Voice-forward Intelligent System for Training and Immersive XR (VISTIX)

Training

VISTIX (Voice-based Intelligent System for Training and Immersive XR) is a voice-forward platform that unifies speech intelligence, AI, and XR to support multiple stakeholders and diverse maintenance use cases. Developed by Cobalt Speech and Language in collaboration with Mixta Re’s expertise in learning engineering and XR, VISTIX directly addresses critical DoD sustainment challenges by reducing training time by 20%, decreasing instructor course-prep workload by 80%, and enhancing readiness by shortening qualification cycles from three weeks of off-site training to self-paced modules conducted on-site during flight line downtime.

Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) is currently testing VISTIX prototypes on the B-52H at Barksdale AFB:

– Virtual Maintenance and Training Assistant (VMTA, TRL 5–6): immersive, self-directed XR training for technicians.

– Voice-Directed Inspection Reporting System (VDIRS, TRL 6–7): hands-free, voice-enabled inspection and reporting in noisy environments.

Both prototypes demonstrate the power of voice-first interaction with technical content, freeing personnel from the need to use screens and paper while improving efficiency and accuracy. Unlike current XR systems that rely solely on visual or gesture inputs, VISTIX introduces natural voice interaction in noisy flight-line environments and affect-aware feedback to track trainee stress and confidence, enabling adaptive coaching and reliable assessment.

DoD-first, commercially reinforced: VISTIX is designed to serve DoD training priorities first, with secondary applications in the $81.5B aircraft MRO market, which faces identical readiness and reskilling challenges. Leveraging this commercial parallel ensures the Department of Defense achieves scalable, cost-effective solutions.

Technical maturity and roadmap: While Cobalt’s speech engines operate at TRL 8–9, the integrated VISTIX platform currently operates at TRL 4/5. Phase II demonstrations with AFGSC inspectors will validate the system in operational conditions and advance it to TRL 6–7, ensuring low technical risk and a clear transition pathway.

Cross-service applicability: Though piloted with AFGSC on the B-52, VISTIX’s modular design enables rapid adaptation across platforms such as the F-16 and F-35, as well as sustainment-intensive Navy and Army systems and DLA inspection workflows, providing a DoD-wide solution for immersive, voice-enabled training and inspection.

By combining quantified impact, originality beyond XR-only solutions, and a clear path to TRL 6–7, VISTIX delivers a secure, scalable training ecosystem that strengthens readiness, reduces maintenance errors, and ensures mission-capable aircraft and systems across the DoD enterprise.