The US Army has announced to test augmented reality goggles for combat dogs, designed to command them from a distance. The augmented technology, made by a firm called Command Sight, is managed by the US Army Research Laboratory.

Military dogs can scout ahead for explosives and other hazards, but usually need instructions. Soldiers direct their animals with hand signals or laser pointers - both of which require the handler to be close by.

These goggles are designed in a way that it will let their handlers direct them, safely out of harm's way. 

Inside the goggles, the dogs can see a visual indicator that they can be trained to follow, directing them to a specific spot. The handler, meanwhile, can see what the dog sees through a remote video feed.

"AR will be used to provide dogs with commands and cues; it's not for the dog to interact with it like a human does," said Dr Stephen Lee, a senior scientist with the Army Research Laboratory (ARL).

“Augmented reality works differently for dogs than for humans. Yet, the military working dog community is very excited about the potential of this technology”, he added further. 

Source: BBC