How Distance Technologies is giving armoured vehicle crews x-ray-like vision

Finnish startup Distance Technologies is revolutionizing defence and automotive sectors with its innovative mixed-reality visualization technology. Their solution transforms transparent surfaces into augmented-reality displays, offering users "x-ray-like" vision without the need for cumbersome headsets or glasses. This development is crucial as defence operations increasingly rely on real-time spatial data for training, planning, and coordination, moving beyond traditional two-dimensional interfaces. The core of Distance Technologies' innovation lies in its light field-based head-up display (HUD) system, which projects computer-generated 3D visuals seamlessly onto the user's field of view. Initially conceived for automotive applications, the technology found a significant niche in defence, particularly for armoured vehicles like tanks which often lack traditional windshields. The company is actively conducting field trials with partners such as Patria and the Finnish Defence Forces, and collaborating with Aechelon Technology on a global 3D map for enhanced training and battlefield intelligence. This advanced visualization directly impacts armoured vehicle crews, providing them with real-time situational awareness, including enemy locations and friendly forces' positions, directly in their line of sight. The technology also extends to pilot training and broader defence applications, creating immersive cockpit overlays and enabling rapid updates through drone and satellite data feeds, essentially building a continuously refreshed 3D digital twin of the Earth. This integration promises to significantly enhance operational effectiveness and safety across various military contexts.