With augmented reality (AR) gaining ground on virtual reality (VR) as a technology to take notice of, developer of transparent AR displays, Lumus has announced a new agreement with Quanta Computer to license several AR optical engine models which could help in the mainstream adoption of AR eyewear.
Lumus has licensed several of its advanced optical engines to Quanta in an agreement to produce and market AR headsets featuring “Lumus Inside.” Under this agreement, Quanta will also be mass producing Lumus optical engines for other Tier 1 ODMs and consumer tech brands.
“This is truly an historic deal. In years to come, when we look back at the major events along the timeline toward mass adoption of augmented reality, we believe this will be recognized as a pivotal moment,” Lumus CEO Ari Grobman said in a statement. “We’re excited to be partnering with Quanta, which is one of the world’s most trusted technology ODMs, as this will allow Lumus optics to meet mass consumer market price points and bring AR glasses to the masses.”
“Quanta Computer is a big believer in AR market opportunities, and this partnership with Lumus allows us to lead the next generation of computing that augmented reality represents,” says C.C. Leung, Vice Chairman and President of Quanta Computer. “Our confidence in Lumus’ high-performance optics compelled us to become a partner to incorporate their technology into future optical engine applications. We look forward to leveraging our manufacturing expertise in building AR, VR and MR hardware as part of a very successful collaboration.”
Quanta-built AR headsets with Lumus optics are expected to be available on the consumer market within the next 12 to 18 months.
The deal follows Quanta’s investment in Lumus in November 2016, when the AR firm completed a series C funding round, raising $45 million USD, helping continue development of the Lumus DK-50 smartglasses and its patented Light-guide Optical Element (LOE) waveguide.
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