Lumus Strengthens Partnership with Quanta for Mass Production of AR Optical Engines
Lumus and Quanta: Revolutionizing AR Manufacturing
In a significant development for the augmented reality (AR) industry, Lumus, a leader in reflective waveguide technology, has announced an expanded partnership with Quanta Computer Inc., a prominent global technology manufacturer. This collaboration marks a pivotal step for Lumus as it aims to scale the mass production of waveguide-based optical engines needed for the rapidly growing AR glasses market.
Since its inception, Lumus has set the industry standard for AR eyewear through its innovative geometric waveguide technology. Recently, the company revealed that Quanta has made substantial investments in dedicated production lines specifically designed for Lumus’ needs. This transition to automated manufacturing processes enhances the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of producing thinner and more compact waveguides, paving the way for advanced consumer-ready AR glasses.
Addressing Manufacturing Challenges
Ari Grobman, CEO of Lumus, emphasized a common misconception regarding geometric waveguides: they have been perceived as challenging to manufacture at scale. However, he argues that countless collaborations and investments, like those with Quanta, can yield successful automation and process optimization.
“Our work with Quanta over the past several years proves otherwise. Through sustained investment in automation, process optimization, and dedicated infrastructure, we've established a clear, scalable path to volume production,” Grobman stated. This partnership not only enhances Lumus's supply chain capabilities but also affirms the company's readiness to respond to the increasing demand within the AR sector.
With over 55,000 waveguides already delivered to customers, Lumus technology has gained momentum in the industry, predominantly due to this collaborative production model with partners like Quanta. The approach involves creating a unified manufacturing infrastructure, allowing for consistent output across various field-of-view options.
Streamlined Production and Cost Efficiency
Moreover, this shared production model greatly simplifies processes for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), minimizing both complexity and costs. The ability to innovate next-generation products without retooling existing manufacturing lines is a game-changer for speed to market.
Grobman added, “Our goal has always been to align best-in-class optical performance with manufacturability. This partnership extension reinforces that commitment and positions us – and our partner – to meet demand as AR transitions from early adoption to scale.”
C.C. Leung, Vice Chairman and President of Quanta Computer Inc., also expressed pride in supporting Lumus' pursuit of consumer AR advancements. “Our investment in automation and dedicated optical engine lines reflects our confidence in the scalability of geometric waveguides and the strength of Lumus' technology,” Leung remarked.
Lumus's Market Leadership
Lumus's reflective waveguides are renowned for their unmatched brightness, specifically designed to deliver enhanced visibility for outdoor use. With a luminance efficiency that outperforms competing products by up to ten times and a production process backed by associates like Quanta Computer Inc. and SCHOTT, Lumus continues to be the preferred choice for OEMs venturing into the AR space.
The company boasts a multitude of advantages, including minimal forward light leakage and exceptional battery efficiency, making their technology a top contender in the market. AR products powered by Lumus technology, like Thales's Scorpion head-mounted display and Lenovo's ThinkReality A6, showcase the cutting-edge advancements stemming from this innovative partnership.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Lumus and Quanta is set to shape the future of AR technology significantly. By investing in automation and strategic manufacturing practices, they are well-positioned to meet the evolving demands of the AR market, innovate continuously, and provide high-performance products that enhance user experiences. As the AR landscape grows, partnerships like this will prove essential in transitioning from niche applications to mainstream adoption.