AI and virtual reality in sniper training: From military training grounds to community applications.

Amidst the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in defense and security, a South Korean tech startup is demonstrating a different approach: combining AI, computer vision, and virtual reality to redefine sniper training – and extending that technology to social applications.

At a technology presentation during the recent Global Media Meet-up in Seoul, South Korea, Mason Kim, a representative of FakeEyes, presented the AI-based sniper training system that his company is deploying for the South Korean military, particularly its elite units.

Sniper training: shooting 1km in a space of only 100 meters.

Unlike traditional shooting ranges, which are limited by space, cost, and safety concerns, FakeEyes' system allows trainees to use real guns and ammunition, but fire at a special bulletproof screen that combines cameras, infrared (IR) sensors, and AI algorithms to simulate bullet trajectories in virtual space.

Although the actual distance from the firing range to the target is only about 100 meters, the system can accurately simulate shots at distances up to 1km in a virtual reality environment, with all the necessary elements such as: Wind, weather, terrain; Altitude, firing angle, shooter's posture; Moving targets (people, animals, vehicles).

The AI will analyze gun position, aiming angle, firing timing, and image data to calculate the bullet trajectory using a real-time ballistic model. The shooting results are displayed instantly on the screen, helping trainees adjust their "lead target" skills—shooting at moving targets—which are very difficult to train with traditional static targets.

From role-playing games to military training tools

FakeEyes offers a variety of training scenarios, ranging from mountainous terrain and urban environments to military bases and airports, with virtual targets such as NPCs, animals, or complex moving objects. Difficulty levels are customizable, suitable for both basic and advanced training.

According to company representatives, feedback from South Korean military units indicates that the system provides a feeling "similar to field training but as engaging as a game," helping soldiers maintain high levels of concentration and improve their skills faster than traditional methods.

Ambition to expand into the US market and other countries.

FakeEyes is targeting the civilian shooting club market in the US, where sport shooting is popular but still primarily uses paper targets or stationary steel targets.

According to Mason Kim, this virtual training system can provide a richer, safer, and more flexible experience, especially in the context of increasingly stringent safety and control requirements.

Simultaneously, the company is also involved in government bidding projects in several countries, including Mexico and Singapore, related to biometric training and authentication in complex real-world conditions.

Dual-use technology: From defense to assisting the visually impaired.

Notably, FakeEyes isn't limited to the defense sector. Leveraging its developed AI vision platform, the company is preparing to launch a completely different product: a system to assist visually impaired people in their daily lives.

This device uses cameras and AI to identify obstacles and hazardous objects (chairs, tables, barriers, road edges, etc.), then issues real-time audio warnings, helping visually impaired people navigate more safely in public spaces.

The product is positioned as a low-cost solution, suitable for governments to purchase and distribute as a social security service.

According to FakeEyes, this isn't the main revenue-generating business segment, but rather a way for the company to apply defense technology to social problems – a trend that is becoming increasingly evident in the global technology ecosystem.

Defense technology in the age of AI

The story of FakeEyes illustrates a typical path taken by South Korean deep-tech startups: developing core technologies for defense purposes, then expanding into civilian sectors with positive social impact.

In the context of AI and virtual reality blurring the lines between training, simulation, and practical applications, such solutions are expected to continue opening up dual-use technology models in the future.

Sniper training: shooting 1km in a space of only 100 meters.

From role-playing games to military training tools

Ambition to expand into the US market and other countries.

Dual-use technology: From defense to assisting the visually impaired.

Defense technology in the age of AI

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