Event round-up - Are Synthetic Environments and Immersive Technologies the new military operating environment?
On 22 May, techUK held its latest event exploring the use of synthetic environments and immersive technologies in defence and national security.
Synthetic environments and immersive technologies are increasingly vital for military training across all domains. Their growing usage in both platform and collective training underscores their importance.
Recent technological advancements and more sophisticated software are expanding their utility. These technologies now play a crucial role in mission planning, rehearsal, and execution by offering enhanced immersive experiences and facilitating complex, multi-source inputs. This integration allows for rapid simulation of various scenarios, aiding decision-makers in real time.
Employing these technologies can significantly improve operational outcomes while reducing resources such as time, personnel, and equipment.
Our panellists delved into these technologies, where they are being deployed, how their development and use are expected to evolve, and what implications this may have for future military operating environments.
Webinar recording
Panellists
Key points
- Sir Richard Barrons provided an overview of synthetic and immersive environments. These environments can be used for situational awareness and training and can encompass all defence-related work. They also facilitate collaboration with the government, partners, and the public.
- Bruce Hedley discussed the challenges confronting the defence industry. He noted that training procedures within the forces are hindering innovation and change. There is a lack of adoption of new technologies and innovation, highlighting the need for a digital infrastructure. Additionally, there is an issue with the industry's ability to produce at scale and speed while working in collaboration with defence.
- Mimi Keshani discussed the challenges of creating synthetic environments. Currently, procurement makes it hard to purchase the necessary equipment, and implementation is also difficult. While some challenges are related to technology, most of them involve a cultural shift. It's important for these technologies to be user-friendly and support natural language processing. Even though these technologies are already in use, the process of adoption is slow.
Meet the team
techUK – Unleashing UK Tech and Innovation
The UK is home to emerging technologies that have the power to revolutionise entire industries. From quantum to semiconductors; from gaming to the New Space Economy, they all have the unique opportunity to help prepare for what comes next.
techUK members lead the development of these technologies. Together we are working with Government and other stakeholders to address tech innovation priorities and build an innovation ecosystem that will benefit people, society, economy and the planet - and unleash the UK as a global leader in tech and innovation.
For more information, or to get in touch, please visit our Innovation Hub and click ‘contact us’.
Upcoming events:
Latest news and insights:
Get our tech and innovation insights straight to your inbox
Sign-up to get the latest updates and opportunities from our Technology and Innovation and AI programmes.
Learn more about our Unleashing Innovation campaign:
Sprint Campaigns
techUK's sprint campaigns explore how emerging and transformative technologies are developed, applied and commercialised across the UK's innovation ecosystem.
Activity includes workshops, roundtables, panel discussions, networking sessions, Summits, and flagship reports (setting out recommendations for Government and industry).
Each campaign runs for 4-6 months and features regular collaborations with programmes across techUK.
This campaign explored how the UK can lead on the development, application and commercialisation of space technologies and ultimately realise the benefits of the New Space Economy.
These technologies include AI, quantum, lasers, robotics & automation, advanced propulsion and materials, and semiconductors.
Activity has taken the form of roundtables, panel discussions, networking sessions, Summits, thought leadership pieces, policy recommendations, and a report.
Get in touch below to find out more about techUK's ongoing work in this area.
Event round-ups
Report
Insights
Get in touch
This campaign has explored how the UK can lead on the development, application and commercialisation of the technologies set to underpin the Gaming & Esports sector of the future.
These include AI, augmented / virtual / mixed / extended reality, haptics, cloud & edge computing, semiconductors, and advanced connectivity (5/6G).
Activity has taken the form of roundtables, panel discussions, networking sessions, Summits, and thought leadership pieces. A report featuring member case studies and policy recommendations is currently being produced (to be launched in September 2024).
Get in touch below to find out more about contributing to or collaborating on this campaign.
Report
Event round-ups
Insights
Get in touch
Running from July to December 2024, this campaign will explore how the UK can lead on the development, application and commercialisation of web3 and immersive technologies.
These include blockchain, smart contracts, digital assets, augmented / virtual / mixed / extended reality, spatial computing, haptics and holograms.
Activity will take the form of roundtables, workshops, panel discussions, networking sessions, tech demos, Summits, thought leadership pieces, policy recommendations, and reports.
Get in touch below to find out more about contributing to or collaborating on this campaign.
Upcoming events
Event round-ups
Guest insights
Get in touch
Campaign Weeks
Our annual Campaign Weeks enable techUK members to explore how the UK can lead on the development and application of emerging and transformative technologies.
Members do this by contributing blogs or vlogs, speaking at events, and highlighting examples of best practice within the UK's tech sector.
Summits
Tech and Innovation Summit 2023
Tech and Innovation Summit 2024
National Security updates
Sign-up to get the latest updates and opportunities from our National Security programme.