Stages of Tactical Response Inferred from Kinematics and Eye-Tracking (STRIKE): Applications for Passive Targeting

Author(s):

Leah R. Enders, Michael Nonte, Heather Roy, Louis Dankovitch, Russell Cohen Hoffing, Brandon Perelman, Thomas Rohaly, Thomas Dang, Alex Stauff, Jie Gao, and Jonathan Touryan

Abstract:

ARL’s Distributed Information for Enhanced Squad Lethality program aims to improve small unit lethality and situational awareness (SA) by transforming Soldier-system data into actionable information for humans and machines without imposing additional cognitive or physical burdens on Soldiers. This report details the Stages of Tactical Response Inferred from Kinematics and Eye-Tracking (STRIKE) study, which uses virtual reality and real-world experimentation to develop computational models that classify Soldier threat response states, quantify SA, and estimate weapon heading using kinematic and eye-tracking data. STRIKE employs inertial measurement units to capture head, torso, limb, and weapon movements during simulated tactical scenarios. As described in this interim report, preliminary results demonstrate the promising ability to classify distinct behaviors under nonthreatening and threatening conditions with key features such as elbow angles, knee angles, and the relative angle measures between the head, weapon, and rifle proving critical for model development. Additionally, STRIKE integrates data from multiple participants to explore passive pointing and covert targeting capabilities, offering potential applications for covert dismounted operations that require reduced Soldier signature and detectability. The study also introduces the Spatiotemporal Analysis and Inference Toolkit (STAIT), a standardized data-processing framework designed to synchronize and analyze heterogeneous data from mixed-reality devices and be useful for others working in this space, enabling robust algorithm development. Together, STRIKE and STAIT provide foundational tools for advancing human–machine integration and enhancing squad-level operational effectiveness.