ELECTROMAGNETIC EXPOSURE AND IMMERSIVE TECHNOLOGIES: AN EMERGING OPERATIONAL VULNERABILITY IN MILITARY TRAINING ENVIRONMENTS

Simona MICLĂUȘ, Ionuț-Cristian ȚOPA

Abstract


The expanding use of immersive virtual- and augmented-reality technologies in military training introduces new operational considerations beyond performance metrics. This paper investigates the electromagnetic field emissions of wireless head-mounted displays used in close proximity to the head as a potential emerging vulnerability. Near-field electric and magnetic field measurements were conducted on the Meta (Oculus) Quest 2 and Microsoft HoloLens 2 under realistic conditions. Emission levels remain well below international exposure limits. However, device-specific electromagnetic signatures and continuous near-field operation distinguish these systems from conventional wireless equipment. In demanding training environments, electromagnetic exposure may interact with visual, cognitive, and vestibular stressors, supporting the need for integrated risk assessment frameworks addressing cumulative effects in military training infrastructures.

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