​​On April 11th, Malaika Harris (iO Associates Consultant) and Harry Booth (iO Associates Lead Practice Delivery Director) had the opportunity to attend the ITEC Event, a gathering showcasing the latest innovations in the defence industry. Among the insightful sessions and product demonstrations, a few key takeaways stood out, shedding light on the forefront of technology and training methods in this sector.

Leveraging Experience from Animation to Simulation

Rahul Thakkar of Bohemia Interactive Simulations delivered an impressive talk on the development of their SDK. Drawing from his background in the animation and movie industry, particularly his time at DreamWorks, Thakkar emphasised the importance of bringing such expertise into the realm of simulations and training. His insights undoubtedly provided attendees with valuable perspectives on closing the gap between entertainment and practical application in defence simulations.

AI Coaching for Enhanced Decision-Making

Tim Colebrooke from Mission Decisions presented MAVIS, their AI Coach, during the DisTech Challenge segment. MAVIS represents a significant advancement in decision-making support, offering real-time guidance in complex scenarios. Colebrooke's talk highlighted the potential of AI-driven solutions in strengthening strategic thinking and tactical execution, crucial aspects of military and civil operations.

Immersive Training for Realistic Preparedness

Babcock unveiled their groundbreaking "BITE" (Babcock Immersive Training Experience), developed in collaboration with Beaver Fit UK. BITE aims to enhance the readiness of military and civil resilience teams by simulating demanding and realistic environments. This immersive platform incorporates visual, audio, and biometric feeds, closely monitored from an external control room. By replicating frontline operations in a safe and controlled setting, BITE offers learners an unparalleled training experience.

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Overall, ITEC proved to be a truly insightful event. The event not only showcased the latest advancements but also sparked meaningful discussions between Malaika, Harry and their colleagues on how these innovations can be leveraged to enhance operational capabilities and ensure readiness in the tech sector.

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