Researchers from the US Navy have created a diving helmet of the future.
The Iron Man-style helmet – called the “DAVD” (Divers Augmented Vision Display) – is described as a “High-resolution, see-through Head-Up Display (HUD) that is integrated directly into a diving helmet.”
Divers will be able to have a "real-time visual representation of everything," according to a Navy press release.
This includes a sonar domain (a surface of the diver's location and surroundings), text messages, charts, photos, and even augmented reality videos.
The idea is to place the information right in front of the divers' eyes, similar to a video game screen.
“By building this HUD directly into the inside of the diving helmet, instead of installing a screen on the outside, it can provide a capability similar to those from an ‘Ironman’ movie,” Underwater Systems Development Project engineer Dennis Gallagher said in a statement. “You have everything you need visually inside the helmet.”
The researchers said the device, which is currently a prototype, could be used for diving missions (ship towing, underwater construction, and salvage operations). The ultimate goal is for it to also be used by the commercial diving community.
Gallagher and his team have collaborated and adapted the system to more than 20 divers so far.
Next is the second phase, which involves designing components to include both systems, helmet and full face masks.
The divers are scheduled to conduct simulation tests in water in October.
