Company insight
Next-gen military wearables: Overcoming the communication and connectivity barrier
As the battlefield becomes increasingly digital, Omnetics is helping military designers meet the demands of next-gen wearable systems with rugged, miniaturised connectors that ensure reliable power and data flow – where and when it matters most.
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oday’s battlefield moves at the speed of data. As militaries evolve into digitally integrated forces, body-worn systems are playing a critical role in how soldiers observe, orient, decide and act. These capabilities depend on the seamless flow of power and information – made possible by miniature, rugged connectors designed to handle high data rates with minimal size and weight.
Smaller, tougher, smarter connections
From AI to augmented reality and biometric sensors, cutting-edge body-worn tech requires physical connections that perform flawlessly under extreme conditions. Defence manufacturers are increasingly turning to compact cable and connector assemblies to meet these demands. Take, for example, Omnetics’ integrated Micro-D backshells. By replacing traditional two-piece backshells, UAV and space system, designers have achieved significant reductions in size, weight and cost – while maintaining MIL-DTL-83513 compliance.
IVAS: a glimpse into the future The US Army’s Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) highlights the growing importance of wearable digital systems. Developed to enhance soldier performance, IVAS integrates high-resolution sensors and situational awareness tools to improve targeting, decision-making and mobility in real time. In 2020, the army called on industry partners to help bring this vision to life – requesting innovations across all forms of
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There is a growing importance of wearable digital systems for the armed forces.
soldier-worn and handheld technologies that support smarter sensing, data sharing and tactical coordination. This kind of integration helps soldiers respond faster and more effectively, tightening the loop between command and action.
Supporting the OODA framework Here’s how advanced connector technology is enabling each phase of the military’s Observe Orient Decide Act (OODA) loop: ■
objectives. The right connectors enable this by reliably delivering both power and data – acting as the nervous system of the soldier’s gear. Advanced designs offer IP68 sealing, 360° mating, and can be built directly into radios, LEDs, sensors and more.
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Observe: Soldiers now gather information from a wide network of sources, including UAVs, satellite feed, ground-based sensors and rotating and fixed optics.
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Orient: Wearable computers process incoming data against mission
Decide: With streamlined access to real-time information, both individual soldiers and units can act on pre- defined mission parameters. Durable, lightweight connectors ensure fast and dependable communication with command centres.
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Act: Execution speed can mean the difference between success and failure. Soldiers need wearable equipment that is intuitive, tangle-free and quick to connect or disconnect. Next-gen systems powered by
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