Germany and Austria’s defense firms team up to develop soldier biometric tracking system

Europe, News June 18, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

Germany’s Rheinmetall and Austrian company QUS Body Connected to develop an advanced biometric data tracking tool for its Gladius 2.0 soldier system. The partnership marks a pivotal step in integrating cutting-edge technology with military hardware to optimize the performance and safety of soldiers in the field.

Rheinmetall designed the Gladius 2.0 soldier system to provide a comprehensive solution for firepower, mobility, protection, and communication capabilities for both dismounted and mechanized soldiers. It is a modular system that seamlessly integrates various components to suit different mission requirements. By incorporating the QUS’s biometric tracking tool, Rheinmetall aims to elevate the system’s capabilities further, ensuring that commanders have real-time insights into the physical condition of their troops.

This integration will not only aid in making crucial tactical decisions on the battlefield but also facilitate a more tailored training routine. The biometric data will help in assessing the readiness and fitness of soldiers, thereby ensuring that they are in optimal condition before deployment.

The joint solution developed by Rheinmetall and QUS Body Connected would utilize body sensors and external sensors to provide comprehensive monitoring of soldiers’ vital signs. This includes heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature, among other metrics. The integration will utilize textile sensors for better compatibility with the existing modular soldier system, allowing for a more seamless and less intrusive implementation.

*_{German troops taking part in Exercise Griffin Storm together with Lithuanian soldiers in Pabrade, Lithuania, on June 26, 2023. (Image Credit: NATO)}*

CEO & Founder of QUS Body Connected, Hannes Steiner, said the importance of this development, stating, “Together, we will develop a system that seamlessly integrates into Rheinmetall’s battlefield management system, creating additional value in this area. Knowing and assessing the vital data of soldiers at any time is very important for performance.”

Biomonitoring in military operations

The concept of biomonitoring, which has been extensively used in competitive sports to optimize performance, is now being adapted for military use. Chief Digital Officer of Rheinmetall, Timo Haas, highlighted the significance of this technology for future military operations.

“Biomonitoring, as we know it from competitive sports, will also play an important role for soldiers in the future to optimize operational readiness,” Haas explained. “For us as a system provider, QUS’s solution offers an additional component in our modular soldier system. And with a view to digitization, AI-supported data can make an important contribution to tactical decisions at higher command levels.”

The use of AI-supported data analytics will enable higher command levels to make informed tactical decisions based on real-time biometric data. This will enhance the overall decision-making process, allowing for more effective and efficient mission planning and execution.

*^{Rheinmetall Gladius Gladius 2.0 Soldier System at night. (Image Credit: Rheinmetall)}*

The potential benefits of this technology are vast. Improved monitoring of soldiers’ health can lead to better prevention of injuries and illnesses, more effective training programs, and enhanced overall performance on the battlefield. Additionally, the ability to make data-driven tactical decisions can provide a strategic advantage in various operational scenarios.

The collaboration between Rheinmetall and QUS Body Connected to develop a biometric data tracking tool for the Gladius 2.0 soldier system signifies a major leap forward in military technology. By harnessing the power of biomonitoring and AI-supported data analytics, this innovative solution promises to revolutionize the way soldiers are trained, monitored, and deployed, ultimately leading to a more effective and resilient fighting force.