Anduril to Take Over $22 Billion US Army AR Headset Program from Microsoft
Palmer Luckey's defense startup aims to address longstanding issues with the IVAS system, pending Department of Defense approval.
- Microsoft is handing over its troubled Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) program to Anduril Industries, led by Oculus founder Palmer Luckey.
- The IVAS program, initially based on Microsoft's HoloLens technology, faced delays and criticism due to soldier discomfort, visibility risks, and high costs.
- Anduril will oversee production, hardware and software development, and delivery timelines, while Microsoft shifts its focus to providing cloud and AI support via Azure.
- The Department of Defense must approve the transition, which is seen as a critical step to revitalize the $22 billion program intended to enhance soldier situational awareness.
- Palmer Luckey described the project as deeply personal and envisions transforming soldiers' capabilities with advanced augmented reality technology.