Using virtual reality, US Army researchers in Orlando seek to train soldiers on IED detection

Reynolds demonstrating an AR/VR system to train soldiers and Marines on how to improve their ability to detect improvised explosive devices using the military's Minehound metal detector with ground penetrating radar. — Orlando Sentinel/TNS

As UCF research associate Shane Reynolds guides his avatar over a virtual minefield using his iPad, small beeps and whistles reveal the location of the scourge of the modern war zone: Improvised Explosive Devices, or IEDs.

He must take his time to sweep every last inch of the playing field to make sure his character doesn't miss any of the often-deadly bombs.