SCIENCE

WARREN, MI – The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive & Armaments Command's (TACOM) National Automotive Center (NAC) has contracted with Fakespace Systems, a leader in immersive visualization systems, to collaborate on the development of innovative immersive displays and advanced devices for interacting with computer-generated visual simulations. The joint development project is part of the federal government's Dual Use Science & Technology (DUST) program, which is designed to share the benefits of technology between the defense and the private sector. TACOM has a long history of work with Fakespace Systems, including current projects that use the CAVE(R) (CAVE Automatic Virtual Environment) and WorkWall(TM) display systems to improve design and shorten delivery cycles for military and civilian vehicles and weapon systems. Used as part of the group's Advanced Collaborative Environments (ACE) program, immersive visualization helps TACOM increase vehicle performance, safety and durability, and reduces the costs of design, manufacturing, operation and maintenance. Dr. Grace Bochenek, senior research engineer at TACOM, noted that the CAVE enables true team interaction, where individuals can evaluate virtual prototypes from their own experience, perspective, viewpoint and functional responsibility. "Fakespace Systems has been extremely successful in providing visualization technologies and services for our research and development programs," said Dr. Bochenek. "The DUST contract extends this collaborative relationship and draws upon Fakespace Systems' innovative work with both display and interactive technologies." Fakespace Systems provides a broad range of visualization solutions for working with virtual prototypes and visual simulations. These systems, which facilitate collaboration and better understanding of complex data, range from fully immersive room environments to depth-enhanced displays that fit in an average size conference room. "We're extremely pleased that TACOM has selected Fakespace Systems as a partner for this important program," said Jim Angelillo, vice president of strategic relationships at Fakespace Systems Inc. "There is growing recognition of the value of visualization in commercial applications and we are certain that users of virtual environments across a broad range of industries, from manufacturing, to energy resource exploration and scientific research will benefit from the results of this project."