlando, Fla., this week.

"I/ITSEC is a great place for us to introduce this new tool to the training market," Asa Thegstrom, head of Saab's Training and Simulation business unit, said in a press release. "'We:Are' has been designed with simplicity and smoothness in mind."

"With the device the exercise leader can focus on what is important, which is to keep track on the individuals and evaluate entire troops in the field."

Saab said "We: Are" enables an observer to introduce new threats to an exercise, such as minefields and artillery. It also enables an observer to get an overview of the troops when it comes to information as to how many are casualties, what kind of injuries they have sustained and how many vehicles have been damaged.

The view of the operator changes between the real training environment and an overview image of the exercise area with just a click of a button, Saab said.

The training application is based on Google Maps, but it is compatible with any map system.