Augmented Reality: The US Army is testing smart glasses for dogs

Mater defends his territory. Mater is a Rottweiler. Nine years ago his owner AJ Peper moved him from Hessian Lahntal to the United States. But when Mater doesn’t have to defend his Seattle home and yard, he’s so good – as the saying goes – he just wants to play.

The Rottweiler is the number one employee

Mater is fine, says his master. He is lying there chewing a bone. Herrchen – AJ Peper – is the founder of the American computer company Sight driving. And Mater is his best employee: “Mater is employee number one. I make sure he’s always in a good mood – with rewards. He’s the first to test our gear here at Command Sight. Only then do we try it on other dogs.”

Not the first glasses for four-legged friends

The “equipment” is glasses, more precisely: AR glasses – glasses that reflect reality Expanded. This idea is not really new. Because there are glasses for four-legged friends already, Peper explains, “There are goggles for dogs against UV rays or against sandstorms. They look like snow goggles for skiers. Only the straps are slightly different. They are available in different sizes, for all breeds, from Chihuahua to Great Dane.” “.

Canine reality manipulated by mr

The teacher sees what the dog sees

A camera in the glasses that records what the dog sees. The dog handler can then see exactly what the dog is aware of on his smartphone or tablet, as Command Sight Head continues:

Humans can now artificially alter this environment. A dog’s owner can mark a can of Coca-Cola, a car, or a door handle by tapping on his screen. Then a laser point appears on the target object of the dog on the glasses screen. Then the dog knows where to go.


AJ Peper, Augmented Reality
MDR AKTUELL Radio

The dog does not see through this small toy, and he still thinks that the laser point is actually on the object in question.

The laser pointer would betray the dog and the owner

This operation has a crucial advantage, which is why the US military has become familiar with this technology. Stephen Lee works as a scientist on Army Research Office In Research Triangle Park, North Carolina:

“I don’t have to be able to see the dog to do this. And I don’t have to use an actual laser. Especially in the dark, this laser pointer to the dog just won’t show where it’s running. Everyone in the area will see it too. You can do that so you don’t get caught,” he explains the problem. But with the new measure, neither the dog nor the police officer or soldier running it would abandon themselves.

It is an artificial laser point that appears only in the dog’s field of vision and aims to guide him to the desired destination.


Stephen Lee, Army Research Office
MDR AKTUELL Radio

Frank Mccarthy

<p class="sign">"Certified gamer. Problem solver. Internet enthusiast. Twitter scholar. Infuriatingly humble alcohol geek. Tv guru."</p>

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