MoD trials augmented reality glasses to enhance workplace accessibility for hearing-impaired employees

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) in the UK has embarked on an innovative project to enhance workplace accessibility for individuals with hearing impairments. Their procurement branch, Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), has initiated a three-month trial of augmented reality (AR) smart glasses at their Bristol site. This enterprise aims to transform how employees with hearing difficulties engage with their colleagues by providing real-time text visualisations of spoken conversations.

The project features smart glasses developed by Canadian company XRAI Glass, renowned for their AI-powered technology aimed at improving accessibility. XRAI Glass has been contracted by the MoD under a £10,000 agreement to supply the necessary hardware for this trial. The smart glasses are designed to display spoken conversations as text, reducing the need for lip-reading or sign language interpreters during workplace interactions.

Eight pairs of these smart glasses have been deployed for the trial at MoD’s Abby Wood location in Bristol. Employees at DE&S have the option to book and test the devices, providing vital feedback on their efficacy. Catherine Wrigley, a helicopter safety governance worker at DE&S, has already praised the devices for their accuracy compared to other subtitle software she has encountered.

The MoD aims to assess the success of these glasses in various work settings, including both one-to-one and group environments. Andy Start, a Chief Executive at DE&S, emphasised the department’s commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace. He noted the trial’s potential to enable staff to perform their roles optimally, capitalising on this innovative technology.

If the trial proves successful, the MoD plans to expand the deployment of these AR glasses to other government departments across the UK. This initiative underscores a growing trend in the integration of AR technology to support individuals with sensory impairments, offering significant implications for workplace inclusivity and accessibility.

This trial is part of a broader movement towards utilising smart glasses technology to assist those with hearing and other sensory difficulties. The technology reflects a significant advancement in making communication more accessible and effortless for individuals facing hearing challenges, aligning with similar efforts from companies like heARsight Inc., which has also been exploring AR solutions for enhanced communication capabilities.

The MoD’s initiative emerges alongside other technological advances, such as Meta’s Orion project, which further illustrate the potential for AR technology to play a transformative role in various sectors, especially healthcare and accessibility. As these technologies advance, the potential for creating more inclusive environments through practical, non-invasive solutions continues to grow.

Source: Noah Wire Services