The Ministry of Defence is trialling innovative smart glasses to aid communication for employees with hearing impairments.
- The glasses utilise augmented reality to project real-time subtitles onto the lenses.
- The trial, based in Bristol, aims to enhance workplace inclusivity and functionality.
- Each pair costs £900 and has multi-language capabilities, potentially influencing wider government adoption.
- Feedback from the trial will guide future implementation across the MoD.
High-tech glasses are being tested by the Ministry of Defence in Bristol, offering the potential to revolutionise communication for employees with hearing difficulties. The eyewear, employing augmented reality, displays live conversations on the lenses, negating the need for lip reading or sign language interpretation. This technology promises a new level of direct engagement for users.
The pilot programme is hosted at MoD Abbey Wood, the headquarters of Defence Equipment and Support. The initiative, lasting three months, aims to determine the efficacy of the glasses in diverse communication settings. Each pair of these glasses is valued at £900, also offering the capability to translate conversations into over 90 languages. If successful, this trial could lead to the technology’s adoption across various government sectors, reflecting the MoD’s commitment to inclusive work environments.
Andy Start, the chief executive of Defence Equipment and Support, stated, “At DE&S, we are committed to an inclusive working environment where everyone can thrive and reach their full potential. This pilot will determine if this technology can help staff do their job to the best of their ability.” His comments underscore the potential for these glasses to make a significant impact.
Eight pairs of the glasses have been provided under a £10,000 contract with XRAI Glass, prioritised for the DE&S’s deaf and hearing loss community. Catherine Wrigley, involved in helicopter safety governance, highlighted how displaying subtitles in the line of sight eliminates the confusion often experienced during meetings. “Other available software can be very inaccurate,” she explained, comparing the technology’s precision to less reliable options.
Leading the project, Chris Chennell, a senior architect at DE&S, noted how enlightening the experience has been, even for those without hearing challenges. The trial will rigorously assess the technology’s utility in various scenarios, particularly where background noise might interfere. Initial feedback has been positive, and the ongoing evaluation will inform future strategies to assist hearing-impaired staff.
The three-month trial of these smart glasses is pivotal to determining their role in creating an inclusive working environment within government departments.
